9 Best Substitutes for Teriyaki Sauce: Alternatives You Can Find Easily

Looking for an alternative to teriyaki sauce? Well, you’re in luck! In this article, we’ll provide a list of seven substitutes that will work just as well. The great thing about these substitutes is that most of them are probably already in your pantry. We’ll also give you tips on how to use each substitute and provide examples of dishes that we’ve created using the substitute. So, without further ado, let’s get started!

What is teriyaki sauce and what are its benefits?

Teriyaki sauce is a type of glaze that is commonly used in Japanese cuisine. The sauce is made by combining soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. One of the benefits of using this particular sauce is that it can help to tenderize meat.

Additionally, the sweetness from the sugar helps to create a nice balance with the saltiness of the soy sauce.

Now that we’ve answered the question, “what is teriyaki sauce,” let’s move on to our list of substitutes.

Here are seven ingredients that can be used in place of teriyaki sauce:

Substitutes for Teriyaki Sauce:

  1. Oyster Sauce
  2. Sweet and Tangy Mango Sauce
  3. BBQ Sauce
  4. Worcestershire Sauce
  5. Korean Barbecue Sauce (Galbi)
  6. Ponzu Sauce
  7. Hoisin Sauce
  8. Soy Sauce with Sugar
  9. Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

Oyster Sauce

Oyster sauce is a common substitute for teriyaki sauce. Both are thick, dark sauces that are used in stir-fried dishes. Oyster sauce has a sweet-savory taste, while teriyaki sauce is slightly more savory.

They don’t taste identical, but they are similar enough that oyster sauce can be used as a substitute in most recipes. I personally find that oyster sauce adds a touch of sweetness to dishes that I wouldn’t get with teriyaki sauce.

I’ve used it in stir-fries, as well as in marinades for chicken and beef. It’s a versatile sauce that can be used in many different ways.

Sweet and Tangy Mango Sauce

Sweet and Tangy Mango Sauce is an excellent balance of sweet and tangy flavors with a bit of saltiness. I’ve used it as a healthy substitute for teriyaki sauce in chicken, shrimp, and vegetable dishes.

It’s also great as a glaze or dip. The sweetness comes from the mangoes, while the tanginess comes from the vinegar and lime juice.

The saltiness is from the soy sauce. I really enjoy the flavor of this sauce and it has become one of my favorite substitutes for Teriyaki sauce.

BBQ Sauce

BBQ sauce might seem like an odd choice as a substitute for teriyaki sauce, but the two actually have a lot in common. Both BBQ sauce and teriyaki sauce are sweet and savory, with a slightly acidic tang.

They can both be used as marinades or glazes, and they also go well with chicken or pork. In fact, I often use BBQ sauce in place of teriyaki when making dishes like BBQ chicken or pulled pork.

While the flavors are not identical, BBQ sauce can be a good stand-in for teriyaki sauce in many applications.

Worcestershire Sauce

Worcestershire sauce is a thinner sauce than teriyaki sauce but it has a more complex flavor. It is rich and savory with a hint of sweetness.

Worcestershire sauce is a great substitute for teriyaki sauce in stir-fries, marinades, and glazes. I personally like to add it to grilled chicken or shrimp dishes for an extra boost of flavor.

Worcestershire sauce is also a great way to add flavor to soups and stews. Give it a try the next time you’re looking for a delicious way to change up your favorite recipes.

Korean Barbecue Sauce (Galbi)

Korean BBQ sauce, or Galbi, is an excellent replacement for teriyaki sauce. It has a similar sweet and savory flavor profile, making it the perfect type of marinade for chicken or pork.

I personally love using Korean BBQ sauce on grilled chicken skewers. The sauce is thick and sticky, so it really clings to the chicken and infuses it with flavor.

Plus, the Korean BBQ sauce always seems to make the chicken extra tender and juicy. Yum!

If you’re looking for a delicious way to change up your grill game, definitely give Korean BBQ sauce a try. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!

Ponzu Sauce

Ponzu sauce is a popular Japanese sauce that can be used as a substitute for teriyaki sauce. Ponzu sauce is made from citrus juice, soy sauce, and mirin, and is thicker than teriyaki sauce.

