Teriyaki Sauce Vs. Marinade: What's The Difference?

Teriyaki chicken is tangy, sweet, salty, and oh so satisfying! It often accompanies white rice and broccoli or a stir-fried vegetable medley. Teriyaki's taste adds delicious flavor to chicken, pork, beef, and tofu, and it contains an incomparable, savory taste (via MadamnGRecipe).

Teriyaki sauce and marinade can be made at home from scratch or store-bought. Either way, teriyaki contains the Asian flavors of savory soy sauce, honey, onion, garlic, and ginger.

Marinades and sauces are used to complete many dishes and add flavor to otherwise bland meats and other foods. When it comes to which you should use, do you know the difference? Distinguishing between the two will help you choose which you should use for the type of meat or meal you plan to cook. Time is also a determining factor for whether you should use a marinade or sauce. Keep scrolling to learn the differences between the two types of teriyaki seasonings.

Craving teriyaki chicken? When it comes to cooking the dish, knowing the difference between teriyaki sauce and marinade can affect your fare. The sweet and sour, tangy mixture is included in many Asian dishes. Its soy sauce base contains ginger, and sesame, with hints of garlic, and complements poultry, fish, and beef very well (via eHow).

EHow says that the most significant difference between teriyaki marinade and sauce is its use. A marinade is a thin liquid with a consistency similar to water. Vegetables such as garlic, onion, or ginger are often added to enhance the marinade's flavor potency (via eHow). A marinade adds concentrated flavor gradually by allowing the meat to soak up all the flavor over time, sometimes soaking for several hours. Marinating meat provides juice flavor and a tender meat consistency (via MadamnGRecipe).

In contrast, teriyaki sauce adds instant flavor gratification and has a consistency that is usually thicker than a marinade. It is used for basting or pouring over meat as it cooks. Because teriyaki sauce is palette-ready, it is also used as a dipping sauce or condiment for cooked meats such as chicken nuggets or wings (via Master Class).

Both teriyaki sauce and marinade give your chicken a boost of flavor. They can be used together for a rich flavor or separately as a subtle seasoning addition to poultry, beef, or fish.