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How Do I Choose the Best Teriyaki Marinade?

G. Wiesen
G. Wiesen

To choose the best teriyaki marinade, you should consider what type of food you want to marinate and the flavors you are looking to introduce through the marinade itself. While “teriyaki” may refer to a particular marinade, there are many different ways in which it can be made, and different types can introduce a wide range of flavors. In general, however, you should look for a teriyaki marinade that includes flavors associated with teriyaki cooking, including garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and sugar. You can also buy a premade marinade from a store, though this gives you less control over your cooking.

A teriyaki marinade is a type of marinade often made and used in Asian cooking, specifically Japanese cooking referred to as “teriyaki.” In many ways, a teriyaki marinade is similar to Western barbecue sauce and marinades, and a similar approach can be taken to the general flavors and creation of such marinades. This means you should look for a recipe that includes flavors you specifically like. You may need to experiment with multiple teriyaki marinades before you find the one that is best for you.

When cooking for a crowd, it's wise to choose a simple marinade for teriyaki that will appeal to most palates.
When cooking for a crowd, it's wise to choose a simple marinade for teriyaki that will appeal to most palates.

One of the major things you should look for in a teriyaki marinade recipe is the ingredients, and look for a selection of ingredients that introduce some sweetness as well as general teriyaki flavors. Two ingredients you typically find in traditional teriyaki marinades are garlic and ginger; try to work with fresh forms of each whenever possible. You can also find recipes that include soy sauce, which can eliminate the need for additional salt, as well as some vegetable oil, and many recipes include white wine or vinegar. Much like a barbecue sauce, you should also look for a teriyaki marinade that includes some sweetness, usually through white or brown sugar.

Teriyaki marinade might be used on chicken wings.
Teriyaki marinade might be used on chicken wings.

A good teriyaki marinade can typically be used on many different types of meat, including beef and chicken, in a way similar to barbecue sauce. You can also choose to purchase premade teriyaki sauce or marinade from a grocery store. There are many teriyaki sauces available, though you may need to try several different types before you find one you like. The downside to using this type of teriyaki marinade is that you lose a great deal of control over the flavors, though you can choose a marinade that you like and then add garlic, green onions, ginger, and other flavors until it better matches your preferences.

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    • When cooking for a crowd, it's wise to choose a simple marinade for teriyaki that will appeal to most palates.
      By: Monkey Business
      When cooking for a crowd, it's wise to choose a simple marinade for teriyaki that will appeal to most palates.
    • Teriyaki marinade might be used on chicken wings.
      By: Kybele
      Teriyaki marinade might be used on chicken wings.