Ponzu sauce is also sweeter and tangier than teriyaki sauce. I have used ponzu sauce as a substitute for teriyaki sauce in many dishes, and it has always given the dish a unique flavor.

Ponzu sauce is a great alternative to teriyaki sauce if you are looking for something with a bit more depth of flavor.

Hoisin Sauce

Hoisin sauce is a delicious sauce that can be used as a substitute for teriyaki sauce. Hoisin sauce is made from a combination of soybeans, vinegar, sugar, and spice, and it has a sweet and savory flavor.

Hoisin sauce is often used in Chinese cuisine, and it is a common ingredient in stir-fries and noodles dishes. I personally love to use hoisin sauce as a dipping sauce for dumplings or spring rolls.

Hoisin sauce is also a great way to add flavor to grilled meats or vegetables.

If you are looking for a delicious and versatile sauce to add to your culinary repertoire, hoisin sauce is a great option!

Soy Sauce with Sugar

Soy sauce with sugar is a great substitute for teriyaki sauce because it has a similar taste if done right. Soy sauce is a common ingredient in many Asian dishes and has a distinct umami flavor.

Sugar helps to balance out the saltiness of the soy sauce and adds a touch of sweetness. I like to use this substitute in stir-fries, noodle dishes, and rice bowls. It’s also great for marinating meats or tofu.

The key is to find the right balance between soy sauce to sugar. Too much soy sauce will make the dish salty, while too much sugar will make it cloyingly sweet.

Experiment until you find the ratio that works best for you. Soy sauce with sugar is a versatile and easy-to-use substitute for teriyaki sauce.

Honey and Soy Sauce

Honey and soy sauce is another great substitute for teriyaki sauce. This combination has a similar sweet and savory flavor profile as teriyaki sauce.

I like to use this substitute in marinades, glazes, and stir-fries. It’s also a great way to add flavor to grilled meats or vegetables.

Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

Homemade teriyaki sauce is a great substitute for the store-bought variety because it is fresher and usually tastes better. It is also well-balanced, with just the right amount of sweetness, saltiness, and acidity.

Plus, it is easy to make with common ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. I like to use it in stir-fries, grilled chicken, or as a marinade for fish or meat.

All you need are some basic pantry staples: soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Just whisk them all together and you’re done!

If you have never made homemade teriyaki sauce before, you should definitely give it a try. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how good it is.

FAQ

Can I substitute Worcestershire sauce for teriyaki sauce?

Yes, you can substitute Worcestershire sauce for teriyaki sauce and vice versa. Worcestershire sauce is a common ingredient in many Asian dishes and has a similar taste to teriyaki sauce.

What can I substitute for teriyaki sauce?

If you are making your own teriyaki sauce, here are some common substitutions you can use to replace the ingredients:

  • Coconut Aminos as a replacement for Soy Sauce.
  • Brown sugar or honey to sweeten the sauce.
  • Arrow Root Powder or Flour as an alternative to cornstarch.
  • Ground Ginger
  • Garlic Powder

Can I substitute soy sauce for teriyaki sauce?

Yes, you can substitute soy sauce for teriyaki sauce. Soy sauce is a common ingredient in many Asian dishes and has a distinct umami flavor. However, you’ll need to add a bit of sugar to balance out the saltiness of the soy sauce.

Can you make teriyaki sauce without cornstarch?

To make teriyaki sauce without cornstarch, you can substitute arrowroot powder or flour. Arrowroot powder is a common ingredient in gluten-free and paleo cooking. It will thicken the sauce and give it a similar consistency to cornstarch.

Conclusion

There are plenty of substitutes for teriyaki sauce that you can use in a pinch. Whether you’re looking for a healthier option or just don’t have any on hand, these substitutes will do the trick.

So, next time you’re in the middle of cooking and realize you’re out of teriyaki sauce, don’t panic! Just reach for one of these substitutes and you’ll be able to finish your dish with no problem.

Do you have a favorite substitute for teriyaki sauce? Let us know in the comments below.

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