Out of Teriyaki sauce, one case
Healthy teriyaki sauce substitute
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Coconut aminos + honey
Same amount as the teriyaki sauce
The best healthy teriyaki sauce substitutes are coconut aminos with honey, low-sodium soy sauce with maple syrup, or homemade versions with natural sweeteners. These options reduce sodium and sugar while maintaining authentic flavor.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- cooking
One casethe full teriyaki sauce card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of teriyaki sauce | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Coconut aminos + honeycooking | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 2 | Low-sodium soy sauce + maple syrupcooking | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 3 | Tamari + agave + rice vinegarcooking | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 4 | Miso paste + mirin + steviacooking | Same amountYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 5 | Vegetable stock + honey + gingercooking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
Coconut aminos + honey
similar taste and texture
Low-sodium, gluten-free alternative with natural sweetness
- Best for
- cooking, marinating, glazing, stir-fries
Mix 3 parts coconut aminos with 1 part honey and 1 tsp cornstarch. Simmer until thickened.
Low-sodium soy sauce + maple syrup
similar taste and texture
Reduced sodium with natural sweetener and antioxidants
- Best for
- cooking, marinating, glazing, stir-fries
Mix 3 parts low-sodium soy sauce with 1 part maple syrup and 1 tsp cornstarch.
Tamari + agave + rice vinegar
similar taste and texture
Gluten-free with low glycemic index sweetener
- Best for
- cooking, marinating, glazing, stir-fries
Mix 2 parts tamari, 1 part agave, 1 part rice vinegar, and 1 tsp cornstarch.
Miso paste + mirin + stevia
different taste and texture
Fermented miso adds probiotics and umami without excess sodium
- Best for
- cooking, marinating, glazing
Mix 2 parts miso paste, 1 part mirin, and stevia to taste. Thin with water if needed.
Vegetable stock + honey + ginger
different taste, similar texture
Completely plant-based with anti-inflammatory ginger
- Best for
- cooking, marinating, glazing, stir-fries
Mix 2 parts vegetable stock, 1 part honey, 1 tsp grated ginger, and 1 tsp cornstarch.
How it behaves in this recipe
Healthy teriyaki sauce substitutes focus on reducing sodium, sugar, and artificial ingredients while maintaining the essential sweet-savory flavor profile. The key is finding alternatives that provide umami depth without excessive salt, and sweetness without refined sugars.
Tips for substituting teriyaki sauce
7 tips- Use coconut aminos for a 65% reduction in sodium compared to regular soy sauce
- Maple syrup provides antioxidants and has a lower glycemic index than white sugar
- Add fresh ginger and garlic for extra flavor without adding calories
- Use arrowroot powder instead of cornstarch for a gluten-free thickener
- Let the sauce cool before using to prevent it from running off your food
- Store healthy teriyaki substitutes in the refrigerator for up to 1 week
- Add a splash of rice vinegar for brightness without extra calories
Notes on teriyaki sauce
- Use bone broth instead of soy sauce for added protein and collagen
- Try nutritional yeast for umami flavor without sodium
- Add fresh herbs like cilantro or basil for flavor without calories
- Use apple cider vinegar for tanginess and potential health benefits
- Experiment with different natural sweeteners like date syrup or coconut sugar
Questions
5 questionsWhat's the healthiest teriyaki sauce substitute?
Coconut aminos with honey is the healthiest option, providing 65% less sodium than regular soy sauce while maintaining authentic flavor. It's also gluten-free and contains amino acids.
Can I make teriyaki sauce without sugar?
Yes, use stevia, monk fruit, or erythritol as sugar substitutes. You can also use natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or agave for better flavor and some nutritional benefits.
Is teriyaki sauce high in sodium?
Yes, traditional teriyaki sauce is high in sodium due to soy sauce. Use low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos to reduce sodium content by 50-65%.
What's a keto-friendly teriyaki sauce substitute?
Use coconut aminos with monk fruit or stevia, and thicken with xanthan gum instead of cornstarch. This creates a low-carb, keto-friendly teriyaki sauce.
Can I make teriyaki sauce without soy sauce?
Yes, use coconut aminos, tamari, or liquid aminos as soy sauce alternatives. These provide similar umami flavor with different nutritional profiles.