teriyaki
Teriyaki refers to a Japanese cooking technique where food—usually meat or fish—is broiled or grilled after being glazed with a sweet and savory sauce made of soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. The name itself comes from the Japanese words "teri" (luster or shine) and "yaki" (grilled or broiled), perfectly capturing the glossy, caramelized appearance of the dish. In English-speaking contexts, "teriyaki" often functions as a shorthand for the sauce itself rather than just the cooking method. You will frequently see it as a flavor profile for everything from chicken skewers to beef stir-frys. It is a very versatile, crowd-pleasing flavor that is generally considered sweet, salty, and umami-rich.
In conversation
Ordering takeout
Should we get the teriyaki chicken or the spicy beef?
Should we get the teriyaki chicken or the spicy beef?
Let's go with the teriyaki, it's always a hit with the kids.
Let's go with the teriyaki, it's always a hit with the kids.
Used here to describe a specific flavor of chicken.
Home cooking
Did you marinate the salmon in teriyaki sauce?
Did you marinate the salmon in teriyaki sauce?
Yeah, I let it sit for two hours so the glaze would get really thick.
Yeah, I let it sit for two hours so the glaze would get really thick.
Highlights the use of the sauce as a marinade.
Examples
I ordered a teriyaki chicken bowl for lunch.
I ordered a teriyaki chicken bowl for lunch.
The chef brushed a thick teriyaki glaze over the grilled skewers.
The chef brushed a thick teriyaki glaze over the grilled skewers.
While traditional teriyaki is simple, many bottled versions include ginger and garlic for added depth.
While traditional teriyaki is simple, many bottled versions include ginger and garlic for added depth.
