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Teriyaki[a] is acooking technique in which foods arebroiled orgrilled with aglaze ofsoy sauce,mirin, andsugar.[1][2][3] Although commonly associated withJapanese cuisine, this cooking technique is also commonly used in other Asian cuisines such asChinese,Indonesian andThai.
Fish –yellowtail,marlin,skipjack tuna,salmon,trout, andmackerel – and chicken[4] is mainly used in Japan, while white and red other meat – pork, lamb, and beef – is more often used in the West. Other ingredients sometimes used in Japan includesquid,hamburger steak, andmeatballs.
The wordteriyaki derives from the nounteri (照り), which refers to a shine or luster given by the sugar content in thetare (タレ), andyaki (焼き), which refers to the cooking method of grilling orbroiling.[3] Traditionally the meat is dipped in or brushed with sauce several times during cooking.[5] It is believed that Teriyaki in Japan evolved during the 1600s.[6]
Thetare (タレ) is traditionally made by blendingsoy sauce,sake (ormirin), andsugar over heat. The sauce is boiled and reduced to the desired thickness, then used tomarinate meat, which is then grilled or broiled. Sometimesginger is added and the final dish may be garnished withspring onions.
A teriyaki burger (テリヤキバーガー) is a variety ofhamburger either topped with teriyaki sauce or with the sauce worked into the ground meatpatty. According to George Motz, the dish has its roots in Japan.[7]
Teriyaki stir-fry refers tostir frying meat or vegetables and tossing them in teriyaki sauce. Vegetarian ingredients may also be cooked teriyaki-style.
In North America, any dish made with a teriyaki-like sauce is described using the word teriyaki. This often even includes those using foreign alternatives tosake ormirin, or with added ingredients, such as sesame orgarlic (uncommon in traditionalJapanese cuisine[citation needed]). The sauce used for teriyaki is generally sweet, although it can also be spicy.Pineapple juice is sometimes used, as it not only provides sweetness but alsobromelain enzymes that help tenderize the meat. Grilling meat first and pouring the sauce on afterwards or using sweet sauce as amarinade are other non-traditional methods of cooking teriyaki.[1] Teriyaki sauce is sometimes put onchicken wings or used as adipping sauce.
In the city ofSeattle,Washington, a large teriyaki culture emerged in the 1990s. As of 2010[update], there were over 83 restaurants in the city with "teriyaki" in their name. It has been described as the city's signature cuisine by some outlets, noting its widespread adoption as a form offast food.[3][8][9]
The first standalone teriyaki restaurant, Toshi's Teriyaki, opened in theLower Queen Anne neighborhood of Seattle in 1976. The restaurant's low-cost chicken and beef skewers in teriyaki sauce inspired other restaurants in the area.[10] Toshi's later expanded into a chain with 17 locations in the Seattle area by 1996.[11]