Teriyaki Sauce Vs. Marinade: What's The Difference? - Tasting Table (2024)

Teriyaki Sauce Vs. Marinade: What's The Difference? - Tasting Table (2)

Teriyaki Sauce Vs. Marinade: What's The Difference? - Tasting Table (3)

Teriyaki Sauce Vs. Marinade: What's The Difference?

Teriyaki Sauce Vs. Marinade: What's The Difference? - Tasting Table (4)

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ByShaye Glisson/

Teriyaki chicken is tangy, sweet, salty, and oh so satisfying! It often accompanies white rice and broccoli or a stir-fried vegetable medley. Teriyaki's taste adds delicious flavor to chicken, pork, beef, and tofu, and it contains an incomparable, savory taste (via MadamnGRecipe).

Teriyaki sauce and marinade can be made at home from scratch or store-bought. Either way, teriyaki contains the Asian flavors of savory soy sauce, honey, onion, garlic, and ginger.

Marinades and sauces are used to complete many dishes and add flavor to otherwise bland meats and other foods. When it comes to which you should use, do you know the difference? Distinguishing between the two will help you choose which you should use for the type of meat or meal you plan to cook. Time is also a determining factor for whether you should use a marinade or sauce. Keep scrolling to learn the differences between the two types of teriyaki seasonings.

Marinades and sauces are used differently

Teriyaki Sauce Vs. Marinade: What's The Difference? - Tasting Table (5)

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Craving teriyaki chicken? When it comes to cooking the dish, knowing the difference between teriyaki sauce and marinade can affect your fare. The sweet and sour, tangy mixture is included in many Asian dishes. Its soy sauce base contains ginger, and sesame, with hints of garlic, and complements poultry, fish, and beef very well (via eHow).

EHow says that the most significant difference between teriyaki marinade and sauce is its use. A marinade is a thin liquid with a consistency similar to water. Vegetables such as garlic, onion, or ginger are often added to enhance the marinade's flavor potency (via eHow). A marinade adds concentrated flavor gradually by allowing the meat to soak up all the flavor over time, sometimes soaking for several hours. Marinating meat provides juice flavor and a tender meat consistency (via MadamnGRecipe).

In contrast, teriyaki sauce adds instant flavor gratification and has a consistency that is usually thicker than a marinade. It is used for basting or pouring over meat as it cooks. Because teriyaki sauce is palette-ready, it is also used as a dipping sauce or condiment for cooked meats such as chicken nuggets or wings (via Master Class).

Both teriyaki sauce and marinade give your chicken a boost of flavor. They can be used together for a rich flavor or separately as a subtle seasoning addition to poultry, beef, or fish.

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Teriyaki Sauce Vs. Marinade: What's The Difference? - Tasting Table (2024)

FAQs

Teriyaki Sauce Vs. Marinade: What's The Difference? - Tasting Table? ›

Marinating meat provides juice flavor and a tender meat consistency (via MadamnGRecipe). In contrast, teriyaki sauce adds instant flavor gratification and has a consistency that is usually thicker than a marinade. It is used for basting or pouring over meat as it cooks.

Is there a difference between teriyaki sauce and marinade? ›

The main difference is that marinades are used to flavor food before cooking while a sauce is added during the cooking process or after the dish has been cooked. One important thing: don't use premade marinade that's been used to marinate meat, poultry, or fish.

What is the difference between a marinade and a sauce? ›

Marinades contain more acidic ingredients like vinegar or citrus juice which helps to break down the proteins in meats and vegetables, making them more tender when cooked. Sauces, on the other hand, contain more fat and sugar and are served after cooking to add flavour.

Can you use Kikkoman teriyaki marinade as a sauce? ›

Made with Kikkoman® Soy Sauce, premium wines, vinegar, corn syrup and Asian seasonings, Kikkoman® Teriyaki Marinade & Sauce gives foods rich teriyaki flavor you can count on time after time. Use it right from the bottle as a marinade, dipping sauce, condiment or signature sauce base.

What is the taste of teriyaki sauce? ›

The main things that you'll taste when eating anything that's been glazed in teriyaki sauce is sweetness, tanginess and stickiness. You'll also get a big whack of salt and umami flavouring from the soy, which is why it works so well to amp up light fish or veg and bring out the umami flavours in red meat.

