Can Vegetarians Eat Teriyaki? A Guide to Sauce & Dish Ingredients

November 9, 2025 •

4 min read

While traditional Japanese teriyaki sauce is typically vegan, many commercial brands include non-vegetarian ingredients like honey or animal-derived additives. The question, 'Can vegetarians eat teriyaki?' depends entirely on the sauce's specific contents and the protein it accompanies.

Quick Summary

It is possible for vegetarians to enjoy teriyaki by carefully checking the sauce's ingredient list. While traditional recipes are often plant-based, some store-bought varieties contain honey or other non-vegetarian additions. The safest option is to make homemade sauce or choose certified vegan commercial products to use with plant-based proteins like tofu.

Key Points

Check Labels: Always inspect the ingredients list on store-bought teriyaki sauce for non-vegetarian additives like honey.
Go Homemade: Making your own teriyaki sauce from soy sauce, mirin, and sugar ensures it is 100% vegetarian and free of unwanted additives.
Embrace Alternatives: Use a vegetarian teriyaki sauce to glaze plant-based proteins such as tofu, mushrooms, or seitan instead of meat.
Traditional is Best: Authentic Japanese teriyaki sauce is typically made with vegan ingredients, so look for sauces that stick to the classic formula.
Dine with Caution: At restaurants, always confirm with the staff that the teriyaki sauce is free of animal products like fish stock or honey.
Avoid Honey: Many commercial sauces use honey as a sweetener; be especially vigilant for this ingredient if you are vegan.

Understanding Teriyaki Sauce: Traditional vs. Commercial

Teriyaki, a Japanese cooking method, involves grilling or broiling food with a special soy sauce-based glaze. The core issue for vegetarians lies not with the cooking method itself but with the sauce and what it's used on.

The Original Japanese Teriyaki

In its most authentic form, teriyaki sauce is a simple combination of four ingredients: soy sauce, mirin (sweet rice wine), sake (Japanese rice wine), and sugar. All of these components are derived from plants, making traditional teriyaki sauce suitable for vegetarians and vegans alike. The 'teri' (luster) and 'yaki' (grill) method creates the signature shiny, flavorful glaze.

Western Commercial Variations

As teriyaki became popular globally, Westernized versions of the sauce emerged, often straying from the traditional recipe. Manufacturers began adding a variety of ingredients for flavor, thickness, and preservation, some of which may not be vegetarian. These additives are what cause concern for vegetarians.

What to Watch For: Non-Vegetarian Ingredients

When purchasing a bottle of teriyaki sauce from the supermarket, it's crucial to read the ingredient list carefully. Common non-vegetarian ingredients that can sneak into commercial sauces include:

Honey: Many brands substitute sugar with honey for sweetness, which is an animal product and not suitable for vegans.
Fish Products: Occasionally, brands may add fish stock or other fish-derived flavorings, especially in more 'authentic' or specialty versions. While this is less common, it's not unheard of.
Other Additives: Certain flavorings or thickeners could potentially be animal-derived, though this is rare. Always check for a 'vegan' or 'vegetarian' certification if you're unsure.

Building a Vegetarian Teriyaki Meal

For vegetarians, the beauty of teriyaki lies in its versatility. You can use the sauce with a wide range of delicious, meat-free ingredients.

Excellent Plant-Based Protein Options

Tofu: Pressed extra-firm tofu, fried or baked until crispy, is a perfect sponge for soaking up a flavorful teriyaki glaze.
Mushrooms: Portobello, shiitake, and button mushrooms caramelize beautifully and offer a meaty texture when cooked in teriyaki sauce.
Soya Chunks: These are a common meat substitute that take on the teriyaki flavor wonderfully.
Seitan and Tempeh: Both provide a substantial, dense texture that holds up well to grilling or pan-frying with teriyaki sauce.
Vegetables: Beyond proteins, a classic teriyaki stir-fry is a fantastic option. Broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, onions, and bok choy all work brilliantly.

Homemade vs. Store-Bought: A Comparison

Choosing between making your own sauce and buying it pre-made has its pros and cons, especially for vegetarians.


