What Is Teriyaki? A Complete Guide to Teriyaki Sauce

We’ve all seen that glossy, sweet-and-savoury glaze on grilled chicken or salmon in Japanese restaurants, and chances are that you have indeed already tasted teriyaki.

But what exactly is teriyaki? Why has it become one of the most loved flavours in Japanese-inspired cooking around the world along with sushi and katsu?

In this guide, we’ll explore what teriyaki is, how traditional teriyaki sauce is made, and how you can use it to bring bold, balanced flavour into your own kitchen with a little help from Mizkan Teriyaki Sauce.

What Is Teriyaki?

At its heart, teriyaki is a classic Japanese cooking technique as much as it is a flavour.

The word “teriyaki” comes from two Japanese words:

  • “Teri” meaning shine or glaze
  • “Yaki” meaning to grill, broil, or pan-fry

Put simply, teriyaki refers to foods that are cooked with a glossy glaze, created by brushing or coating ingredients with a sweet and savoury sauce while cooking.

Traditionally, teriyaki is used with fish such as mackerel or yellowtail tuna in Japan. Over time, it has evolved globally and is now commonly paired with chicken, salmon, beef, tofu, and vegetables.

What Is Teriyaki Sauce Made Of?

Authentic teriyaki sauce is beautifully simple, created using just a four key ingredients:

  • Soy sauce, which adds saltiness and umami depth
  • Mirin, a sweet rice seasoning, brings mild sweetness and shine
  • Sugar is used to enhance the glaze and caramelisation
  • Sake is an optional addition that adds complexity

When heated, these ingredients reduce into a rich, glossy sauce that clings to food, creating that signature teriyaki finish.

The magic of teriyaki lies in that balance of salty, sweet, and umami all working together in harmony.

How Is Teriyaki Used in Cooking?

Teriyaki is all about layering flavour during cooking. 

Unlike marinades that are used beforehand, teriyaki sauce is often brushed on or added while food cooks, allowing it to caramelise and create that iconic glaze.

Here are some of the most popular ways to use teriyaki:

1. Glazing

Brush teriyaki sauce over meat, fish, or vegetables as they grill or pan-fry. The heat transforms the sauce into a sticky, shiny coating.

2. Stir-Fries

Add teriyaki sauce to stir-fried dishes for a quick boost of flavour. It works beautifully with noodles, rice, and mixed vegetables.

3. Marinades

While not traditional, teriyaki sauce can also be used as a marinade to infuse ingredients with flavour before cooking.

4. Dipping Sauce

Serve it as a dipping sauce for skewers, dumplings, or grilled bites.

How to Make Teriyaki Sauce at Home

Making teriyaki sauce from scratch is simple and rewarding. Combine soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and sake in a pan, then simmer gently until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.

But let’s be honest, when time is short, convenience matters just as much as tradition…

Make Teriyaki Easy with Mizkan

If you love the idea of teriyaki but want to skip the measuring and simmering, Mizkan Teriyaki Sauce makes it easier than ever to bring authentic flavour to your dishes.

Crafted with the same balance of sweet and savoury notes, Mizkan’s Teriyaki Sauce delivers:

  • A rich, glossy finish
  • Perfectly balanced flavour
  • Versatility across a wide range of dishes

Whether you’re glazing salmon, tossing noodles, or creating a quick midweek meal, it helps you achieve delicious results with minimal effort.

Discover Mizkan Teriyaki Sauce here: https://foodservice.mizkankitchen.co.uk/products/teriyaki-sauce

Simple Teriyaki Recipe Ideas

Looking for inspiration? Here are a few easy ways to enjoy teriyaki at home:

Teriyaki Chicken

Pan-fry chicken thighs until golden, then add Mizkan Teriyaki Sauce and cook until coated in a sticky glaze. Serve with rice and steamed greens.

Teriyaki Salmon

Brush salmon fillets with teriyaki sauce and grill until caramelised. Finish with sesame seeds and spring onions.

Teriyaki Vegetable Stir-Fry

Stir-fry your favourite vegetables, then toss with teriyaki sauce for a quick, flavour-packed dish.

Why Teriyaki Is Loved Worldwide

Teriyaki has become a global favourite because it’s:

  • Simple – with just a few ingredients you can create big flavour
  • Versatile – it works with meat, fish, and plant-based dishes
  • Balanced – it has the perfect harmony of sweet and savoury

It’s a brilliant example of how Japanese cooking celebrates simplicity while delivering depth and satisfaction.

Bringing Teriyaki Into Your Kitchen

Whether you’re new to Japanese cooking or looking to expand your repertoire, teriyaki is a wonderful place to start.

With its signature shine, rich flavour, and endless versatility, it’s easy to see why teriyaki continues to inspire cooks around the world.

And with Mizkan by your side, creating authentic, delicious teriyaki dishes has never been simpler.

Explore More with Mizkan Kitchen

For more recipes, tips, and inspiration for bringing Japanese flavours into your everyday cooking, head to the Mizkan home page at the button below.

Be Inspired!