What Is the Difference between Teriyaki Sauce and Soy Sauce?

Dive into the savory world of Asian condiments as we explore the nuances between teriyaki sauce and soy sauce. While both staples are rooted in the rich tradition of Asian cuisine, they serve distinct culinary purposes. 

Soy sauce, a fundamental ingredient with a history dating back to ancient China, is a versatile condiment made from fermented soybeans, wheat, water, and salt. It imparts an umami-rich, salty flavor to dishes. Soy sauce si a staple in over 36% of American households, with 2.21 million Americans using 4 or more bottles/cans/jars in 2020, according to Statista. 

On the other hand, teriyaki sauce, which builds upon the base of soy sauce, incorporates additional components like sugar, ginger, and garlic, creating a balance of sweet and savory notes. This blend is often used as a marinade or glaze, particularly in Japanese cuisine, where it adds a glossy finish and complex flavor profile to grilled meats and vegetables. 

As we compare teriyaki sauce vs soy sauce, it's clear that each has its own identity and application, enhancing dishes with their unique characteristics.

Soy sauce produces a flavor commonly associated with Asian cuisine. It is basically composed of a water and salt base with the addition of fermented soybean paste. Teriyaki sauce utilizes soy sauce as an actual base but includes a number of other ingredients. It usually produces a sweeter flavor, while soy sauce is more salty in nature.

Both of these sauces are high in sugar and salt and are therefore available in reduced forms. Oftentimes at restaurants or in stores, a low-sodium soy sauce or low-sugar teriyaki sauce can be found. There is also a price disparity between teriyaki sauce and soy sauce. Typically, teriyaki sauce costs more. This makes sense given that more ingredients are in teriyaki sauce, which results in more labor and a greater initial expense.

While soy sauce is basically a derivative of the soybean with water and salt, teriyaki is slightly more complicated. Teriyaki includes all of the ingredients of soy sauce with brown sugar, ginger, and garlic in addition. To further complicate the process, some chefs like to prepare teriyaki sauce with sesame seed oil and green onions as well.

The method in which all of these ingredients are combined tends to vary from chef to chef. The ratio of ingredients is also not a constant. For example, one chef may go heavy on the ginger and garlic, while another might prefer less of these ingredients.

Teriyaki sauce and soy sauce both are very versatile in the culinary world. They are used for dipping, glazing, and marinating, as well as playing roles in bigger recipes. Soy sauce is used strictly for dipping more than teriyaki. One example of this is in the sushi realm, where almost no roll comes without the option of soy sauce.

Used more than people realize, teriyaki sauce and soy sauce exist in a number of popular platters and dishes that don't advertise their use. Both sauces have also emerged onto the Western culinary scene, now being used in many Americanized versions of Asian dishes. While both sauces are similar in many ways, teriyaki is basically a jazzed up version of its soy little brother.

Teriyaki sauce and soy sauce differ primarily in their ingredients and flavor profiles. Soy sauce is a basic condiment made from fermented soybeans, wheat, water, and salt, offering a salty, umami flavor. Teriyaki sauce, on the other hand, includes soy sauce as a base but is enhanced with additional ingredients like sugar, ginger, garlic, and sometimes mirin or sake, creating a sweeter, more complex flavor that's both savory and tangy.

While soy sauce can be used as a base for creating a homemade teriyaki sauce, it is not a direct substitute due to the significant flavor differences. To mimic teriyaki sauce, you would need to add sweeteners like brown sugar or honey, and possibly ginger and garlic to achieve the characteristic teriyaki taste. Simply using soy sauce alone will not provide the same sweet and glossy finish that teriyaki sauce offers.

Healthiness can be subjective and depends on dietary needs. Teriyaki sauce typically contains more sugar and calories than soy sauce due to its additional ingredients. However, soy sauce is higher in sodium. For those watching their sugar intake, soy sauce might be the healthier choice, while those needing to reduce sodium may prefer teriyaki sauce in moderation. Always check labels for specific nutritional content.

Soy sauce is versatile, used as a seasoning, marinade, or dipping sauce, adding saltiness and depth to dishes. Teriyaki sauce, with its thicker consistency and sweeter flavor, is often used as a glaze for meats and vegetables or as a finishing sauce. It caramelizes well when cooked, which is ideal for grilling or broiling, whereas soy sauce is more commonly used in stir-fries, soups, and sauces.

Yes, there are several types of soy sauce, such as light, dark, tamari, and shoyu, each with unique flavors and uses. Light soy sauce is thinner and saltier, while dark soy sauce is thicker, less salty, and slightly sweet. Tamari is a Japanese soy sauce that's typically gluten-free and has a richer umami flavor. The type of soy sauce used can influence the overall taste of teriyaki sauce, with darker varieties contributing to a richer flavor profile.