Are you looking for a low-calorie, flavorful marinade to add variety to your meals? Look no further than 2 tsp (9 g) of teriyaki sauce, which packs a punch with just 15 calories. This versatile sauce is perfect for stir-frys, BBQ season, and more!
But teriyaki sauce isn't just tasty; it is also good for weight loss. It is low in calories and fat but high in flavor, making it a healthy ingredient to incorporate in your diet. In fact, teriyaki sauce often contains healthy ingredients like ginger, garlic, and sesame seeds.
In this article, we'll explore the benefits of teriyaki sauce and provide you with a delicious homemade recipe to try at home.
Low Calorie Teriyaki Sauce
Teriyaki sauce is an excellent choice for those watching their calorie intake. At just 15 calories per 2 tsp serving, it is a low-calorie alternative to other high-fat marinades and sauces. Plus, its bold and savory flavor means you won't even miss the extra calories! To further reduce the calorie count, look for reduced-sodium varieties of teriyaki sauce, which can have almost half the calories and sodium of traditional options.
Good for Weight Loss
If you are hoping to shed some pounds, teriyaki sauce can be a great addition to your diet. Its low-calorie count and healthy ingredients make it a healthy and flavorful choice for those watching their weight. Additionally, teriyaki sauce's unique flavor can help you enjoy healthy meals like grilled chicken, vegetables, and stir-frys without feeling like you are sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. This can make it easier to stick to your weight loss goals and make healthy eating a part of your lifestyle.
A Flavorful Marinade
Teriyaki sauce is a popular marinade because of its bold and delicious flavor. Its blend of soy sauce, sugar, and spices creates a savory and slightly sweet taste that complements a variety of proteins and vegetables. To use teriyaki sauce as a marinade, simply coat your chosen food in a generous amount of sauce and let it sit in the fridge for at least an hour, or overnight for even more flavor.
A Healthy Ingredient
In addition to its delicious taste, teriyaki sauce often contains healthy ingredients like ginger, garlic, and sesame seeds. These ingredients provide a variety of health benefits, including reducing inflammation, aiding in digestion, and supporting immune function. However, it is important to note that not all teriyaki sauces are created equal. Some store-bought varieties can contain high levels of sugar and sodium, which can negate the health benefits of the sauce. Look for low-sugar and low-sodium varieties, or make your own at home for complete control over the ingredients.
Adds Variety to Meals
Tired of bland and boring meals? Teriyaki sauce can help liven things up by adding a burst of flavor to your favorite proteins and vegetables. Use it as a sauce for stir-frys, a marinade for grilled chicken, or a glaze for roasted veggies. Not only does teriyaki sauce add a delicious flavor to your meals, but it also adds variety to your diet. Eating the same foods day after day can be boring and lead to burnout, so switching things up with new flavors and cuisines can help keep meals exciting and enjoyable.
Suitable for Vegetarian Diets
Vegetarians and vegans can enjoy the benefits of teriyaki sauce as well! Simply use it to flavor your favorite plant-based proteins like tofu, tempeh, or seitan. Its savory and slightly sweet taste pairs perfectly with earthy flavors and textures. Be sure to read the label when purchasing teriyaki sauce, as some brands may contain animal products like fish or oyster sauce. Look for vegetarian or vegan options, or make your own at home with plant-based ingredients.
Perfect for Stir-Fry
Stir-frys are a quick and easy meal that can be customized to your liking with a variety of proteins, veggies, and sauces. Teriyaki sauce is the perfect sauce for stir-frys because its bold flavor pairs well with a range of ingredients. To make a teriyaki stir-fry, simply sauté your desired protein and veggies in a skillet with some oil. Once cooked, add a generous amount of teriyaki sauce and stir to coat evenly. Serve over rice or noodles for a filling and flavorful meal.
Versatile Sauce for Dishes
Teriyaki sauce isn't just for stir-frys or marinades; it can also be used to add flavor to a variety of dishes. Its savory and slightly sweet taste pairs well with proteins like beef, chicken, and fish, as well as roasted vegetables and rice dishes. Use it as a dipping sauce for sushi or spring rolls, or mix it into your homemade meatball or burger recipes for a unique flavor twist. The possibilities are endless!
Ideal for BBQ Season
As the weather warms up, many of us are looking forward to firing up the grill and enjoying some delicious BBQ meals. Teriyaki sauce is the perfect accompaniment to grilled proteins like chicken, beef, and shrimp. Simply coat your chosen protein in teriyaki sauce and grill over medium heat until cooked through. The savory and slightly sweet flavor of the sauce pairs perfectly with the charred and smoky taste of grilled meats.
Homemade Teriyaki Sauce Recipe
Making your own teriyaki sauce at home is easy and allows you to control the quality and ingredients of your sauce. Here is a simple and delicious recipe to try:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 1 clove minced garlic
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
- In a small saucepan, whisk together soy sauce, water, brown sugar, honey, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
- In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water. Add to the saucepan and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat and let cool. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 month.
“Teriyaki sauce is a versatile and low-calorie marinade that can add delicious flavor to a variety of dishes.”
FAQs about Teriyaki Sauce
1. What is Teriyaki Sauce?
Teriyaki Sauce is a sweet and savory Japanese sauce made from soy sauce, sugar, and other ingredients such as mirin, sake, garlic, and ginger. It is often used as a marinade or glaze for meats, fish, and vegetables.
2. How many calories are in Teriyaki Sauce?
Two teaspoons (9 grams) of Teriyaki Sauce contain about 15 calories. However, the calorie content may vary depending on the brand and recipe used.
3. Is Teriyaki Sauce healthy?
While Teriyaki Sauce can be a tasty addition to meals, it is typically high in sodium and sugar. Excessive intake of these ingredients can have negative health effects, so it's best to use Teriyaki Sauce in moderation and look for low-sodium and low-sugar options.
4. What are some ways to use Teriyaki Sauce?
Teriyaki Sauce can be used as a marinade for meats, fish, and vegetables, as a glaze for grilled or baked foods, as a dipping sauce for sushi, or as a flavor enhancer for stir-fries and noodle dishes.
5. Are there any alternatives to Teriyaki Sauce?
If you're looking for a healthier alternative to Teriyaki Sauce, you can try making your own sauce using low-sodium soy sauce, honey, grated ginger, and garlic. Other options include using low-sugar barbecue sauce or hoisin sauce as a replacement for Teriyaki Sauce.