Teriyaki sauce is a popular choice for adding flavor to dishes, but have you ever wondered what spices go well with it?
Whether you’re looking to add a little heat or a touch of sweetness, there are plenty of options to choose from. From ginger and garlic to cilantro and basil, the possibilities are endless.
But have you heard of shichimi togarashi? This Japanese spice mix adds a unique complexity of heat, umami, and even a hint of bright citrusy sweetness to teriyaki sauce.
In this article, we’ll explore the best spices to use with teriyaki sauce and how to incorporate them into your favorite dishes. So, let’s get started!
What Spices Go Well With Teriyaki Sauce?
When it comes to teriyaki sauce, there are a few key spices that pair perfectly with its rich umami flavor. Ginger, garlic, onion, and green onion are some of the most common herbs and spices used in teriyaki sauce. These ingredients add depth and complexity to the sauce, while also providing a subtle kick of heat.
If you’re looking for something a little sweeter, try adding honey or brown sugar to your teriyaki sauce. These ingredients will balance out the salty umami flavor with a touch of sweetness.
But if you really want to take your teriyaki sauce to the next level, consider adding shichimi togarashi or Japanese seven spice mix. This versatile spice blend is made up of yuzu or orange peel, nori, hemp and/or poppy seeds, white and/or black sesame seeds, red chili pepper, sansho pepper, and ground ginger. It adds a dash of heat along with other flavors that further develop the classic umami rich sauce.
The many layers of the seven spice mix do a great job of adding other notes to the flavors that are already present in a good teriyaki sauce. So, while you’re kicking things up a notch with a dash of heat, the other notes are never in danger of being overpowered.
Why Teriyaki Sauce Is A Great Base For Spices
Teriyaki sauce is a great base for spices because of its complex mixture of sweet and savory flavors. The sauce is typically made with soy sauce, sugar, spices, and wine (usually sake or mirin), which provides a perfect foundation for adding additional spices and herbs. The sauce’s versatility allows it to pair well with a wide variety of spices, making it perfect for experimentation and customization.
One of the reasons teriyaki sauce works so well as a base for spices is that it already contains many of the key flavor profiles that spices enhance. The sauce’s umami flavor is complemented by the addition of ginger, garlic, onion, and green onion, which add depth and complexity to the sauce. The sweetness of the sauce is also perfectly balanced by the addition of honey or brown sugar.
Additionally, teriyaki sauce’s ability to be used as both a marinade and a seasoning makes it an excellent choice for experimenting with different spice combinations. Whether you’re grilling, stir-frying, or dipping, teriyaki sauce provides a great canvas for adding your favorite herbs and spices.
Ginger And Garlic: Classic Teriyaki Flavors
Ginger and garlic are two of the most classic and essential spices used in teriyaki sauce. They provide a depth of flavor that is both savory and slightly sweet, while also adding a subtle kick of heat.
Ginger, with its distinct aroma and flavor, is a staple in Asian cuisine. It has a slightly spicy and warm taste that pairs perfectly with the salty umami flavor of teriyaki sauce. Ginger also has anti-inflammatory properties and is known to aid digestion, making it a healthy addition to any meal.
Garlic, on the other hand, has a pungent and slightly bitter taste that mellows out when cooked. It adds a savory flavor to the sauce, while also providing numerous health benefits. Garlic is known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties, as well as its ability to boost the immune system.
Together, ginger and garlic create a complex flavor profile that enhances the overall taste of teriyaki sauce. They are often used in combination with other spices like onion and green onion to create a well-rounded sauce that is both savory and slightly sweet. Whether you’re making stir-fry or glazing grilled meats, ginger and garlic are essential ingredients for any homemade teriyaki sauce.
Cilantro And Basil: Fresh Herbs For Teriyaki
In addition to the traditional spices used in teriyaki sauce, fresh herbs like cilantro and basil can also be added to give the sauce a burst of fresh flavor. Cilantro, also known as coriander, has a bright and citrusy flavor that pairs well with the sweet and savory flavors of teriyaki sauce. It can be finely chopped and added to the sauce towards the end of cooking or used as a garnish.
Basil, on the other hand, has a sweet and slightly peppery flavor that can add a subtle complexity to teriyaki sauce. It can be used in both fresh and dried forms, depending on personal preference. If using fresh basil, it is best to add it towards the end of cooking so that its delicate flavor is not lost.
Using fresh herbs like cilantro and basil in teriyaki sauce not only adds flavor but also provides additional health benefits. Both herbs are rich in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties. So, next time you’re making teriyaki sauce, try adding some fresh cilantro or basil for an extra pop of flavor and health benefits.
Shichimi Togarashi: The Secret Spice Mix
Shichimi togarashi, also known as Japanese seven spice mix, is a traditional Japanese spice blend that has been used for centuries to add flavor and complexity to a wide range of dishes. This spice mix is made up of seven different spices, including yuzu or orange peel, nori, hemp and/or poppy seeds, white and/or black sesame seeds, red chili pepper, sansho pepper, and ground ginger.
One of the unique things about shichimi togarashi is its versatility. This spice blend lends its own unique complexity of heat, umami, and even a hint of bright citrusy sweetness to almost any dish. It is a very aromatic and spicy blend that can be used sparingly or only for palates that can cope with scorching flavors.
Shichimi togarashi is commonly used as a seasoning for grilled meats like chicken (e.g. yakitori), fish, and marinades. It can also be added to rubs, soups, tempuras, salad dressings, and even sprinkled on popcorn or fries. Whether the dishes are of Japanese origin or not, shichimi togarashi is a versatile spice blend that will add life and flavor to a wide range of foods.
For optimal flavor, it is recommended to lightly toast the sesame seeds and Sichuan peppercorns in a dry skillet until fragrant, being careful not to burn them. Let them cool completely before mixing with other ingredients. Once all ingredients are mixed together in a spice or coffee grinder, pulse until coarsely ground (make sure it’s coarse and not powder). Store in an airtight container for optimal freshness.
How To Use Spices With Teriyaki Sauce In Your Cooking
Now that you know which spices go well with teriyaki sauce, it’s time to start incorporating them into your cooking. Here are some ideas on how to use these spices:
– Ginger: Grate fresh ginger and add it to your teriyaki marinade or sauce. This will give your dish a warm, spicy flavor that pairs well with the sweet and salty flavors of the sauce.
– Garlic: Mince garlic and sauté it in some oil before adding your teriyaki sauce. This will infuse the garlic flavor into the sauce and add an extra layer of complexity to your dish.
– Onion: Slice onion thinly and add it to your stir-fry along with your teriyaki sauce. The sweetness of the onion will complement the savory flavors of the sauce.
– Green onion: Chop green onion and sprinkle it over your finished dish as a garnish. This will add a pop of freshness and color, as well as a mild onion flavor.
– Shichimi togarashi: Sprinkle this spice blend over your finished dish for a burst of heat and flavor. It goes particularly well with chicken, beef, or seafood dishes.
Experiment with these spices and see which combinations work best for you. You can also try adding other herbs and spices like cilantro, basil, or red pepper flakes to further customize your teriyaki sauce. With these tips, you’ll be able to create delicious and unique teriyaki dishes that are sure to impress!
