How To Improve Store Bought Teriyaki Sauce: ANSWERED!

ByViolet ParkerEditorial Policy

Need some ideas for how to improve store bought teriyaki sauce?

You’re in the right place! 

Though grocery store sauces can be convenient, they’re often lacking when it comes to both taste and texture. 

Here, we’re going to look at a variety of techniques that can turn a mediocre teriyaki into something really special… 

How To Improve Teriyaki Sauce: Understanding The Base

Store bought teriyaki sauce typically consists of soy sauce, sugar, ginger, garlic, and occasionally other flavour enhancers.

However, it may not always provide the depth of flavour and complexity desired by more discerning palates.

A common issue with store bought teriyaki sauce is its thin consistency and overly sweet or salty taste.

This can be attributed to the commercial manufacturing process, which often relies on cheaper ingredients and may skimp on the more subtle, authentic flavours to reduce costs.

By adding a few simple ingredients, adjusting seasonings, and employing different cooking techniques, you can transform a basic store bought sauce into a more refined and flavourful product.

Some suggestions from various sources include adding pineapple juice or brown sugar to sweeten the sauce, fresh ginger or honey for depth and sweetness, or incorporating soy sauce for a more robust flavour.

Ways to Enhance Flavour

Improving the taste of store-bought teriyaki sauce is simple with a few creative adjustments.

This section will explore various techniques to enhance flavour by adding fresh ingredients, adjusting sweetness, and increasing spiciness.

Adding Fresh Ingredients

Introducing fresh elements to the teriyaki sauce can elevate its flavour profile and add complexity.

Consider grating ginger or garlic into the sauce for an extra kick.

Sesame oil can also be a great addition, contributing a rich and nutty taste.

For a touch of freshness, incorporate chopped scallions or a splash of citrus, such as lemon or lime juice, to make the sauce brighter and more refreshing.

The potential combinations are virtually limitless, so feel free to experiment with your preferred ingredients to create a personalised, enhanced teriyaki sauce experience! 

Adjusting Sweetness

Modifying the sweetness of store-bought teriyaki sauce can bring out the other flavours and create a more balanced taste.

A popular method is adding a teaspoon of brown sugar or honey to the sauce, which can be easily dissolved by heating it up in a saucepan.

Another option is to incorporate a splash or tablespoon of pineapple juice, which not only sweetens the sauce but also adds a subtle fruity flavour that complements its overall taste. 

Increasing Spiciness

If you’re looking to add a bit of heat to your teriyaki sauce, there are several ways to incorporate spiciness.

Consider adding a few dashes of hot sauce, such as Sriracha or Tabasco, depending on your preferred level of heat.

Alternatively, you can use fresh chilli peppers or red pepper flakes for a more natural, earthy spice.

Make sure to start with a small amount, as it’s easier to add more spice than to remove it. 

Transforming the Consistency

Adjusting the consistency of store-bought teriyaki sauce can significantly improve its texture and overall taste.

Whether you prefer a thicker or thinner sauce, there are various options available to achieve your desired consistency.

Thickening Options

When looking to thicken teriyaki sauce, there are a few popular methods to choose from:

  • Cornstarch or other starches: Add a cornstarch slurry, a mixture of cornstarch and water, into the heated saucepan. Ensure you continuously stir the sauce to avoid lumps. Baking Kneads also suggests using rice flour for a similar result.
  • Simmer and reduce: A natural method to thicken store-bought teriyaki sauce is by simmering it in a saucepan until it reduces and reaches your desired consistency. This technique is demonstrated on RecipeTin Eats.
  • Add fats: In some cases, gradually adding a small amount of fat, such as butter or oil, can help thicken the teriyaki sauce. Continuously stir the mixture to ensure an even thickness.

Thinning Options

If your teriyaki sauce is too thick, there are methods available to thin it out:

  • Water: Gradually add water, starting with a tablespoon at a time, and stir until you achieve the desired consistency.
  • Soy sauce or mirin: Incorporate additional liquids, like soy sauce or mirin, to not only thin out the teriyaki sauce but also enhance its flavour.
  • Other liquids: Pineapple juice can be used for a sweeter and fruitier result. This option adds not only thinness but also an exciting twist to the sauce.

Bearing these thickening and thinning options in mind, you can easily customise your store-bought teriyaki sauce to create the perfect consistency for your taste preferences and dish requirements.

Incorporating Teriyaki Sauce into Dishes

If you’re looking to enhance your culinary creations with store-bought teriyaki sauce, there are plenty of delightful ways to do so.

Here are a few ideas to incorporate the sauce into various dishes…

Stir-frying vegetables is an excellent way to integrate teriyaki sauce into a meal. Adding vegetables such as bell peppers and grape tomatoes creates a colourful and flavourful dish.

Once the vegetables are cooked, pour the store-bought teriyaki sauce over them, and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes. 

Teriyaki sauce is also a marvellous choice for marinating proteins such as chicken, beef, or tofu.

By marinating the ingredients for around 30 minutes and baking them at 350°F (176°C) for 15-20 minutes, the final product will be both tender and flavourful, as shown in TheSuperHealthyFood.

When it comes to side dishes or accompaniments, a lovely pairing with teriyaki-flavoured dishes is steamed rice, noodles, or a fresh salad with a light vinaigrette. You can also garnish the teriyaki dishes with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for an appealing appearance and added flavour.

Creative Combinations and Tips

Exploring exciting combinations and practical tips can significantly enhance the flavour of store-bought teriyaki sauce.

These ideas will help you add depth and complexity to your dishes, all while maintaining the convenience of store-bought sauce.

Firstly, try adding a splash or tablespoon of pineapple juice to give the sauce a subtle fruity taste and increased sweetness. Alternatively, dissolve a teaspoon of brown sugar in the sauce for a similar effect.

Another idea is to enhance the freshness by adding ingredients like freshly grated ginger, garlic, sesame oil, or chopped scallions. These additions will contribute more depth to the sauce’s flavour profile.

Citrus elements can also significantly improve your teriyaki experience. For a brighter, more refreshing taste, add a splash of lemon or lime juice to the sauce before serving.

Besides these creative combinations, consider the following practical tips:

  • When heating your teriyaki sauce, make sure to simmer it gently and avoid boiling, as high heat can cause the sauce to burn or become too thick.
  • Always taste the sauce before serving, and adjust the seasoning or sweetness to suit your personal preference.
  • When marinating meat or vegetables, leave them in the sauce for a few hours to allow the flavours to infuse completely.
  • Create simple and delicious meals by combining the sauce with a variety of ingredients, such as tofu, mushrooms, broccoli, and more.

As you can see, you have plenty of choices when it comes to how to improve store bought teriyaki sauce! Leave a comment below and share your favourite techniques.