Can you eat marinade as a sauce? ›

Raw meat and fish have germs on their surfaces that will contaminate a marinade after use. Even if your marinade has acid or alcohol, these ingredients are not strong enough to kill the germs. Enough contamination remains that you can get sick from a foodborne illness if you use the marinade for basting or as a sauce.

Can you reduce teriyaki marinade? ›

Teriyaki sauce is a great way to liven up meat and vegetables and provides a delicious Asian flavour to any dish. Don't fret if your sauce is a little thin, simply use heat to reduce the liquid or add a little corn flour. In no time at all, you will have a thicker sauce that is ready to add to your meal.

What is the rule for marinade? ›

A general rule of marinade-to-meat ratio is one-half cup of marinade per pound of meat. Times vary depending on the type, cut and size of the meat. Denser meats such as pork and steak can marinate for 24 hours or even longer. A lighter meat like chicken can marinate between 2 hours and 24 hours.

What are the three main ingredients when marinating? ›

A typical marinade is made up of three essential components: an acid (such as vinegar, wine, or citrus), an oil (such as olive oil or sesame oil), and a flavouring agent (such as herbs and spices).

What are the three main types of marinade? ›

Different types of marinades are classified as acidic, enzymatic, or oil-based.

How to make teriyaki sauce taste better? ›

Brown sugar in place of white granulated sugar.
  1. 1 Tablespoon cornstarch.
  2. 1 Tablespoon cold water.
  3. 1/2 Cup sugar. (Brown sugar can add a depth to the flavor too.)
  4. 1/2 Cup low sodium soy sauce.
  5. (1/2 teaspoon of MSG)
  6. 1/4 Cup apple cider vinegar.
  7. 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger.
  8. 1 garlic clove, minced.
Mar 15, 2023

Is it better to buy or make teriyaki sauce? ›

You know how the irresistibly sweet-salty teriyaki-slathered grilled meat you get at a Japanese restaurant is infinitely more delicious than the stuff you make at home? Well, the reason is simple: Homemade teriyaki sauce is just always better than the sickly sweet store-bought stuff.

Does teriyaki sauce go on before or after cooking? ›

Teriyaki sauce is usually added to the meat (or meat substitute) while it's being cooked on a grill or a wok. It's also often used as a dipping sauce or condiment for pork tenderloin, chicken thighs, chicken breasts, flank steak, or, of course, your meat substitutes of choice.

Is teriyaki sauce better thick or thin? ›

Teriyaki refers to a style of Japanese cuisine that includes cooking proteins and vegetables in a thick, sweet, and savory sauce. The word loosely translates to "glossy broil" and is synonymous with a bold, tangy flavor that is beloved the world over.

What is teriyaki sauce best for? ›

Teriyaki sauce pairs well with meats such as fish, chicken, beef, and pork. When used as a dipping sauce, teriyaki sauce flavors chicken wings, dumplings, shrimp, and steak. Stir-fries, rice dishes, and vegetables use teriyaki sauce for additional flavor.

What is a good substitute for teriyaki sauce? ›

What Is A Substitute For Teriyaki Sauce?
  • Soy Sauce and Brown Sugar. A simple and effective substitute for teriyaki sauce is a combination of soy sauce and brown sugar. ...
  • Hoisin Sauce. ...
  • Worcestershire Sauce and Honey. ...
  • Coconut Aminos. ...
  • Homemade Teriyaki Sauce.
Apr 1, 2024

Does teriyaki marinade thicken? ›

To Make the Teriyaki Sauce:

When the mixture reaches a simmer, bring the heat down to low and allow to reduce for 10 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl; the mixture will thicken as it cools. Note: If you want super thick teriyaki sauce, you can use a bit of cornstarch to help.

What is the difference between marinade and marinate? ›

What is a marinade? A marinade is an herb rich acidic sauce that is used to tenderize and add flavor to foods, particularly protein foods. Marinate is the verb form of marinade, meaning to soak the food in an acidic sauce adding flavor and tenderizing protein foods.

What's the difference between teriyaki sauce and soy sauce? ›

Teriyaki Sauce vs Soy Sauce

Teriyaki sauce is a sweet and savory sauce made from soy sauce, sugar, and mirin. On the other hand, soy sauce is a dark, salty sauce made from fermented soybeans, wheat, and salt.

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