Teriyaki Sauce Substitutes: 5 Sweet-Savory Alternatives
The best substitute for teriyaki sauce is Soy Sauce + Brown Sugar + Rice Vinegar at a 2 tbsp soy sauce + 1 tbsp brown sugar + 1 tsp rice vinegar + 1/2 tsp garlic powder = 3 tbsp teriyaki ratio. It works best for chicken, salmon, stir-fries. There are 4 other alternatives below, each with exact ratios and usage notes.
Best Substitute
Soy Sauce + Brown Sugar + Rice Vinegar
2 tbsp soy sauce + 1 tbsp brown sugar + 1 tsp rice vinegar + 1/2 tsp garlic powder = 3 tbsp teriyaki
Simmer for 2 minutes until sugar dissolves for a quick homemade teriyaki. Add 1 tsp cornstarch slurry if you want a thicker glaze.
What are the other substitutes for teriyaki sauce?
Soy Sauce + Honey
1 tbsp soy sauce + 1 tbsp honey = 2 tbsp teriyaki sauce
The simplest two-ingredient substitute. Honey provides the sweetness and glossy finish. Add a splash of rice vinegar for brightness.
Hoisin Sauce
1 tbsp hoisin sauce = 1 tbsp teriyaki sauce
Similar sweet-savory profile with a thicker consistency. Hoisin has more spice complexity. Works well in stir-fries and as a glaze.
Coconut Aminos + Maple Syrup
1 tbsp coconut aminos + 1 tsp maple syrup = 1 tbsp teriyaki
Soy-free and gluten-free alternative. Milder flavor than traditional teriyaki. Add grated ginger for extra depth.
Oyster Sauce + Rice Vinegar
1 tbsp oyster sauce + 1 tsp rice vinegar + 1/2 tsp sugar = 1 tbsp teriyaki
Provides the savory-sweet umami flavor and thick glaze quality. Not vegan due to oyster extracts.
What should you know before substituting teriyaki sauce?
Teriyaki's signature glossy sheen comes from reducing the sauce. When making a substitute, simmer the mixture until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Adding a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch in 1 tbsp cold water) helps achieve the proper consistency for glazing.
How do you substitute teriyaki sauce in a recipe?
A sweet and savory Japanese glaze made from soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and sake, used for grilling, glazing, and marinating. Teriyaki sauce adds a glossy, caramelized coating to chicken, salmon, tofu, and vegetables.
The best substitute for teriyaki sauce depends on what role it plays in your recipe. Our top recommendation is Soy Sauce + Brown Sugar + Rice Vinegar (2 tbsp soy sauce + 1 tbsp brown sugar + 1 tsp rice vinegar + 1/2 tsp garlic powder = 3 tbsp teriyaki), which works well for chicken, salmon, stir-fries.
If you need a different option, Soy Sauce + Honey (1 tbsp soy sauce + 1 tbsp honey = 2 tbsp teriyaki sauce) is another reliable choice. The simplest two-ingredient substitute. Honey provides the sweetness and glossy finish. Add a splash of rice vinegar for brightness.
When substituting teriyaki sauce, consider the flavor profile, texture, and cooking method of your recipe. For vegan alternatives, look for the options marked with the vegan badge above.
Substitution ratios verified against USDA FoodData Central and FoodSafety.gov. See our testing methodology for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make teriyaki sauce at home?
Combine 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp rice vinegar, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder. Simmer for 2 minutes until the sugar dissolves. Add a cornstarch slurry for a thicker glaze.
Can I use soy sauce instead of teriyaki sauce?
Soy sauce alone is too salty and lacks sweetness. Mix 1 tbsp soy sauce with 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar and a splash of rice vinegar to approximate teriyaki's sweet-savory balance.
Is teriyaki sauce gluten-free?
Traditional teriyaki sauce contains soy sauce, which includes wheat. For a gluten-free version, use tamari or coconut aminos with maple syrup and rice vinegar.