The Best Store-Bought Teriyaki Sauces In 2022
Make Sushi 1/Shutterstock By Robyn Hunt/Updated: Jan. 25, 2023 5:45 pm EST
We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. When you think of teriyaki sauce, the first image conjured in your foodie mind is probably a dark brown sweet and salty sauce glazed over a piece of meat or served with an assortment of wok-fried vegetables. And at your local supermarket, you can easily find a plethora of teriyaki sauces of every brand, style, and flavor.
Over in Japan, teriyaki isn’t really about the sauce. According to the New World Encyclopedia, it is a method of Japanese cooking that consists of protein cooked in a simple sauce of soy, sugar, mirin, and sake. Loosely translated, “teri” means to glaze while “yaki” means to grill. The glaze is typically applied towards the end of the cooking process to prevent it from burning. In the states, however, teriyaki is primarily associated with the sauce or any dish that uses it. Instead of only containing a handful of ingredients, Americanized teriyaki also adds flavor enhancers like ginger, sesame seeds, garlic, and sesame oil and tends to be thicker than traditional versions. Teriyaki sauce is definitely a condiment that you should keep in your kitchen. Not only can it be used in Japanese-inspired dishes, but it also makes a great dipping sauce and works well as a marinade.
The Best Store-Bought Teriyaki Sauces In 2022
Make Sushi 1/Shutterstock
By Robyn Hunt/Updated: Jan. 25, 2023 5:45 pm EST
We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. When you think of teriyaki sauce, the first image conjured in your foodie mind is probably a dark brown sweet and salty sauce glazed over a piece of meat or served with an assortment of wok-fried vegetables. And at your local supermarket, you can easily find a plethora of teriyaki sauces of every brand, style, and flavor.
Over in Japan, teriyaki isn’t really about the sauce. According to the New World Encyclopedia, it is a method of Japanese cooking that consists of protein cooked in a simple sauce of soy, sugar, mirin, and sake. Loosely translated, “teri” means to glaze while “yaki” means to grill. The glaze is typically applied towards the end of the cooking process to prevent it from burning. In the states, however, teriyaki is primarily associated with the sauce or any dish that uses it. Instead of only containing a handful of ingredients, Americanized teriyaki also adds flavor enhancers like ginger, sesame seeds, garlic, and sesame oil and tends to be thicker than traditional versions. Teriyaki sauce is definitely a condiment that you should keep in your kitchen. Not only can it be used in Japanese-inspired dishes, but it also makes a great dipping sauce and works well as a marinade.
We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.
Over in Japan, teriyaki isn’t really about the sauce. According to the New World Encyclopedia, it is a method of Japanese cooking that consists of protein cooked in a simple sauce of soy, sugar, mirin, and sake. Loosely translated, “teri” means to glaze while “yaki” means to grill. The glaze is typically applied towards the end of the cooking process to prevent it from burning. In the states, however, teriyaki is primarily associated with the sauce or any dish that uses it. Instead of only containing a handful of ingredients, Americanized teriyaki also adds flavor enhancers like ginger, sesame seeds, garlic, and sesame oil and tends to be thicker than traditional versions.
Teriyaki sauce is definitely a condiment that you should keep in your kitchen. Not only can it be used in Japanese-inspired dishes, but it also makes a great dipping sauce and works well as a marinade.
How we selected the following teriyaki sauces
Graf Vision/Shutterstock
It’s relevant to note that teriyaki sauces are available in different viscosities — that is, some are thicker than others. At times, this is because the intended use is as a marinade rather than as a sauce. Ingredients — or a lack thereof — have also been taken into account, because not all teriyaki sauces are created equally when it comes to dietary preferences and sensitivities.
Of course, the taste is the main factor in the decision process, because ultimately, you’re going to want a teriyaki sauce that has a nice balance of sweet and salty flavors, along with any other ingredients that play a supporting role.
Best gluten-free
Soy Vay
Best keto and paleo
Primal Kitchen
Independent food review website Shopping with Dave gives this sauce a 3.8 out of 5 stars, noting that it has great flavor, especially for a low-sodium sauce. However, it falls flat as a marinade, presumably because the low sodium content doesn’t allow the flavors to fully penetrate the meat.
Best low-sodium
Kevin’s Natural Foods
Best sugar free
G. Hughes
Keto and low-carb followers on Influenster say that it’s hard to believe that G. Hughes’ sugar-free teriyaki marinade contains no carbs, making it perfect for people following keto or macrobiotic diets. One minor caveat is that it does contain sucralose, which some individuals don’t tolerate well.
Best plant-based
Wicked Kitchen
Folks on the plant-based review website abillion give Wicked Foods Sticky Teriyaki Sauce a solid 4 out of 5 stars, noting that it has a great balance between sweet and salty flavors and also a bit of a surprising kick. In fact, the spice level has people in the UK less than enthused, stating that it’s much too spicy (via Tesco). This could just be a matter of personal preference, as British food is commonly viewed as being bland (via The Outside).
Best for stir-fry
San-J
Best for chicken and steak
Kikkoman
Best Japanese-style
Yamasa
Best Hawaiian-style
Aloha Shoyu
Best for ginger lovers
The Ginger People
