Is Teriyaki Sauce Gluten Free? Complete Guide And Recipe

In recent years, there has been a growing awareness and concern about gluten in our diets. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye that can cause adverse reactions in individuals with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease. As a result, many people are seeking gluten-free alternatives for their favorite foods and condiments. One popular condiment that often raises questions is teriyaki sauce. So, is teriyaki sauce gluten-free?

The problem lies in the fact that traditional teriyaki sauce recipes typically contain soy sauce as one of the main ingredients. Soy sauce is traditionally made from fermented soybeans and wheat, making it unsuitable for those on a gluten-free diet. This poses a challenge for individuals who want to enjoy the delicious flavors of teriyaki sauce without compromising their dietary needs.

However, the good news is that there are gluten-free versions of teriyaki sauce available in the market today. These sauces are specially formulated to be free from gluten-containing ingredients while still maintaining the authentic taste of teriyaki sauce. 

Teriyaki Sauce

Teriyaki sauce is a flavorful and versatile condiment that originated in Japan. It is made from a combination of sugar, mirin (a sweet rice wine), sake (Japanese rice wine), and soy.The name “teriyaki” itself comes from the Japanese words “teri” (shine or glaze) and “yaki” (grill or broil). This savory sauce is typically used to marinate and glaze various types of meats, seafood, and vegetables, giving them a rich, umami flavor.

Is Teriyaki Sauce Gluten-Free?

Is teriyaki sauce gluten free? Either due to your allergy or other concerns, you might be concerned about whether teriyaki sauce is gluten-free. Well, let me tell you from my own experience that not all teriyaki sauces are gluten-free. Traditional teriyaki sauce typically contains soy sauce as one of its main ingredients, which is made from fermented soybeans and does contain wheat. This means that most teriyaki sauces on the market are not gluten-free. However, there are gluten-free alternatives available that use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce instead. These versions are specifically labeled as gluten-free and are suitable for individuals with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. So, if you have a gluten sensitivity or follow a gluten-free diet, make sure to check the label carefully before purchasing teriyaki sauce to ensure it is indeed gluten-free. Else, making your own gluten-free sauce at home is another best option you can consider.

How To Make Teriyaki Sauce?

Now that you know about the gluten content in teriyaki sauce, it’s important to understand how to make a gluten-free version. In this guide, I will share my experience with gluten-free teriyaki sauce and provide a step-by-step process to create a delicious, homemade sauce.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make a gluten-free teriyaki sauce, you’ll need the following ingredients and their respective amounts:

• Gluten-free tamari (2 tablespoons)
• Rice vinegar (2 tablespoons)
• Cornstarch (1 tablespoon)
• Fresh ginger (1-inch piece, grated) or frozen ginger cubes (2 cubes)
• Honey (2 tablespoons) or maple syrup, regular white sugar, or coconut sugar (for vegan option)
• Brown sugar (2 tablespoons)
• Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon) or grated fresh garlic clove (1)
• Water (1/4 cup)

How to Make Gluten-Free Teriyaki Sauce – Step By Step

To make gluten-free teriyaki sauce, follow these steps:

1. In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup tamari, 1/4 cup rice vinegar, 1/4 cup water, 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, and 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger or 1 tablespoon frozen ginger cubes.
2. Whisk the ingredients together until the sugar and honey are dissolved.
3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water to create a slurry.
4. Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the saucepan, whisking continuously to combine.
5. Cook the sauce over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and comes to a boil.
6. Remove the sauce from heat and let it cool slightly before using it as a marinade, glaze, or dipping sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

From my personal experience, I have found that this teriyaki sauce recipe is truly exceptional. There are several reasons why you’ll love it, and I’ll share some of them with you below.

Firstly, the flavor is simply unbeatable. The perfect balance of sweet and savory, with a hint of umami, makes this sauce a versatile and delicious addition to any dish. It can be used as a marinade, a glaze, or even as a dipping sauce, and it elevates the taste of chicken, fish, vegetables, and more.

Secondly, the recipe is incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation, you can have a homemade teriyaki sauce in no time. This is a great option for busy weeknights or when you’re short on time but still want a delicious and satisfying meal.

Another reason to love this teriyaki sauce recipe is that it’s customizable to your taste preferences. You can easily adjust the sweetness or spiciness by adding more honey or red pepper flakes, respectively. This allows you to create a sauce that’s perfectly tailored to your liking.

Now, let’s address the issue of gluten content in this sauce. While traditional teriyaki sauce recipes often contain soy sauce, which can have gluten in it, this recipe uses gluten-free tamari soy sauce. This makes it a great option for those who need to avoid gluten in their diet.

Lastly, making your own teriyaki sauce at home ensures that you know exactly what’s going into it. Many store-bought sauces contain unnecessary additives, preservatives, and artificial flavors, but this homemade version is made with simple, wholesome ingredients. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that you’re serving a healthier and more natural sauce to your family and friends.

Teriyaki Sauce Gluten-Free Brands

By any means, if you are unable to make your own teriyaki sauce at home, there are several gluten-free brands available in the market that offer delicious and safe options. As a food enthusiast and someone who follows a gluten-free diet, I have tried various teriyaki sauce brands and here are some of those I really loved!

San-J Gluten Free Teriyaki Sauce

Unlike the kinder’s, Lawry’s, La choy, his brand is known for its high-quality gluten-free products. Their teriyaki sauce is made with Tamari soy sauce, which is naturally gluten-free as it is brewed without wheat. The flavor of San-J’s teriyaki sauce is rich and savory, with a perfect balance of sweetness and umami. I was pleasantly surprised by how well it complemented grilled meats and vegetables. Moreover, San-J is dedicated to providing safe options for individuals with dietary restrictions, making it a reliable choice for those avoiding gluten.

