Does teriyaki have meat in it? A comprehensive guide to the sauce and dish

November 9, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Japanese food origins, teriyaki refers to a cooking technique that creates a "lustrous" glaze, not a dish with specific proteins. So, does teriyaki have meat in it? The answer depends entirely on the final meal, not the sauce itself, which is traditionally vegetarian.

Quick Summary

Teriyaki describes a cooking method involving a soy-based glaze, not a singular dish. While often prepared with meat or fish, the sauce is typically vegetarian, though some bottled variations may contain non-vegetarian ingredients.

Key Points

Sauce vs. Dish: Teriyaki is a Japanese cooking method, referring to the glazed finish, not the protein itself.
Vegetarian Base: Traditional teriyaki sauce is a mixture of soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar, all of which are vegetarian.
Meat is an Add-On: The meat (or fish) is an ingredient cooked in the sauce, not an inherent part of teriyaki.
Check Labels: Some commercial or Westernized teriyaki sauces may contain non-vegan ingredients like honey or non-vegetarian ingredients like anchovies in Worcestershire sauce.
Vegan Options Exist: Teriyaki can be easily made vegan or vegetarian using tofu, vegetables, or other plant-based proteins.
Cross-Contamination: Be aware of cross-contamination in restaurants, where the same sauce may be used for meat and vegetarian options.

Teriyaki: Understanding the Sauce vs. the Dish

Many people incorrectly assume teriyaki is a specific meat-based dish, but the term actually refers to a traditional Japanese cooking method. The word "teriyaki" combines teri, meaning luster or shine, and yaki, meaning grilled or broiled. The signature glossy finish comes from the sauce as it caramelizes while cooking. Because it is a method, teriyaki can be applied to almost any ingredient, from meats to fish, and even vegetables or tofu. This distinction is crucial for understanding whether a teriyaki meal will contain meat.

Traditional Teriyaki Sauce Ingredients

A traditional teriyaki sauce, or tare, consists of a few simple ingredients that are all vegetarian. The combination creates a perfect balance of sweet and savory.

Soy Sauce: Provides a salty, umami base.
Sake or Mirin: Japanese rice wines that add sweetness, depth, and the characteristic sheen.
Sugar: Typically brown sugar or honey, for sweetness and to help with the caramelization that gives the glaze its shine.
Optional Aromatics: Ginger and garlic are common additions, especially in Western-style teriyaki sauces.

Because the base sauce is vegetarian, a person's teriyaki dish only contains meat if a protein like chicken or beef is cooked in the sauce. This is why vegetarian and vegan teriyaki are very common and simple to prepare.

Common Teriyaki Dishes and Their Proteins

While the sauce is consistent, the protein used can vary significantly depending on the recipe or region. Understanding these variations helps clarify the question, "Does teriyaki have meat in it?"

In Japan: Historically, teriyaki was most often used for fish, such as yellowtail or salmon, because it was a popular way to preserve and prepare seafood. Chicken is also common, but Western interpretations are less prevalent.
In the West: North American cuisine heavily popularized teriyaki chicken and beef. Immigrants in Hawaii and Seattle adapted the method to local tastes, which included a greater focus on meat. Toshi Kasahara's Seattle restaurant popularized serving teriyaki chicken and beef over rice in the 1970s, cementing this version as a mainstream dish.

What to Look Out for: Non-Vegetarian Ingredients

While the traditional sauce is vegetarian, there are a few exceptions and specific ingredients to be aware of if you have strict dietary requirements.

Honey: Some homemade and bottled sauces use honey as a sweetener, which is not considered vegan. Always check the ingredient list for honey if you are vegan.
Worcestershire Sauce: Certain teriyaki sauces, particularly fusion or Westernized versions, might include Worcestershire sauce, which can contain anchovies and is therefore not vegetarian. This is less common but worth noting.
Cross-Contamination: In restaurants, especially fast-food style teriyaki shops, cross-contamination can be a concern. Sauces used for meat dishes might be inadvertently used on vegetarian options. If this is a concern, it's best to confirm with the restaurant or cook at home.