Feature	Homemade Teriyaki Sauce	Store-Bought Teriyaki Sauce
Ingredients	Complete control; guarantee it's 100% vegetarian.	Requires careful label reading; risk of hidden non-vegetarian ingredients.
Convenience	Takes time to prepare; requires a few staple pantry items.	Very convenient; ready-to-use for quick meals.
Customization	Easily adjustable for flavor, sweetness, and thickness.	Fixed flavor profile; limited ability to modify.
Preservatives	None; contains fresh ingredients.	Often includes preservatives and high-sodium additives.
Flavor	Fresh and vibrant flavor profile.	Can sometimes taste artificial or overly processed.

Creating Your Own Vegetarian Teriyaki Sauce

If you want complete control and the freshest flavor, making your own teriyaki sauce is surprisingly simple. A basic recipe requires just a few ingredients, many of which are kitchen staples:

Ingredients: Soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free), sugar (brown or granulated), mirin (or substitute with rice vinegar and a pinch of sugar), and fresh ginger and garlic for aromatics.
Instructions: Whisk all ingredients together in a saucepan, simmer until the sugar dissolves, and thicken with a cornstarch slurry for a perfect glaze. For a great starting point, consider a proven recipe like the one from Plant-Based on a Budget.

How to Confirm Ingredients at a Restaurant

When dining out, especially at a non-vegetarian-specific restaurant, it is essential to be cautious. Follow these steps to ensure your meal is vegetarian-friendly:

Ask for the Ingredients List: Politely ask your server if the teriyaki sauce contains any animal products like honey or fish sauce.
Request a Vegetarian Option: Some restaurants may have a separate teriyaki sauce specifically for their vegetarian menu items.
Specify Your Dietary Needs: Clearly state that you are a vegetarian and ask that the chef avoid any animal-derived ingredients or cooking methods.
Confirm the Protein: Ensure that the dish is made with a vegetarian protein base like tofu or vegetables, rather than a chicken or beef broth.

Conclusion

So, can vegetarians eat teriyaki? The answer is a resounding 'yes,' but with the important caveat of being ingredient-aware. Traditional and homemade versions of the sauce are almost always safe for vegetarian consumption. For store-bought options and restaurant meals, a quick inquiry or label check is necessary to confirm no hidden honey or other animal products are present. By making mindful choices, vegetarians can confidently and deliciously enjoy the sweet, savory flavor of teriyaki on a variety of plant-based dishes.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all teriyaki sauce is vegetarian. While traditional Japanese teriyaki is typically made with vegetarian ingredients like soy sauce, mirin, and sugar, many commercial brands add non-vegetarian ingredients such as honey, and some restaurant versions may contain fish stock or other animal products.

The most common non-vegetarian ingredient is honey, which is often used as a sweetener in commercial sauces. In some cases, especially in restaurant-made sauces, fish stock or other fish products might be added for flavor. It's always best to check the label or ask the chef.

To confirm a sauce is vegetarian, read the ingredient list carefully and check for non-vegetarian items like honey. Look for products labeled 'vegan' or 'vegetarian certified' for a guarantee. Some brands, like certain Kikkoman products, explicitly state their sauces are vegan.

Excellent vegetarian alternatives include tofu, mushrooms (like portobello or shiitake), seitan, tempeh, or soya chunks. These can all be prepared with teriyaki sauce to create a delicious and satisfying meal. A vegetable stir-fry with teriyaki sauce is also a great option.

Yes, vegans can eat teriyaki, but like vegetarians, they must ensure the sauce is free of animal products. Traditional teriyaki and many homemade recipes are naturally vegan. It's crucial for vegans to avoid any sauces containing honey.

You can easily make vegetarian teriyaki sauce by combining soy sauce, sugar (brown or granulated), mirin (or rice wine vinegar), and fresh ginger and garlic. These ingredients are simmered together and thickened with a cornstarch slurry to create a perfect glaze.

If a restaurant cannot confirm that their teriyaki sauce is vegetarian, it is safest to assume it is not. In this case, choose a different dish or request that your food be prepared with only a basic soy sauce glaze and no other additions.