Kikkoman Gluten-Free Teriyaki Sauce

Kikkoman is a well-established brand known for its traditional soy sauces. They have also introduced a gluten-free version of their teriyaki sauce, which is made with gluten-free soy sauce instead of the regular one. I found the flavor to be authentic and reminiscent of classic teriyaki sauce. It worked wonderfully as a marinade or glaze for various dishes, including stir-fries and grilled proteins. Kikkoman’s commitment to producing gluten-free products ensures that individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity can enjoy their teriyaki sauce without any worries.

Coconut Secret Coconut Aminos Teriyaki Sauce

For those looking for a soy-free and gluten-free option, Coconut Secret offers an alternative using coconut aminos than the Subway sweet onion and Pf chang’s. Their teriyaki sauce combines the sweetness of coconut sap with savory spices to create a unique flavor profile. I enjoyed the subtle hint of coconut in this sauce, which added a tropical twist to my dishes. It worked well as a dipping sauce or as a glaze for grilled vegetables. Coconut Secret’s dedication to using organic and minimally processed ingredients makes it an appealing choice for health-conscious individuals.

Storage Instructions

Making your teriyaki sauce gluten-free recipe with pineapple juice or any other alternative is easy but requires proper storage instructions to ensure the sauce maintains its flavor and texture. 

Here are some essential storage tips for your homemade teriyaki sauce:

Store in a cool, dark place

To prevent the sauce from spoiling or losing its taste, always store it in a cool, dark place such as a pantry or cupboard. Exposure to heat or sunlight can cause the sauce to deteriorate quickly.

Use airtight containers

Transfer your homemade teriyaki sauce to an airtight container, such as a glass jar or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid. This will help maintain the freshness of the sauce and prevent contamination from other ingredients in your pantry.

Refrigerate for longer shelf life

For best results, store your homemade teriyaki sauce in the refrigerator. This will help extend its shelf life and maintain its flavor and texture. Make sure to give the sauce a good stir before using it, as the ingredients may separate during storage.

Use within a month

Homemade teriyaki sauce is best used within a month of making it. After that, the flavor and texture may begin to degrade. If you find that your sauce has been sitting in the fridge for longer than a month, it’s best to discard it and make a fresh batch.

Label the container

To ensure you know what’s inside the container, label it with the contents and the date you made it. This will help you keep track of the sauce’s freshness and when it’s time to make a new batch.

Serving Suggestions

Lastly, I would like to share some serving suggestions for your homemade teriyaki sauce. This sauce can be used in various dishes, making it a versatile and delicious addition to your culinary repertoire.

Grilled meats 

Brush your teriyaki sauce generously on chicken, pork, or beef before grilling. The sweet and savory flavors will enhance the taste of the meat, making it juicy and tender.

Stir-fries

Add a few spoonfuls of teriyaki sauce to your stir-fry dishes, such as vegetables, tofu, or noodles. The sauce will not only give the dish a delightful taste but also make it glossy and appetizing.

Rice bowls

Teriyaki sauce pairs perfectly with rice bowls or panera chicken bowl, especially when combined with grilled or steamed vegetables, protein, and a bed of fluffy rice. Drizzle the sauce over the dish for an extra burst of flavor.

Salads

Drizzle a little teriyaki sauce over your salad greens, and you’ll be amazed at how it can elevate the taste of the dish. The sauce pairs well with various salad ingredients, such as chicken, tofu, avocado, and mixed vegetables.

Marinades

Teriyaki sauce can also be used as a marinade for meats, fish, or tofu. Let your chosen protein soak in the sauce for a few hours or overnight, and then grill or bake it for a delicious meal.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the gluten content in teriyaki sauce can vary greatly depending on the specific brand and ingredients used. While some teriyaki sauces are indeed gluten-free like the sweet baby ray’s or Ayam, others may contain gluten due to the presence of wheat, barley, or rye in the form of soy sauce, wheat-based thickeners, or other additives. 

To ensure that you are consuming a gluten-free teriyaki sauce, always check the ingredients label on the product and look for certification from trusted organizations such as the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO).

FAQs

Why Isn’t Teriyaki Gluten-Free?

Teriyaki sauce typically contains soy sauce, which is made from fermented soybeans and wheat, making it not gluten-free.

Is Teriyaki Kikkoman Gluten-Free?

Kikkoman’s standard Teriyaki sauce contains wheat-based soy sauce and is not gluten-free.

What Is Teriyaki Sauce Made Of?

Teriyaki sauce is primarily made of soy sauce, sake (or mirin), sugar, and sometimes ginger and garlic.

Does Teriyaki Chicken Have A Lot Of Gluten?

Traditional teriyaki chicken can have gluten if the sauce used contains wheat-based soy sauce.

Is Buffalo Wild Wings Teriyaki Sauce Gluten Free?

Buffalo Wild Wings’ Teriyaki sauce may contain gluten ingredients; it’s essential to check their specific product information.

Does Japanese Soy Sauce Have Gluten?

Most Japanese soy sauces are made from soybeans and wheat, so they do contain gluten.

Is Teriyaki Chicken Gluten Free?

Unless specifically made with gluten-free ingredients, teriyaki chicken typically contains gluten due to the use of wheat-based soy sauce