Vegetarian and Vegan Teriyaki Options

Creating a meat-free teriyaki meal is simple and delicious, as the sauce's robust flavor pairs well with many alternatives.

Tofu: Firm or extra-firm tofu is an excellent option for absorbing the rich teriyaki sauce. Pressing the tofu first helps create a firmer texture and allows for maximum flavor absorption.
Vegetables: Broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, onions, and snow peas are popular vegetables for a teriyaki stir-fry. The sauce coats the vegetables beautifully, creating a satisfying meal.
Meat Alternatives: Many plant-based chicken or beef substitutes work well with teriyaki sauce, providing a similar texture to traditional meat dishes. Tempeh and seitan are other great options.

Teriyaki Glaze and Protein Comparison Table


Feature	Traditional Teriyaki Sauce	Bottled Teriyaki Sauce (Western)	Teriyaki Meal with Meat	Vegetarian/Vegan Teriyaki Meal
Contains Meat?	No	Potentially (check label for honey or fish sauce)	Yes (e.g., chicken, beef, fish)	No
Main Ingredients	Soy sauce, sake, mirin, sugar	Soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, spices	Protein of choice + teriyaki sauce	Tofu, vegetables, plant-based protein + teriyaki sauce
Flavor	Balanced sweet and savory	Varies; can be thicker and sweeter	Dependent on protein and sauce	Dependent on chosen protein and sauce
Dietary Suitability	Vegan/Vegetarian (usually)	Check label for specific ingredients	Omnivore	Vegetarian/Vegan
Where to Find	Homemade or traditional Japanese restaurants	Supermarkets, online retailers	Restaurants, fast food, home cooking	Restaurants (specify dietary needs), home cooking

Conclusion: So, Does Teriyaki Have Meat in It?

No, teriyaki itself does not have meat in it. Teriyaki is a cooking method and refers to the sauce, not the protein used. While chicken, beef, and fish are commonly prepared teriyaki-style, the base sauce is vegetarian. For those following vegetarian or vegan diets, it is easy to enjoy teriyaki by pairing the sauce with tofu, vegetables, or other meat alternatives. Always double-check ingredient labels on pre-made sauces for non-vegan additions like honey, especially in Western products, or ask about preparation methods in restaurants to avoid cross-contamination. The versatility of the teriyaki method ensures everyone can enjoy this delicious, glossy dish. For inspiration on making your own plant-based version, you can explore recipes like this Veggie Teriyaki Stir-Fry with Noodles from Cookie and Kate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Traditional Japanese teriyaki sauce is typically vegetarian, made from soy sauce, sake, mirin, and sugar. However, some bottled or Westernized versions may contain non-vegan ingredients like honey or non-vegetarian ingredients like anchovies in Worcestershire sauce. Always check the label.

Teriyaki is a cooking technique involving a sweet, glossy glaze. Yakitori refers specifically to skewered chicken grilled over a flame. While teriyaki sauce can be used on yakitori, they are distinct terms.

Yes, vegans can eat teriyaki. The base sauce is generally vegan-friendly. To be sure, use a homemade sauce or a brand certified vegan, and prepare it with plant-based ingredients like tofu, vegetables, or meat substitutes.

According to search results, most Kikkoman teriyaki sauces are vegan, with the notable exception of their 'Teriyaki BBQ-Sauce with Honey'. It's always best to check the specific product label.

In Japan, fatty fish like yellowtail or salmon are traditionally used. In Western cuisine, chicken and beef are more common, often served over rice.

Traditional teriyaki sauce contains soy sauce, which has wheat and is not gluten-free. However, gluten-free versions can be made using tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.

Yes, teriyaki is a very versatile cooking method. Many delicious meat-free teriyaki recipes exist using tofu, assorted vegetables, or other plant-based protein alternatives.