Japanese barbecue sauce, also known as teriyaki sauce, is a sweet, salty, and slightly sticky sauce used to glaze meats and vegetables when grilling. It’s an essential condiment for any Japanese BBQ or teriyaki meal. Here is an in-depth guide on how to use Japanese BBQ sauce to make authentic and delicious teriyaki dishes at home.
Introduction to Japanese BBQ Sauce
Japanese BBQ sauce is made from mirin, sake, soy sauce, sugar, and ginger. It creates a glossy, caramelized coating on meats and vegetables when grilled. The sweet and salty flavors perfectly complement the smoky charred flavors from the grill.
Unlike American BBQ sauces which tend to be ketchup or vinegar-based, Japanese BBQ sauce relies on umami-rich ingredients like soy sauce. It balances savory, sweet, tangy and salty tastes in one irresistible sauce.
Using Japanese BBQ sauce is an easy way to add lots of flavor quickly when grilling. It’s commonly used for making teriyaki chicken, steak teriyaki, salmon teriyaki, shrimp teriyaki, and vegetable teriyaki.
Below are tips on how to choose, make, and properly use Japanese BBQ sauce for perfect backyard grilling results:
Buying Pre-Made Japanese BBQ Sauce
The easiest option is to buy a ready-made Japanese BBQ or teriyaki sauce. When purchasing pre-made sauce, look for these qualities:
- Ingredients – Quality sauce will list soy sauce, mirin, sake, ginger, and sugar as main ingredients. Avoid corn syrup or MSG.
- Texture – Good teriyaki sauce has a slightly thick, glossy texture that clings nicely to food for grilling.
- Flavor – Taste for a good balance of sweet and salty flavors. It should taste better than just soy sauce.
Some excellent Japanese brands include Otafuku, Kikkoman, and Yamasa. Grocery stores like Whole Foods or Asian markets will have a decent selection of bottled Japanese BBQ sauces.
Making Homemade Japanese BBQ Sauce
For the absolute best results, make homemade Japanese BBQ sauce. It takes just 5 minutes to prepare:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 1⁄2 cup mirin
- 1⁄2 cup sake
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1-inch knob grated ginger
Instructions:
- In a small saucepan, combine all ingredients and bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes, until slightly thickened.
- Let cool before using or storing.
Making it yourself allows you to control flavors and ingredients. You can adjust sweetness and saltiness to taste.
Tips for Using Japanese BBQ Sauce
Here are tips for brushing foods with Japanese BBQ sauce when grilling:
- Use a grill brush – Use a high-heat silicone brush specifically for grilling to easily brush sauce on foods on the grill.
- Sauce just before flipping – Brush sauce on during the last 1-2 minutes before flipping food over. This allows the sauce to caramelize without burning.
- Brush on thin coats – Don’t overdo it. Brush on a very thin layer of sauce to keep flavor balanced. Avoid dripping sauce that can cause flare-ups.
- Char then glaze – For steaks or larger cuts of meat, let them sear first before glazing to build up charred flavor.
- Cut bias – When grilling meat sliced on the bias, coat each piece individually so all sides caramelize evenly.
- Watch heat – If sauce is burning from high heat, turn down the temperature slightly. Move food to indirect heat if needed.
Grilling Tips for Perfectly Sauced Teriyaki
Beyond properly using the sauce itself, follow these general tips for best results when making any teriyaki recipe on the grill:
- Use boneless meats – Boneless cuts like chicken thighs, steak strips, and fish fillets absorb more flavor.
- Partially freeze meat – Half freeze thicker cuts of meat which makes them easier to slice paper thin.
- Cut across the grain – Slice meats against the grain so they are short and tender after grilling.
- Use metal skewers – Wood absorbs sauce and can burn. Soak metal skewers before using to prevent food sticking.
- Clean grill grates – Sauces will stick and burn on dirty grates. Heat grill and brush grates clean before starting.
- Preheat grill well – Use high heat between 450-550°F for proper searing and caramelization when using sauces.
Following these best practices will give you restaurant-quality teriyaki every time you grill at home. The Japanese BBQ sauce enhances any proteins or veggies, while the smoky char flavor takes it to the next level.
Frequently Asked Questions About Japanese BBQ Sauce
Can I use Chinese hoisin sauce instead of Japanese BBQ sauce?
Hoisin and Japanese BBQ sauces are completely different. Hoisin is thick, spicy, and made from fermented soybean. It does not have the salty-sweet teriyaki flavor. Stick to real Japanese sauces for teriyaki.
What meats go well with Japanese BBQ sauce?
Lean meats like chicken, beef, pork, shrimp and fish work best. Fattier cuts may cause more flare-ups. Thin slices or small chunks absorb more flavor.
Can I make vegetarian teriyaki dishes without meat?
Absolutely! Tofu, mushrooms, zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers all grill up deliciously with Japanese BBQ sauce.
Can I use Japanese BBQ sauce to make stir fry or other dishes?
Yes, you can use it to make pan-fried teriyaki dishes. The sauce thickens nicely to coat foods. Add cornstarch to thicken more if needed.
Is teriyaki gluten free?
Most Japanese BBQ sauces are naturally gluten free. Always check labels though, as some add thickeners like wheat starch. Homemade sauce avoids this.
Conclusion
Japanese BBQ sauce infuses food with the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Follow these tips on choosing quality sauces, brushing techniques, and grilling practices for restaurant-worthy teriyaki at home. With the right sauce and methods, you can make tender, caramelized and full-flavored proteins and veggies. Use Japanese BBQ sauce to add a touch of Asian flair to your next backyard barbecue or weeknight dinner.