Teriyaki Sauce

Teriyaki Sauce Recipe from Japan - Soy Sauce, Oil, Garlic, and More

Region / culture: Japan | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Teriyaki sauce is a popular Japanese sauce that is often used as a marinade or glaze for meats and vegetables. It has a sweet and savory flavor that is sure to please your taste buds. In this article, we will explore the history of the recipe, cooking tips and tricks, nutrition information, serving suggestions, and more.

History

Teriyaki sauce originated in Japan and is believed to have been created in the 17th century. The word "teriyaki" comes from the Japanese words "teri," which means luster, and "yaki," which means grilled or broiled. Traditionally, teriyaki sauce is made with soy sauce, sugar, and mirin, a sweet rice wine. Over the years, the recipe has evolved to include various ingredients such as garlic, ginger, and vinegar.

Ingredients

0.5 cup of soy sauce
0.33 cup of oil
2 tbsp of light corn syrup
2 tbsp of white wine vinegar
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tbsp of ginger
1 tbsp of dry mustard
1 tsp of sake, optional

How to prepare

In a small mixing bowl, combine the ingredients. Pour the mixture into the bowl.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 8 hours.
Use the teriyaki sauce as a dip or marinade. Store any remaining sauce in the refrigerator.

Variations

You can customize the teriyaki sauce by adding ingredients such as pineapple juice, sesame oil, or chili flakes for a spicy kick.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to marinate your meat or vegetables in the teriyaki sauce for at least 8 hours to allow the flavors to fully develop.

- You can use teriyaki sauce as a marinade for chicken, beef, pork, or tofu.

- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can simmer the sauce on the stove until it reaches your desired consistency.

- Be careful not to overcook the sauce, as it can burn easily due to the sugar content.

Serving Suggestions

Teriyaki sauce can be served with grilled chicken, beef, or tofu. It can also be used as a dipping sauce for vegetables or drizzled over rice or noodles.

Cooking Techniques

To make teriyaki sauce, simply combine all the ingredients in a bowl and refrigerate for at least 8 hours. Use the sauce as a marinade or glaze for your favorite meats and vegetables.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have white wine vinegar, you can substitute rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar. You can also use honey or maple syrup instead of corn syrup.

Make Ahead Tips

You can make a large batch of teriyaki sauce and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. This makes meal prep quick and easy.

Presentation Ideas

Serve teriyaki sauce in a small dish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Teriyaki sauce pairs well with dishes such as stir-fries, grilled meats, and sushi. It also complements flavors such as garlic, ginger, and soy sauce.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover teriyaki sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, simply microwave the sauce for a few seconds or heat it on the stove until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

One serving of teriyaki sauce contains approximately 100 calories.

Carbohydrates

The carbohydrates in teriyaki sauce come primarily from the sugar and corn syrup. One serving of teriyaki sauce contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The fats in teriyaki sauce come from the oil used in the recipe. One serving of teriyaki sauce contains approximately 7 grams of fat.

Proteins

Teriyaki sauce does not contain a significant amount of protein. One serving of teriyaki sauce contains less than 1 gram of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Teriyaki sauce does not provide a significant amount of vitamins or minerals. However, it does contain small amounts of iron and calcium.

Alergens

Teriyaki sauce contains soy and wheat, which are common allergens. If you have a soy or wheat allergy, be sure to check the ingredients list before consuming teriyaki sauce.

Summary

Overall, teriyaki sauce is a flavorful addition to your meals, but it should be consumed in moderation due to its high sugar and fat content.

Summary

Teriyaki sauce is a versatile and delicious condiment that can elevate your meals with its sweet and savory flavor. By following this recipe and the tips provided, you can create a homemade teriyaki sauce that is sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a cherished one. It was many years ago, during a summer trip to Japan with my husband. We had been exploring the bustling streets of Tokyo when we stumbled upon a small, family-owned restaurant tucked away in a quiet alley.

As soon as we entered the cozy establishment, the warm aroma of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic filled the air. The atmosphere was inviting, and we were greeted by the owner, an elderly Japanese woman with a kind smile and gentle demeanor. She welcomed us with open arms and guided us to a table by the window, overlooking a serene garden.

As we sat down, the woman brought us a steaming pot of green tea and a plate of assorted pickled vegetables. She then disappeared into the kitchen, leaving us to soak in the tranquil ambiance of the restaurant. It wasn't long before she returned, carrying a sizzling platter of teriyaki chicken and vegetables.

The sight and smell of the dish were mesmerizing. The chicken was perfectly caramelized, coated in a shiny glaze that glistened under the soft lighting of the restaurant. I took my first bite and was instantly transported to a world of savory sweetness and umami flavors. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before.

I couldn't help but ask the owner for the recipe. She chuckled and explained that it was a family secret passed down through generations. However, she offered to teach me how to make it, as she saw the curiosity and eagerness in my eyes.

For the next few hours, I stood by her side in the kitchen, watching and learning as she meticulously measured and combined soy sauce, mirin, sake, sugar, ginger, and garlic. She explained the importance of balancing sweet, salty, and savory flavors in traditional Japanese cuisine, and how the teriyaki sauce should be thickened with a cornstarch slurry to create a shiny glaze.

After the sauce had simmered and thickened to perfection, she poured it over the seared chicken and vegetables, creating a dish that was as beautiful as it was delicious. She then plated the dish with precision and garnished it with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

As I took my first bite of the homemade teriyaki chicken, I felt a sense of accomplishment and pride. The flavors were just as bold and vibrant as the dish we had enjoyed earlier, and I knew that this recipe would become a treasured staple in my own kitchen.

From that day on, I began incorporating the teriyaki sauce into various dishes, from grilled salmon to stir-fried vegetables. Each time I made it, I would think back to that small restaurant in Tokyo and the kind woman who had shared her family recipe with me.

Over the years, I have tweaked and perfected the recipe to suit my own tastes and preferences. I have added a touch of honey for extra sweetness and swapped out the sake for rice vinegar for a tangier flavor. But the essence of the teriyaki sauce remains the same – a harmonious blend of soy sauce, sugar, ginger, and garlic that never fails to delight the senses.

As I pass on this recipe to my own children and grandchildren, I am reminded of the power of food to connect us to our past and create lasting memories. The teriyaki sauce will always hold a special place in my heart, as a reminder of that fateful day in Tokyo when I discovered the magic of homemade Japanese cuisine.