🍯 Sauces & Condiments

Teriyaki Sauce Substitute for Sake and Mirin Guide

Learn how to substitute sake and mirin in teriyaki sauce recipes. Find the best alternatives for authentic Japanese flavor without these key ingredients.

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Quick Answer

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.

Best Substitutes

Dry Sherry (for Sake)

1:1

Dry sherry provides similar alcohol content and flavor profile to sake

Best for:

cookingmarinatingglazingstir-fries

Use dry sherry as a direct substitute for sake in teriyaki sauce recipes

Rice Vinegar + Sugar (for Mirin)

1:1

Replicates mirin's sweet-tart flavor profile

Best for:

cookingmarinatingglazingstir-fries

Mix equal parts rice vinegar and sugar to replace mirin

White Wine + Sugar (for Sake)

1:1

White wine provides similar acidity and alcohol content

Best for:

cookingmarinatingglazing

Use dry white wine with a pinch of sugar to replace sake

Apple Cider Vinegar + Honey (for Mirin)

1:1

Provides sweet-tart flavor similar to mirin

Best for:

cookingmarinatingglazing

Mix 2 parts apple cider vinegar with 1 part honey for mirin substitute

Chicken Stock + Sugar (for Sake)

1:1

Non-alcoholic alternative that adds umami depth

Best for:

cookingmarinatingglazing

Use chicken stock with a pinch of sugar for non-alcoholic sake substitute

Cooking 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

Frequently Asked Questions

What 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.

Summary

Learn how to substitute sake and mirin in teriyaki sauce recipes. Find the best alternatives including dry sherry, rice vinegar, and non-alcoholic options for authentic Japanese flavor.