Teriyaki Sauce Substitute: Complete Guide to Alternatives
Discover the best teriyaki sauce substitutes for cooking, marinating, and glazing. Learn ratios, recipes, and when to use each alternative.
Quick Answer
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.
Best Substitutes
Homemade Teriyaki Sauce
1:1Authentic teriyaki flavor with complete control over ingredients
Best for:
Mix 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup mirin, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp cornstarch. Simmer until thickened.
Hoisin Sauce
1:1Chinese sweet and savory sauce with similar umami profile
Best for:
Thicker and sweeter than teriyaki, but works well for glazing and marinating
Barbecue Sauce
1:1Sweet and tangy sauce that works well for glazing and marinating
Best for:
Add a splash of soy sauce to make it more savory and less sweet
Soy Sauce + Brown Sugar + Cornstarch
1:1Simple 3-ingredient substitute that captures the essential teriyaki elements
Best for:
Mix 3 parts soy sauce, 1 part brown sugar, 1 tsp cornstarch per cup. Simmer until thickened.
Worcestershire Sauce + Honey
1:1Tangy and sweet combination that works well for meat glazes
Best for:
Mix 2 parts Worcestershire sauce with 1 part honey for a sweet-savory glaze
Cooking 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
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute teriyaki sauce for soy sauce?
Yes, but teriyaki sauce is sweeter and thicker than soy sauce. Use 1/2 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.
Summary
Find the best teriyaki sauce substitutes including homemade recipes, hoisin sauce, and barbecue sauce. Learn ratios, cooking tips, and when to use each alternative for perfect results.