Are you a fan of teriyaki sauce but find yourself without it in your pantry?
Don’t worry, there are plenty of substitutes available that can provide a similar flavor and texture to this beloved sauce.
From homemade options to store-bought alternatives, we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the best substitutes for teriyaki sauce and provide tips on how to make your own.
So, whether you’re cooking up some chicken teriyaki or stir-fry, read on to discover the perfect substitute for your next meal.
What Can I Use As A Substitute For Teriyaki Sauce?
There are several options available when it comes to substituting teriyaki sauce. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular ones:
1. Soy Sauce: Soy sauce is a great substitute for teriyaki sauce as it has a similar savory flavor with hints of sweetness and saltiness. It works well as both a marinade and glaze, making it an ideal substitute when you’re looking to replicate the flavor profile of teriyaki sauce.
2. Oyster Sauce: Oyster sauce is another great substitute for teriyaki sauce. It has a rich umami flavor that pairs well with meats and vegetables. It can be used as a marinade or added to stir-fries for a delicious flavor boost.
3. Barbecue Sauce: If you’re looking for a sweeter alternative to teriyaki sauce, barbecue sauce is a great option. It has a similar sweet and tangy flavor that pairs well with grilled meats and vegetables.
4. Hoisin Sauce: Hoisin sauce is a thick, sweet and savory sauce that is commonly used in Chinese cuisine. It has a similar flavor profile to teriyaki sauce and can be used as a marinade or added to stir-fries.
5. Korean Galbi Sauce: Korean Galbi sauce is a sweet and savory sauce made with soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and sesame oil. It has a similar flavor profile to teriyaki sauce and can be used as a marinade or added to stir-fries.
6. Worcestershire Sauce: Worcestershire sauce is a tangy, savory sauce that is commonly used in British cuisine. It has a similar umami flavor to teriyaki sauce and can be used as a marinade or added to stir-fries.
7. Mango Sauce: If you’re looking for a fruity alternative to teriyaki sauce, mango sauce is a great option. It has a sweet and tangy flavor that pairs well with grilled meats and vegetables.
Understanding Teriyaki Sauce – What Is It And What Are Its Key Ingredients?
Teriyaki sauce is a Japanese sauce that is commonly used as a marinade or glaze for meats, vegetables, fish, and tofu. It has a distinctively sharp taste that is both savory and sweet, with hints of saltiness and umami undertones. The key ingredients in teriyaki sauce are soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and sake.
Soy sauce is the base of teriyaki sauce and provides the savory flavor profile. Mirin is a low-alcohol, sweeter version of sake that adds sweetness and depth to the sauce. Sugar is added to balance out the flavors and provide a sweet taste. Sake is an alcoholic beverage made from fermented rice that adds complexity to the sauce.
In addition to these traditional ingredients, Westernized versions of teriyaki sauce may also include honey, garlic, ginger, pineapple juice, sesame seeds, or Worcestershire sauce. Cornstarch is often added as a thickener to create a glossy and sticky texture.
To make teriyaki sauce, the ingredients are combined in a bowl or saucepan and mixed until the sugar dissolves. The mixture is then used as a marinade for meats or vegetables or as a glaze when grilling or broiling. If the mixture is reduced by boiling it down, it becomes thicker and glossier, making it perfect for topping or serving on the side.
Homemade Substitutes – How To Make Your Own Teriyaki Sauce Alternative Using Common Pantry Ingredients.
If you’re looking to make your own teriyaki sauce alternative using common pantry ingredients, there are several options available. One of the easiest ways to create a homemade substitute is by using soy sauce and brown sugar. Simply mix equal parts soy sauce and brown sugar to create a base for your teriyaki sauce. You can then add additional ingredients like garlic, ginger, and vinegar to enhance the flavor.
Another option is to create a slurry with cornstarch and water, which can be added to soy sauce, brown sugar, and other ingredients to thicken the sauce. This will give it a more authentic teriyaki sauce texture without having to use mirin or sake.
If you want to add a little sweetness to your homemade teriyaki sauce, you can use honey or maple syrup in place of brown sugar. Additionally, you can experiment with different spices and seasonings like chili flakes or sesame seeds to give your sauce a unique flavor profile.
Soy Sauce – An Easy And Accessible Option For A Teriyaki Sauce Substitute.
