Out of Teriyaki sauce, one case
Teriyaki sauce substitute, in depth
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Homemade teriyaki sauce
Same amount as the teriyaki sauce
The best teriyaki sauce substitutes are homemade teriyaki (soy sauce + mirin + sugar), hoisin sauce, or barbecue sauce. For authentic flavor, make your own with equal parts soy sauce, mirin, and brown sugar.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- cooking
One casethe full teriyaki sauce card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of teriyaki sauce | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Homemade teriyaki saucecooking | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 2 | Hoisin sauceglazing | Same amountYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 3 | Barbecue saucegrilling | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Soy sauce + brown sugar + cornstarchcooking | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 5 | Worcestershire sauce + honeyglazing | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
Homemade teriyaki sauce
identical taste, similar texture
Authentic teriyaki flavor with complete control over ingredients
- Best for
- cooking, marinating, glazing, stir-fries
Mix ¼ cup soy sauce, ¼ cup mirin, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp cornstarch. Simmer until thickened.
Hoisin sauce
different taste and texture
Chinese sweet and savory sauce with similar umami profile
- Best for
- glazing, marinating, stir-fries, roasting
Thicker and sweeter than teriyaki, but works well for glazing and marinating.
Barbecue sauce
different taste, similar texture
Sweet and tangy sauce that works well for glazing and marinating
- Best for
- grilling, roasting, marinating, glazing
Add a splash of soy sauce to make it more savory and less sweet.
Soy sauce + brown sugar + cornstarch
similar taste and texture
Simple 3-ingredient substitute that captures the essential teriyaki elements
- Best for
- cooking, marinating, glazing, stir-fries
Mix 3 parts soy sauce, 1 part brown sugar, 1 tsp cornstarch per cup. Simmer until thickened.
Worcestershire sauce + honey
different taste, similar texture
Tangy and sweet combination that works well for meat glazes
- Best for
- glazing, marinating, roasting
Mix 2 parts Worcestershire sauce with 1 part honey for a sweet-savory glaze.
How it behaves in this recipe
Teriyaki sauce is essential for Japanese cooking, providing the good balance of sweet, savory, and umami flavors. The best substitutes maintain this balance while offering similar glazing and marinating properties. Homemade versions give you complete control over the flavor profile and can be customized for different dietary needs.
Tips for substituting teriyaki sauce
7 tips- For authentic teriyaki flavor, always include soy sauce as the base
- Add a splash of rice vinegar or sake for depth of flavor
- Use brown sugar instead of white sugar for better caramelization
- Thicken with cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water) for proper glaze consistency
- Let the sauce cool slightly before using as a glaze to prevent it from running off
- For marinating, use the sauce at room temperature for better absorption
- Store homemade teriyaki sauce in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks
Notes on teriyaki sauce
- Use ponzu sauce mixed with honey for a citrusy teriyaki alternative
- Combine oyster sauce with brown sugar for a rich, savory glaze
- Mix miso paste with mirin and sugar for a fermented teriyaki substitute
- Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free teriyaki option
- Add ginger and garlic to any substitute for enhanced flavor
Questions
5 questionsCan I substitute teriyaki sauce for soy sauce?
Yes, but teriyaki sauce is sweeter and thicker than soy sauce. Use ½ the amount of teriyaki sauce and add a pinch of sugar to balance the flavor.
What's the best teriyaki sauce substitute for stir-fry?
Homemade teriyaki sauce or hoisin sauce work best for stir-fry. The homemade version gives you the most authentic flavor, while hoisin sauce provides a similar sweet-savory profile.
Can I make teriyaki sauce without mirin?
Yes, substitute mirin with equal parts rice vinegar and sugar, or use dry sherry with a pinch of sugar. The key is balancing the sweet and acidic elements.
What's a healthy substitute for teriyaki sauce?
Use low-sodium soy sauce with honey or maple syrup instead of sugar, and skip the cornstarch. You can also use coconut aminos as a soy sauce alternative for a healthier option.
Can I use teriyaki sauce as a substitute for hoisin sauce?
Yes, but teriyaki sauce is thinner and less sweet than hoisin. Add a bit of honey or brown sugar to make it sweeter and thicker for better substitution.