Teriyaki sauce is a popular condiment that adds a delicious flavor to many dishes, from stir-fries to fried rice. But for those who suffer from acid reflux or GERD, the question of whether teriyaki sauce is acidic or alkaline may be a concern.
In this article, we’ll explore the pH levels of teriyaki sauce and how it may affect those with digestive issues. We’ll also delve into the benefits and drawbacks of teriyaki sauce and how it can be used in cooking.
So, let’s get started and find out if teriyaki sauce is acidic or alkaline!
Is Teriyaki Sauce Acidic Or Alkaline?
Teriyaki sauce is generally considered to be acidic, with a pH level of around 5. This can vary slightly depending on the brand, with Kikkoman having a pH of 4.8. The acidity of teriyaki sauce can be attributed to its main ingredient, soy sauce, which is also acidic.
However, the acidity of teriyaki sauce can be reduced when cooked. This is because the acidity of soy sauce reduces significantly when heated. If you wish to reduce the acidity even further, you can add baking soda to your dish as you cook. Baking soda is alkaline and has a higher pH, which lowers the acidity of the dish.
It’s important to note that adding too much baking soda can alter the taste of the dish. You should only add up to 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda per serving to lower the acidity without changing the taste.
Understanding PH Levels And Teriyaki Sauce
To understand the pH levels of teriyaki sauce, it’s important to first understand what pH is. pH is a measure of how acidic or alkaline a substance is, on a scale of 0-14. A pH of 7 is considered neutral, while anything below 7 is acidic and anything above 7 is alkaline.
As mentioned earlier, the pH level of teriyaki sauce is around 5, which means it falls on the acidic side of the scale. This can be attributed to the soy sauce used in its preparation, which also has an acidic pH level.
It’s worth noting that different brands of teriyaki sauce may have slightly different pH levels depending on their production methods. If you’re unsure about the pH level of your favorite brand, you can easily test it at home using a pH strip.
While teriyaki sauce is considered acidic, it’s still safe to consume in moderation for people with acid reflux or gastritis. However, if you’re looking to reduce the acidity even further, cooking the sauce can help. Heating soy sauce reduces its acidity significantly, which in turn reduces the overall acidity of the teriyaki sauce.
In addition to cooking, you can also add baking soda to your dish to further lower its acidity. Baking soda is alkaline and has a higher pH than soy sauce, which helps to balance out the acidity. However, it’s important to only add a small amount of baking soda to avoid altering the taste of the dish.
How Teriyaki Sauce Affects People With Digestive Issues
For individuals with digestive issues, consuming teriyaki sauce may cause discomfort and worsen symptoms. Those suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may experience flareups like abdominal discomfort, diarrhea or constipation, gas, and bloating due to the presence of fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAPs) in the sauce. Garlic and onion, which are commonly used in teriyaki sauce, are known fermentable carbohydrates that can trigger IBS symptoms.
Additionally, teriyaki sauce is high in sodium, with 613mg per tablespoon. This can be problematic for individuals with high blood pressure or those who are sensitive to sodium. Moreover, those with chronic acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) should consume teriyaki sauce with caution. The natural acid in soy sauce can aggravate the discomfort caused by acid reflux and irritate the throat and esophagus, leading to heartburn.
Benefits And Drawbacks Of Teriyaki Sauce
Teriyaki sauce has both benefits and drawbacks when it comes to its nutritional value and impact on health.
One of the benefits of teriyaki sauce is its low calorie count. Compared to other marinades, teriyaki sauce only contains 14 calories per tablespoon. This makes it a great choice for those who are watching their calorie intake.
However, one of the drawbacks of teriyaki sauce is its high sodium content. One tablespoon of teriyaki sauce contains 613mg of sodium, which is almost one-third of the recommended daily intake for adults. Consuming too much sodium can lead to high blood pressure and an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
Another potential drawback of teriyaki sauce is its acidity. While it may not be in the red zone, soy sauce, which is a main ingredient in teriyaki sauce, has a pH level of 4.9 which can exacerbate acid reflux or heartburn symptoms in some individuals.
Despite these drawbacks, there are still benefits to incorporating teriyaki sauce into your meals. It can add flavor to meats, vegetables, fish, or tofu without adding too many extra calories. Additionally, the acidity can be reduced through cooking or adding baking soda in moderation.
Using Teriyaki Sauce In Cooking
Teriyaki sauce is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. It’s often used as a marinade for meats, such as chicken or beef, and can also be used as a glaze for vegetables or tofu.
One popular way to use teriyaki sauce is to make teriyaki chicken. Simply marinate chicken breasts in teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes, then grill or bake until cooked through. You can also add vegetables, such as bell peppers or onions, to the marinade for added flavor.
Teriyaki sauce is also great for stir-fry dishes. Heat up some oil in a wok or skillet, then add your choice of protein and vegetables. Once they are cooked through, add teriyaki sauce and toss to coat. Serve over rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.
Another way to use teriyaki sauce is as a dipping sauce for sushi or spring rolls. Mix teriyaki sauce with a little bit of rice vinegar and sesame oil for added flavor.
When using teriyaki sauce in cooking, it’s important to keep in mind its acidity level. If you have acid reflux or other digestive issues, it’s best to consume teriyaki sauce in moderation and consider reducing the acidity by adding baking soda while cooking. Overall, teriyaki sauce is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can add flavor to many different dishes.
Conclusion: Should You Use Teriyaki Sauce?
Teriyaki sauce is a flavorful and versatile ingredient that can be used to enhance the taste of various dishes. However, it’s important to be mindful of its high sodium and sugar content, which can be unhealthy if consumed in excess. If you’re looking to reduce your sodium and sugar intake, it’s recommended to opt for lower-sodium and lower-sugar options of teriyaki sauce, which are readily available in stores and restaurants.
Additionally, making your own teriyaki sauce at home can be a healthier alternative as you can control the ingredients and their quantities. Homemade teriyaki sauce can be made with pantry staples like soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and rice vinegar. You can also experiment with different sweeteners like coconut sugar or honey to reduce the sugar content.
