What Herbs And Spices Go with Teriyaki Sauce? (10 Options)

Teriyaki sauce is a delicious, sweet, and savory sauce that is perfect for grilling, stir-frying, or dipping.

While it is delicious on its own, there are a few herbs and spices that can take it to the next level.

If you are wondering what spices go with teriyaki sauce, then you are in the right place.

I’m sharing a collection of 10 herbs and spices that go well with teriyaki sauce including ginger, garlic, onion, chili pepper, cilantro, and more.

What Herbs And Spices Go with Teriyaki Sauce?

The most common herbs and spices to use with teriyaki sauce are ginger, garlic, onion, and green onion. Other options include cilantro, basil, and red pepper flakes. For a sweeter teriyaki sauce, add in honey or brown sugar.

Still looking for ideas?

Don’t you worry.

Here are 10 herbs and spices that go with teriyaki sauce:

1. Garlic

Garlic is a wonderful herb that pairs well with any dish, but it’s especially delicious when paired with teriyaki sauce.

Try adding some minced garlic to your teriyaki sauce for a bolder flavor.

2. Ginger

Ginger is another great herb to add to your teriyaki sauce.

You can either grate or mince the ginger before mixing it into the sauce or you can use ground ginger instead of grated ginger if you prefer.

Either way, this ingredient works well with the flavors in teriyaki sauce and will add some extra heat and kick to your dish!

3. Thyme

Thyme is a delicious herb that pairs well with many different types of food including meats like chicken, turkey and beef as well as vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower.

It also goes well with fish dishes like salmon or tuna steaks so feel free to add some thyme into those recipes too!

However, one thing that makes this herb stand out from others is its ability to add flavor while still being subtle enough not overpower any other ingredients which means it works great in dishes like teriyaki chicken where there are lots of other flavors going on.

4. Onion Powder

More oniony than an actual onion, onion powder is the perfect way to get that savory, allium flavor without any of the fuss.

I like to use it pretty generously, about a tablespoon per serving.

Other herbs and spices that go well with onion powder are garlic powder, black pepper, and paprika.

You can add onion powder to the marinade, or sprinkle it on after the teriyaki sauce has been applied.

It’s great on chicken, fish, or veggies.

And here’s a little tip: if you want an extra crispy coating on your food, add a teaspoon or so of onion powder to the flour before dredging.

5. Black Pepper

Pungent, earthy, hot, woody, brash.

Just a few words that come to mind when thinking of black pepper.

It’s no wonder that black pepper is one of the most popular spices in the world, used in cuisines all over.

And it goes great with teriyaki sauce!

A little black pepper goes a long way, so start with just a pinch or two.

You can always add more if you want more heat.

Black pepper also goes well with other herbs and spices like ginger, garlic, and green onion.

Just add it to the pan when you’re cooking up your teriyaki sauce.

There are lots of great dishes you can make with teriyaki sauce and black pepper.

Chicken teriyaki is a classic, or try it with beef or shrimp.

And don’t forget about veggies!

Black pepper gives teriyaki sauce a nice little kick that takes it from good to great.

Here’s a little tip: if you want an extra bit of heat, try using black pepper flakes instead of ground black pepper.

Just be careful not to add too much!

6. White Pepper

Often described as musty, grassy, or slightly fermented, white pepper is a milder, more complex version of black pepper.

It’s perfect for dishes that need a little extra flavor without being too spicy.

I recommend using about 1/4 teaspoon of white pepper for every tablespoon of teriyaki sauce.

White pepper goes well with other herbs and spices like ginger, garlic, and green onions.

To add white pepper to your dish, I recommend doing so towards the end of cooking.

This way, the flavor won’t be too overwhelming.

Some dishes where you can use both teriyaki sauce and white pepper are grilled chicken, tofu, or vegetables.

I also recommend trying it with fish or seafood.

Just be careful not to add too much pepper, or the flavor will be too strong.

7. Cayenne Pepper

Mostly hot and a little fruity, cayenne is a go-to for many people when it comes to spicing up their food.

A little goes a long way with this one, so start with a pinch and work your way up until you get the desired amount of heat.

Other spices and herbs that go well with cayenne are garlic, onion, and black pepper.

You can add cayenne to your teriyaki sauce while it’s cooking, or sprinkle it on after the fact.

It’s delicious on chicken, shrimp, and rice.

Tip: if you want to add a bit of depth to your teriyaki sauce, try adding a teaspoon or so of cayenne-infused vinegar.

8. Red Pepper Flakes

Slightly sharp and a little earthy with a decent dose of spicy heat, red pepper flakes are a go-to seasoning for many Asian dishes – especially those with teriyaki sauce.

A little goes a long way with this spice, so start with just a pinch or two and add more to taste.

Other complementary spices and herbs for red pepper flakes include ginger, garlic, and green onion.

You can add red pepper flakes when cooking the dish, or sprinkle them on top right before serving.

Some of our favorite recipes that include both teriyaki sauce and red pepper flakes are teriyaki chicken, shrimp, and tofu.

Tip: if you want an extra boost of flavor, toast the red pepper flakes in a dry skillet before adding them to your dish.

9. Chives

The primary flavor of chives is onion with a slight garlicky note, which makes it a perfect match for teriyaki sauce.

I would recommend using about 1 teaspoon of chives for every 2 tablespoons of teriyaki sauce.

Other herbs and spices that go well with chives include garlic, black pepper, and thyme.

You can add chives at the end of cooking, or use them as a garnish.

Some dishes where you can use both teriyaki sauce and chives include grilled chicken, beef, or fish; stir-fried vegetables; and rice.

Tip: if you find that the chives are too strong, try using less the next time or substituting with green onions.

10. Basil

The flavor of basil is a balance between sweet and savory, with hints of mint, anise, and pepper.

It’s the perfect complement to teriyaki sauce, which can be sweet and salty.

I recommend using about a teaspoon of basil per dish.

Other herbs and spices that go well with basil are oregano, thyme, and garlic.

You can add basil to your dish at the beginning of cooking, or at the end as a garnish.

Some dishes where you can use both teriyaki sauce and basil are grilled chicken, beef, or fish.

You can also use it in stir-fries or on top of rice.

Tip: if you’re using fresh basil, add it at the end of cooking so it doesn’t lose its flavor.

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