5 Delicious Low Sodium Teriyaki Sauce Recipes You Need to Try

Teriyaki sauce is a beloved staple in Japanese cuisine, known for its sweet and savory flavor profile. While traditional teriyaki sauce can be high in sodium due to soy sauce and other salty ingredients, creating a low sodium version allows you to enjoy this delicious sauce without worries about your salt intake. Here, we’ll explore five fantastic low sodium teriyaki sauce recipes that are not only flavorful but also easy to prepare.

Understanding Sodium and Its Impact on Health

Sodium is an essential mineral that helps regulate blood pressure and fluid balance in the body. However, excessive sodium intake is linked to various health issues, including hypertension, heart disease, and stroke. The American Heart Association recommends limiting sodium intake to less than 2,300 mg per day, ideally aiming for no more than 1,500 mg for most adults.

With that in mind, it’s important to find alternatives for high-sodium condiments like traditional teriyaki sauce. By preparing your own low sodium versions, you can still enjoy the flavors you love while maintaining a healthier diet.

1. Classic Low Sodium Teriyaki Sauce

This classic recipe captures the essence of traditional teriyaki sauce but with significantly reduced sodium content.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional for thickening)

Instructions

1. In a saucepan, combine the low sodium soy sauce, honey or maple syrup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
3. If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch mixture and continue to simmer until the sauce thickens.
4. Remove from heat and let it cool before using. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

2. Pineapple Teriyaki Sauce

Add a tropical twist to your teriyaki sauce with this delicious pineapple-infused recipe.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
• 1/2 cup fresh pineapple juice
• 2 tablespoons honey or agave syrup
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional for thickening)

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the low sodium soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey or agave syrup, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and ginger.
2. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
3. If you want a thicker sauce, add the cornstarch mixture and stir until the sauce thickens.
4. Let it cool before using. Store in the fridge for up to a week.

3. Spicy Low Sodium Teriyaki Sauce

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, this spicy teriyaki sauce adds a kick to your dishes.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1-2 teaspoons sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional for thickening)

Instructions

1. Combine low sodium soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and sriracha in a saucepan.
2. Warm the mixture over medium heat until it starts to simmer.
3. If desired, add the cornstarch mixture to thicken the sauce.
4. Allow it to cool before using and store in an airtight container in the fridge.

4. Ginger-Lemon Teriyaki Sauce

This refreshing ginger-lemon teriyaki sauce is perfect as a marinade or dipping sauce.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional for thickening)

Instructions

1. In a saucepan, mix together the low sodium soy sauce, lemon juice, honey, sesame oil, and ginger.
2. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
3. Add the cornstarch mixture if you prefer a thicker sauce.
4. Once cooled, transfer it to a storage container and refrigerate for up to a week.

5. Miso Low Sodium Teriyaki Sauce

This unique recipe incorporates miso paste, offering a rich umami flavor while keeping sodium levels in check.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons white miso paste
• 1/4 cup honey or coconut sugar
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional for thickening)

Instructions

1. In a saucepan, whisk together the low sodium soy sauce, miso paste, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and ginger until well combined.
2. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
3. If desired, thicken the sauce with the cornstarch mixture.
4. Cool and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Low sodium teriyaki sauce is a fantastic way to enjoy the delicious flavors of this traditional Japanese condiment without the health risks associated with high sodium intake. The recipes outlined above offer a diverse range of flavors and ingredients, ensuring there’s something for everyone—whether you prefer classic, fruity, spicy, or unique variations. By making your own teriyaki sauce, you can control the ingredients, tailor the flavors to your preferences, and create healthier meals for you and your family.

Experiment with these recipes, and feel free to adjust the sweetness or spiciness to suit your taste. With these low sodium teriyaki sauces, you can enhance your dishes while maintaining a balanced diet. Enjoy cooking and the delightful flavors that accompany these homemade sauces!