For those following a ketogenic diet, finding suitable condiments can be a challenge. Many store-bought sauces are loaded with sugar and high in carbs, making them unsuitable for keto lifestyles. However, with this keto teriyaki sauce recipe, you can enjoy the flavors you love without compromising your dietary goals. This homemade sauce is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile, perfect for enhancing a variety of dishes.
Why Make Keto Teriyaki Sauce?
Teriyaki sauce is a beloved Asian condiment, known for its umami flavor, spice, and sweetness. Traditional teriyaki sauces, however, are often laden with corn syrup or brown sugar. This keto-friendly version offers a healthy alternative, allowing you to indulge in restaurant-style meals at home without the fear of going out of ketosis. With only 1g net carb per serving, this sticky-sweet sauce is a guilt-free pleasure.
Key Ingredients for Keto Teriyaki Sauce
This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients, swapping out gluten-containing and high-sugar components for keto-friendly alternatives. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Soy Sauce (or Coconut Aminos): If you are celiac, intolerant, or sensitive to gluten, use a gluten-free soy sauce like coconut aminos. Coconut aminos provide a similar umami flavor with less salt. If using regular soy sauce, opt for low-sodium to control the saltiness, or replace ⅓ cup regular soy sauce with ⅓ cup of water.
- Brown Sugar Substitute: A brown sugar substitute is the best kind of keto-friendly sweetener to use in this recipe to caramelize perfectly and give it a deeper flavor. Options like Lakanto Golden or Swerve Brown work well. When storing it, allulose might be a better option as it doesn’t recrystallize.
- Fresh Garlic: Using fresh garlic brings out more taste as it simmers on the stove. You can use ground garlic in a pinch, but fresh is best.
- Ginger Paste (or Freshly Grated Ginger): Ginger paste balances the sweet and umami flavors with a wonderful spice. If you don't have ginger paste, you can use freshly grated ginger. Gourmet Garden Ginger Paste is a convenient option.
- Sesame Oil: Use sesame oil to sauté the ginger paste and garlic. It brings out the nutty tastes in the soy sauce.
- Xanthan Gum: Xanthan gum is used sparingly as a thickener. Typical teriyaki sauces are thickened with corn starch. Xanthan gum doesn't have any carbs and still thickens it really well. To make a teriyaki sauce without xanthan gum use glucomannan powder.
- Sesame Seeds: Add the sesame seeds last. They are the perfect garnish and add the perfect amount of crunch and nuttiness to the sauce.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar adds a tangy element to the sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this keto teriyaki sauce is a breeze. Here’s how to do it:
- Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, place the soy sauce (or coconut aminos), brown sugar substitute, minced garlic, ginger paste, sesame oil, and apple cider vinegar.
- Boil and Simmer: Place the saucepan over medium heat on the stove. Bring to a slight boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low.
- Thicken the Sauce: Whisk in the xanthan gum and simmer until the sauce thickens, stirring regularly. Be careful not to boil it for too long; just a gentle simmer is perfect.
- Add Sesame Seeds: Remove from the heat and stir in the sesame seeds.
- Cool and Store: Let the sauce cool down before using it. Store it in a mason jar with a lid in the refrigerator.
Thermomix Instructions
For those with a Thermomix, here’s how to make this sauce:
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- Combine Ingredients: Place all ingredients into the mixing bowl.
- Cook: Cook for 5 minutes at 110°C on speed 1.
Tips for the Perfect Keto Teriyaki Sauce
- Sweetener Choice: Using brown sweetener gives a caramel flavor to the sauce. If you plan on storing it, allulose might be a better option as it doesn’t recrystallize.
- Adjusting Thickness: Xanthan gum tends to make the sauce very thick when cooled but it will then when reheated. If you prefer a thinner sauce, use less xanthan gum or omit it entirely for a marinade.
- Taste as You Go: Every brand of soy sauce and sweetener is different, so your sauce might taste a bit different. Experiment with different flavors to find your perfect balance.
- Simmer, Don’t Boil: If the sauce appears to be boiling, turn down the heat immediately to prevent it from becoming too thick or burning.
- Fresh vs. Ground: Fresh ginger and garlic provide the best flavor, but ground versions can be used in a pinch.
Serving Suggestions
This low-carb teriyaki sauce is incredibly versatile. Here are some ways to use it:
- Marinade: Use it as a marinade for thinly-sliced beef, pork, or chicken. Soak your meat in the sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking to tenderize and add flavor.
- Dipping Sauce: It’s the perfect dipping sauce for baked teriyaki chicken wings or keto recipes like air fryer wings.
- Stir-Fries: Add it to a fast stir fry and heat until sticky and thick.
- Glaze: Pour or brush over your protein, vegetables, or dish of choice.
- Vegetables: Add some tantalizing flavor to all of your favorite meals by drizzling this easy teriyaki sauce on them. My sugar free teriyaki sauce tastes great added to vegetables, fish, chicken, pork, and beef.
- Elevate Rice Bowls: Drizzle over cauliflower rice bowls for added flavor.
Storing Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store homemade teriyaki sauce in a mason jar with a lid in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 months if you keep the lid screwed on tight.
- Freeze: This sauce can be frozen in a freezer bag or sealed container for up to 2 months. It can also be frozen on meat or veggies. To defrost, set the frozen sauce on the countertop until it’s thawed or put it in the refrigerator overnight.
Is Teriyaki Sauce Keto-Friendly?
Typical teriyaki sauce from Chinese restaurants is not keto-friendly, as they are usually sweetened with corn syrup and/or brown sugar. This recipe for homemade teriyaki sauce is keto-friendly. It only has 1g net carb in each serving.
What Types of Meat Taste Good with Teriyaki Sauce?
Almost any type of meat will taste delicious with keto teriyaki sauce. I like making keto teriyaki salmon, chicken, even beef.
More Keto-Friendly Sauces and Condiments
If you enjoyed this keto teriyaki sauce, here are some more low-carb sauce and condiment recipes to try:
- Low-Carb Blue Cheese Vinaigrette Dressing: Tangy and creamy, it can even be used as a marinade.
- Keto Maple Syrup: Super sweet and perfect on top of chaffles.
- Avocado Mayo: The best topping for low-carb lettuce wraps or even a keto-friendly sandwich.
- Keto Worcestershire Sauce: Salty and elevates burgers and casseroles without added carbs.
- Tzatziki Sauce: Packed with fresh dill and made with sour cream for the best zest and zing!
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