Swap Teriyaki Sauce with Barbecue Sauce, Soy Sauce + Ginger + Brown Sugar, Korean Galbi Sauce, Oyster Sauce, and Hoisin Sauce.
It generally has a high sugar content and is made with vinegar, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and onion powder.
For cooking, Soy Sauce + Ginger + Brown Sugar also works well - adjust the amount to taste.
Okay, real talk - everyone's had that 'oops' moment in the kitchen.
You're on a roll, making a dish that's going to knock everyone's socks off, and then bam, you realize you're out of teriyaki sauce.
Bummer, right? Well, lucky for you, the cooking world is packed with rad backups that can save your dish and maybe even kick it up a notch.
We're here to guide you through the top five clutch moves for when teriyaki sauce has left the chat.
Trust us, these alternatives are about to make you the MVP of kitchen hacks.
Ready to turn that meal mishap into a secret win?
5 Teriyaki Sauce Alternatives to Try
If you're looking for a flavorful, umami-rich sauce to replace teriyaki in your favorite recipes, there are plenty of delicious alternatives you can use.
Here are the five tastiest substitutes that can take your dishes to the next level.
1 - Barbecue Sauce
Barbecue sauce is a thick, dark red sauce used as a marinade, basting, or topping for meat cooked using the barbecue cooking method.
It generally has a high sugar content and is made with vinegar, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and onion powder.
The taste of barbecue sauce can vary depending on the region in which it was made.
In the United States, it is typically tangy and sweet, while in the United Kingdom, it is more savory.
Barbecue sauce can also be used as a substitute for teriyaki sauce in many recipes.
When substituting barbecue sauce for teriyaki sauce, it is important to reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe to prevent the dish from becoming too sweet.
2 - Soy Sauce + Ginger + Brown Sugar
Soy sauce, ginger, and brown sugar are classic combinations that can be used in a variety of dishes.
The salty soy sauce goes well with the sweetness of the brown sugar, while the ginger provides a lovely zing.
Together, they make a delicious marinade or glaze for meats and vegetables.
This combination is often used as a substitute for teriyaki sauce.
Teriyaki sauce can be difficult to find outside of Asia, and it can be quite expensive.
Soy sauce, ginger, and brown sugar provide a similar taste and texture but at a fraction of the cost.
Plus, they're easy to find in any grocery store.
Simply whisk together equal parts soy sauce, brown sugar, and ginger, and you've got a homemade teriyaki sauce that's sure to please.
3 - Korean Galbi Sauce
Korean Galbi Sauce is a thick, sweet, and savory sauce that is typically used as a marinade for meats.
It has a rich umami flavor and a slightly sticky texture.
The sauce is made from a blend of soy sauce, brown sugar, rice wine, sesame oil, and gochujang (Korean chili paste).
Galbi sauce can be used as a substitute for teriyaki sauce in many recipes.
When substituting Galbi sauce for teriyaki, use half the amount of Galbi sauce as you would teriyaki.
This will help to prevent the dish from becoming too sweet.
Galbi sauce can also be used as a dipping sauce or stir-fry sauce.
If you are looking for a bit of spice, add some gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) to the sauce.
4 - Oyster Sauce
Oyster sauce is a thick, dark brown sauce made from oyster extract, sugar, and salt.
It has a salty, umami flavor that is similar to soy sauce.
Oyster sauce is commonly used in Asian cuisine as a dipping sauce, marinade, or stir-fry ingredient.
It is also a common ingredient in Cantonese dishes, such as steamed fish and stir-fried vegetables.
If you don't have teriyaki sauce on hand, the oyster sauce can be used as a substitute.
Simply mix equal parts oyster sauce and water (or chicken broth), and you've got a delicious teriyaki-style marinade or glaze.
For an added kick, add some garlic powder or chili flakes to the mixture.
5 - Hoisin Sauce
Hoisin sauce is a thick, reddish-brown Chinese condiment made from soybeans, sweet potatoes, flour, sugar, garlic, vinegar, and spices.
It is used as a dipping sauce for grilled meat or as a marinade.
Hoisin sauce has a sweet and savory taste with a slightly spicy kick.
It is also quite sticky and can be difficult to work with.
When substituting hoisin sauce for teriyaki sauce, it is best to thin it out with some water or chicken broth.
You may also want to add a bit of rice wine vinegar or lime juice to brighten up the flavors.
Hoisin sauce can be found in the international aisle of most supermarkets.
You might also want to know how teriyaki sauce compares and what teriyaki sauce tastes like.
Frequently Asked Questions
Barbecue Sauce, Soy Sauce + Ginger + Brown Sugar, Korean Galbi Sauce, Oyster Sauce, and Hoisin Sauce. Use it at a 1:1 ratio in any recipe that calls for Teriyaki Sauce.
You have several options. Barbecue Sauce matches the original closely, while Soy Sauce + Ginger + Brown Sugar brings a slightly different character.
Either works at a 1:1 ratio.
Yes. Check your grocery store's international or health food aisle for widely available options.
Many substitutes are pantry staples that are easier to source than the original.
Forgiving dishes - soups, stews, casseroles, and sauces - are the best starting point. They mask small texture or flavor differences better than dishes where the ingredient is the star.