Soy sauce is a popular and easy-to-find substitute for teriyaki sauce. It has a similar flavor profile with hints of sweetness and saltiness, making it a great option when you’re looking to replicate the taste of teriyaki sauce. Soy sauce is also versatile and can be used as both a marinade and glaze.
To make your own teriyaki sauce using soy sauce, all you need is 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 1/2 cup of water, one tablespoon of cornstarch, and a few tablespoons of honey for sweetness. Simply whisk all of these ingredients together until they become smooth. Boil the mixture and keep it on medium heat while whisking continuously for eight to ten minutes until it thickens. For added flavor, you can also try adding minced garlic, pineapple juice, ginger, sesame seeds, rice vinegar, or green onions.
It’s important to note that while soy sauce can be used as a substitute for teriyaki sauce, the taste will be slightly different due to the absence of sweet ingredients like honey or sugar. However, if you don’t mind the difference in taste, soy sauce can be a great option that is easy to find in most grocery stores. If you’re looking for a closer match to teriyaki sauce, you may want to consider adding sweeteners like honey or sugar to your soy sauce mixture.
Hoisin Sauce – A Flavorful Alternative With A Hint Of Sweetness.
Hoisin sauce is a popular Chinese sauce that has a unique combination of sweet and salty flavors. It’s a thick sauce that is commonly used as a glaze or marinade for meats, poultry, and seafood. Hoisin sauce can be used as a substitute for teriyaki sauce as it has a similar flavor profile.
To make hoisin sauce at home, you’ll need water, pitted prunes, soy sauce, dry sherry, and garlic. Boil the prunes in water until they are soft and tender. Then, blend the mixture with soy sauce, sherry, and garlic until smooth. This homemade hoisin sauce can be used as a substitute for store-bought hoisin sauce.
If you’re looking for a hoisin sauce substitute that closely mimics its flavor profile, you can try making a garlic-mustard with miso and raisins combination. To make this sauce, blend soaked raisins with water, miso paste, mustard, sesame oil, garlic, and crushed red pepper until smooth. This savory and tart sauce is an excellent alternative to hoisin sauce.
Peanut butter is another surprising addition that can help you achieve the complex flavors of hoisin sauce. To make this substitution, mix creamy peanut butter with soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, brown sugar, hot pepper sauce, white vinegar, black pepper, and garlic powder until smooth. This nutty and savory sauce is perfect for stir-fries or BBQ meats.
Worcestershire Sauce – A Tangy And Savory Option That Can Add Depth To Your Dish.
Worcestershire sauce is a tangy and savory option that can add depth to your dish. It is a thin brown sauce with a complex flavor that could best be described as savory, tangy, and spiced. The sauce is made from a variety of ingredients, including anchovies, molasses, malt vinegar, onion, garlic, sugar, tamarind, and a unique blend of spices and flavorings. The sauce is commonly used in beef stew because it adds a savory, umami flavor with a hint of sweetness. It also adds a depth to the broth of the stew, creating a more flavorful, robust stew. Worcestershire sauce is also a great way to enhance the flavor of grilled burgers and crab cakes. It can be added to macaroni and cheese to create a depth of flavor that will get rave reviews at the potluck. Worcestershire sauce is also a key ingredient in stand-alone sauces and is incredibly versatile in recipes from pimiento cheeses to beef stews. As a substitute for teriyaki sauce, Worcestershire sauce can be used as a marinade or added to stir-fries to add a tangy and savory flavor that can elevate your dish.
Oyster Sauce – A Rich And Savory Substitute That Works Well In Stir-fries.
Oyster sauce is a delicious and rich substitute for teriyaki sauce that works particularly well in stir-fry dishes. It has a deep umami flavor that comes from the oyster extracts and salt, which enhances the taste of meats and vegetables. Oyster sauce is made by simmering oysters in water until a thick brown sauce is formed. However, many modern bottled versions are made with a base of sugar and salt, with oyster extracts or essences added to provide flavor.
To use oyster sauce as a substitute for teriyaki sauce, simply replace it in equal amounts in your recipe. Oyster sauce can be used as a marinade or added directly to stir-fries for a rich and savory flavor boost. If you don’t have oyster sauce on hand, you can make your own by simmering oysters in water until the liquid is reduced and thickened, then adding sugar and salt to taste.
