Sugar Free Teriyaki Sauce

Name: Sugar Free Teriyaki Sauce
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 0.5 cup tamari or gluten-free soy sauce; .25 cup unsweetened pineapple juice (or substitute water if prefered); 0.5 cup sugar-free sweetener (Allulose, Swerve, Lakanto); 2 large cloves garlic (pressed or finely minced); 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (finely grated on a microplane); .25 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional); 1 tablespoon grated orange peel; 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil; 1/32 teaspoon stevia powder (use the little spoon that comes in the package.); .25 teaspoon xanthan gum (optional for thicker sauce)

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Last Updated on September 26, 2023 by Lisa Johnson

Indulge guilt-free in this delectable Homemade Sugar Free Teriyaki Sauce, a healthier alternative to enjoy in your favorite Japanese food recipes. It is quick and easy to make, thick and tangy, with perfectly balanced flavors without added sugar!

A small jar of sugar free teriyaki sauce.

What is sugar free teriyaki sauce?

The word “teriyaki” is derived from two Japanese words: “teri,” which means luster or shine, and “yaki,” which means to grill or broil. Teriyaki sauce is traditionally used as a marinade and glaze for grilling or broiling meats, particularly fish and poultry.

Traditional teriyaki-style cooking involves grilling or broiling meat with a sweet and savory sauce made from ingredients like soy sauce, sake (rice wine), mirin (sweet rice wine), sugar, and sometimes ginger or garlic. The sauce is brushed onto the meat as it cooks, creating a shiny, caramelized glaze and creating a rich flavor.

Store-bought sauces may also contain high fructose corn syrup, and corn or potato starch.

A spoonful of teriyaki sauce hovering over a jar of sauce.

How do you sweeten sugar-free teriyaki sauce?

This sugar free homemade teriyaki sauce replaces granulated sugar with Allulose sugar substitute, Swerve granular or brown sugar substitute, or Lakanto monkfruit golden sweetener, with a touch of added sweetness from pure Stevia powder.

Pineapple juice replaces the mirin, which is mostly sugar, and the sake. I wanted an alcohol-free sauce that is low-carb without giving up any of the Asian flavors that the whole family loves.

For those following a keto diet replace the pineapple juice with water. It was used more for flavoring and acidity, but it could potentially add some sweetness as well.

Ingredients you’ll need

Ingredients to make sugar-free teriyaki sauce.

This healthy teriyaki sauce is made using simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.

Tamari sauce, gluten-free soy sauce, or coconut liquid aminos
Unsweetened pineapple juice – or water
Granulated sweetener – Allulose does not crystalize like Swerve and Lakanto does, but whatever type is in your pantry will work.
Fresh garlic
Fresh ginger
Cayenne pepper – adds just a bit of heat in the background.
Grated orange peel
Toasted sesame oil
Stevia powder
Xanthan gum – A food additive and thickening agent used to stabilize food and liquid products. Even in small amounts, it can significantly increase the viscosity of a liquid.
Toasted sesame seeds – optional garnish

Be sure to check out the detailed printable recipe card below

How to make sugar free teriyaki sauce

Place sweetener, tamari/ gluten-free soy sauce, pineapple juice (or water), garlic, ginger, and cayenne in a small sauce pan.

tamari, ginger, stevia, pineapple juice and sweetener in a saucepan on top of the stove.

Bring to a boil, then reduce to medium heat and simmer for 15 minutes.

Sugar Free Teriyaki Sauce simmering in a saucepan on the stove.

Add the stevia, orange zest, sesame oil and xanthan gum. Whisk together and continue cooking for a minute or so until the sauce starts to thicken.

A black spoon dripping teriyaki sauce down into a glass jar of sauce.

Holy teriyaki sauce Batman, this stuff is delicious!! And just look at how this Teriyaki Glazed Ham turned out. The sweet sauce offset the saltiness of the ham perfectly.

Spiral glazed ham in a white, square baking dish.

Expert tips

Xanthan Gum is used to thicken this sauce in place of corn starch. It will give your sauce a gel type consistency when cold, so you will need to reheat the sauce before using. A little goes a long way, adding too much can result in a slimy or overly thick texture.
Feel free to substitute low carb teriyaki sauce in any of your favorite recipes, or these recipes below
For Whole30 & Paleo substitute 0.5-cup of date paste for the sweetener and omit the xanthan gum. Substitute coconut aminos for the tamari and add 1 teaspoon of salt.
This recipes makes approximately 1 cup of sauce. Two tablespoons of sauce per serving equals 8 servings.

Serving suggestions

Use this sweet and savory sauce in any recipe that includes traditional teriyaki sauce.

FAQ’s

How should I store sugar-free teriyaki sauce?

Store in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator up to 3 weeks. Gently reheat the sauce on its own in a saucepan or in the microwave before using.

Can I use sugar-free teriyaki sauce as a marinade?

Yes it makes a great marinade. Teriyaki marinade is simply a thinner version of teriyaki sauce. Omit the xanthan gum and allow to cool completely before using.

More sugar free sauce recipes

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Enjoy!!