Out of Teriyaki sauce, one case
Teriyaki sauce substitute for sake and mirin
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Dry sherry (for sake)
Same amount as the teriyaki sauce
For sake in teriyaki sauce, use dry sherry or rice vinegar. For mirin, use equal parts rice vinegar and sugar, or dry sherry with a pinch of sugar. These substitutes maintain the sweet-savory balance essential to teriyaki sauce.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- cooking
One casethe full teriyaki sauce card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of teriyaki sauce | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dry sherry (for sake)cooking | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 2 | Rice vinegar + sugar (for mirin)cooking | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 3 | White wine + sugar (for sake)cooking | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 4 | Apple cider vinegar + honey (for mirin)cooking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Chicken stock + sugar (for sake)cooking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
Dry sherry (for sake)
similar taste and texture
Dry sherry provides similar alcohol content and flavor profile to sake
- Best for
- cooking, marinating, glazing, stir-fries
Use dry sherry as a direct substitute for sake in teriyaki sauce recipes.
Rice vinegar + sugar (for mirin)
similar taste and texture
Replicates mirin's sweet-tart flavor profile
- Best for
- cooking, marinating, glazing, stir-fries
Mix equal parts rice vinegar and sugar to replace mirin.
White wine + sugar (for sake)
similar taste and texture
White wine provides similar acidity and alcohol content
- Best for
- cooking, marinating, glazing
Use dry white wine with a pinch of sugar to replace sake.
Apple cider vinegar + honey (for mirin)
different taste, similar texture
Provides sweet-tart flavor similar to mirin
- Best for
- cooking, marinating, glazing
Mix 2 parts apple cider vinegar with 1 part honey for mirin substitute.
Chicken stock + sugar (for sake)
different taste, similar texture
Non-alcoholic alternative that adds umami depth
- Best for
- cooking, marinating, glazing
Use chicken stock with a pinch of sugar for non-alcoholic sake substitute.
How it behaves in this recipe
Sake and mirin are essential components of authentic teriyaki sauce, providing depth, sweetness, and complexity. Sake adds umami and helps tenderize meat, while mirin provides sweetness and helps with caramelization. When substituting, it's important to maintain the balance between sweet, savory, and acidic elements.
Tips for substituting teriyaki sauce
7 tips- Sake adds depth and complexity to teriyaki sauce - don't skip it entirely
- Mirin provides sweetness and helps with caramelization during cooking
- If using alcohol substitutes, add them early in the cooking process to allow flavors to develop
- For non-alcoholic versions, increase the soy sauce slightly to compensate for lost umami
- Test your substitute in a small batch before using in the main recipe
- Store sake and mirin substitutes in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks
- For authentic flavor, try to find real sake and mirin at Asian markets
Notes on teriyaki sauce
- Use Shaoxing wine (Chinese cooking wine) as a sake substitute for Asian dishes
- Try mirin substitutes with different sweeteners like maple syrup or agave
- Use kombu dashi (seaweed stock) for a non-alcoholic umami boost
- Add a splash of rice wine vinegar to any substitute for extra acidity
- Experiment with different vinegars (balsamic, apple cider) for unique flavor profiles
Questions
5 questionsWhat can I substitute for sake in teriyaki sauce?
The best sake substitutes are dry sherry, dry white wine, or chicken stock with a pinch of sugar. Dry sherry is the closest match in terms of flavor and alcohol content.
What can I substitute for mirin in teriyaki sauce?
Use equal parts rice vinegar and sugar, or dry sherry with a pinch of sugar. You can also use apple cider vinegar with honey for a different but acceptable flavor profile.
Can I make teriyaki sauce without alcohol?
Yes, use chicken stock or vegetable stock instead of sake, and rice vinegar with sugar instead of mirin. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Is there a difference between sake and mirin?
Yes, sake is a dry rice wine with higher alcohol content, while mirin is sweet rice wine with lower alcohol content. They serve different purposes in teriyaki sauce - sake adds depth, mirin adds sweetness.
Can I use regular vinegar instead of rice vinegar?
Yes, but rice vinegar has a milder, sweeter flavor that works better in teriyaki sauce. If using regular vinegar, reduce the amount slightly and add more sugar to balance the acidity.