What to know about Teriyaki sauce? I think a lot of us have tried this sauce before but hardly anyone really knows about it. This article is where you can find all the information about the origin, the substitutes, nutrition information, and FAQs. I hope that you find our content helpful!
What is Teriyaki Sauce? – Teriyaki Sauce Definition & The Origin of Teriyaki Sauce
So, where is teriyaki from? This legendary sauce came from Japan, not the country now but the ancient one.
What do people call teriyaki sauce in Japanese for ages ‘till now? The exact sound “Te-ri-ya-ki” (kanji: 照り焼き) is what people used to call this ancient cooking technique.
What does teriyaki mean? “Teriyaki” refers to a cooking technique for cooking (usually baked, broiled) a product to which a sweet-tasting marinade is added. Besides, the sauce with the ingredients of that marinade has also been called with this name. Its flavor and appearance are unmistakable.
What Is In Teriyaki Sauce? Are There Any Teriyaki Sauce Substitute?
These days we can see lots of teriyaki sauce brands in the market and sometimes we wonder what is teriyaki sauce made out of? It seems that it is so easy to make and perhaps take profit from it.
First, let’s answer the question: what is teriyaki sauce made from? If we will go back to its roots, it is basically made from four ingredients: soy sauce, sake or mirin, honey or sugar, and ginger. Those four main ingredients were later further developed by different cultures and foodies.
Some brands and even ordinary fans created their own teriyaki sauce alternative. At times they include juices to make the sauce more flavorful. For instance, some mixed pineapple, lemon, or orange juice.
On the other hand, some use garlic and other spices to add more savory to the teriyaki sauce. However, if you are finding a substitute for teriyaki sauce, you will not find any since other sauces have different ingredients or mixture which results in varying flavors.
Teriyaki Sauce Nutrition Information, Teriyaki Sauce Calories & More …
Everyone is getting health conscious these days since we need to boost our immune system to avoid any virus or disease from harming our body. Thus, when buying or cooking something, we often check the calories, carbs, fats contents among others.
Regarding the calories in teriyaki sauce, it usually ranges from 20 to 50 depending upon the ingredients and measurements used in making the mixture. On the other hand, for carbs in teriyaki sauce, it may vary between 1 to 3 grams, again, depending upon the proportions of the ingredients used.
Aside from carbs and calories, you can also see other contents in teriyaki sauce nutrition facts. Normally, the label would indicate fats, cholesterol, sugars, vitamins, calcium, and iron.
However, to attract more clients, most brands put in their respective teriyaki sauce nutrition label the most unique characteristic that they brag the most. For instance, they will put in big letters “NO SUGAR” or “SUGAR-FREE”. They consider it one way of marketing their products and be able to distinguish them from other ordinary teriyaki sauces.
How to Use Teriyaki Sauce
There are different teriyaki sauce uses that you can discover through different recipes online. Some use the sauce as a marinade for different meat products like beef, fish, and chicken.
However, some prefer to glaze the food using the teriyaki sauce while the cooking process is ongoing. Many cooks believe that the taste will be further enhanced if you will do this. Some marinate the meat first then glaze while cooking, making sure that the flavor of teriyaki will totally be absorbed by the ingredients.
You can see one way to use teriyaki, for exampe. (Source: Youtube Channel of Chef Adam Liaw).
If you are in a hurry, you can just dip the meat right into the teriyaki sauce. It’s the easiest path for busy individuals who love teriyaki yet don’t have much time to cook. There are also instances where teriyaki sauce is being poured unto the ingredients like that of salad dressings. Then they mix all ingredients like tofu and other veggies. This technique is often used by those health-conscious individuals or under a strict diet.
We’ve created a whole article talking about how to make teriyaki at home, all by yourself. You can read the article here: Teriyaki Sauce Homemade Easy DIY Step-by-step Guidebook.
FAQ About Teriyaki Sauce in General
Question 1: What is the difference between teriyaki and soy sauce?
The main difference between teriyaki and soy sauce is its taste. The first one is more flavorful, sweeter, and sometimes, spicier compared to the latter. On the other hand, soy sauce is mostly salty.
When it comes to texture, the consistency of the teriyaki sauce is thicker while the soy sauce is watery. Additionally, depending on the types of ingredients you used, and its measurements, the calorie count of the teriyaki sauce is significantly higher than soy sauce.
>> Learn More about the difference between Teriyaki and other sauces here!
Question 2: What’s the difference between hibachi and teriyaki?
When it comes to cooking style, there is no difference between hibachi and teriyaki. They are usually grilled. However, the big difference comes in their respective sauces.
Hibachi dishes are only cooked using soy sauce while teriyaki-style dishes are cooked with its unique sauce usually sweeter, more flavorful, but still with soy sauce.
>> You may want to read more about Teriyaki With & Without where we talk about what if teriyaki has [ingredient] in its recipe.
Question 3: Where does teriyaki (sauce) come from?
Historians who are experts in food claim that teriyaki sauce was first invented in Japan during the 17th century. These Japanese chefs incorporated the sauce with other dishes, which are usually roasted or grilled meat.
Later on, the teriyaki dishes and its sauce became popular worldwide, especially in the United States around the 1960s. Now, it’s widely known and many restaurants, even though they don’t offer Japanese cuisines, use the sauce in their own dishes.
Question 4: What does teriyaki (sauce) taste like?
According to many, the teriyaki sauce taste is quite unique. It’s in between salty and sweet like mixing honey with soy sauce. The texture is also between goo-y and tangy since it’s still liquid yet the thick consistency is making the sauce fancier.
Some even add garlic and other spices to make the sauce more flavorful and chilly. It’s up to once taste preferences if they want to adjust the sauce.
Question 5: How many calories in teriyaki sauce?
According to USDA, a hundred grams of teriyaki sauce is equivalent to 89 calories. However, if you will make your own sauce, you can adjust the calories by using organic or substitute ingredients.
Nevertheless, if you prefer to purchase the teriyaki sauce, then always look at the nutrition facts and verify how many calories per serving. Usually, one serving is equivalent to one tablespoon.
Question 6: How many carbs in teriyaki sauce in total?
USDA states that you can consume 16 grams of carbohydrates or 5% Daily Value in every 100 grams of teriyaki sauce. Just like avoiding calories, you can also use alternatives for some ingredients to lessen the carb intake.
As always, if you prefer shopping for your teriyaki sauce, then make sure to read the nutrients at the product label.
Question 7: How much sodium in teriyaki sauce is there?
In every 100 grams of teriyaki sauce, you will intake 3,833 mg or 159% Daily Value of sodium. That is quite high. That is the reason why you must be conscious on how you measure the ingredients of your own teriyaki sauce or what brand of teriyaki sauce you buy.
Some only use a certain amount of the teriyaki sauce to lessen their sodium intake or utilize substitute ingredients.
Final Words
Whether you are creating your own teriyaki sauce or going to buy read-made ones made by popular brands, you must review some important aspects like the nutrition benefits and the ingredients you will use.
Knowing both the nutrition facts and proper ingredients will help you decide on the proportions or measurements to use when making your own. On the other hand, if you plan to purchase, those two factors will help you assess whether the sauce you are trying to purchase will meet the diet requirement you are pursuing or maintaining.