Best Store-Bought Teriyaki Sauce Brands of 2024 (Kikkoman, Primal Kitchen, and More)

Many people who are focused on their health face the same issue when choosing teriyaki sauce. Most store options are packed with salt and sugar. Too much sodium is linked to high blood pressure, and too much sugar can cause weight gain and possibly imbalance blood sugar.

Luckily, many brands today offer better choices. Some sauces now use ingredients like coconut aminos. They have less salt than soy sauce but still taste savory. Plus, they're helpful for those avoiding soy or gluten, as it's often free from both.

For sweeter sauces, look for ones with natural sweeteners like honey or balsamic vinegar. These help avoid the bad effects of regular sugar. Pair these healthier options with lean meats, whole grains, and vegetables for a balanced meal.

It's easy to find lighter sauces that are still balanced in flavor. These sauces are usable with many dishes, from stir-fries to grilled meats. Look for sauces that are thinner in consistency; they're great for using in a quick marinade or finishing glaze.

For those newer to cooking, it is very important to choose a sauce that doesn't overpower the dish. Sauces that are prepared with a couple of simple ingredients, like soy sauce, sugar, and ginger, tend to be more versatile. A light sauce, in particular, makes things much easier in preparing stir-fries, easily coating vegetables and proteins without making them soggy.

From a convenience standpoint, pre-thickened sauces can go directly out of the bottle onto grilled or broiled meat or veggies without adding thickeners. For the busy home cook, this saves time but still provides that intense, flavorful finish.

Choosing the right teriyaki sauce depends on how you plan to cook. For marinades, go for a thinner sauce. Why? It slowly soaks into meat and vegetables to give them more flavor before cooking. These sauces often bring acidic flavors like rice vinegar or citrus which helps soften the proteins while they sit in the marinade.

If you're grilling, reach for a thicker sauce. Ones with more sugar help create a nice caramelized crust on the meat. The sauce covers the surface and forms a tasty layer while grilling. A sauce that's too thin burns easily before the food is properly cooked.

For making stir-fries, your sauce should be somewhere in the middle. You don’t want it too thick or too watery. The right kind coats all the ingredients without sticking too much or pooling at the bottom. Sauces that mix soy sauce with ginger and a little sesame oil add a really nice taste by boosting the flavors of proteins and veggies without overpowering them.

Knowing these tricks will help you pick the best teriyaki sauce for however you're preparing your meal.