teriyaki: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumInformal/Culinary
Quick answer
What does “teriyaki” mean?
A Japanese cooking technique where food is grilled or broiled with a glaze of soy sauce, mirin, and sugar.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A Japanese cooking technique where food is grilled or broiled with a glaze of soy sauce, mirin, and sugar.
The sauce or marinade used in this technique; a dish (typically of meat or fish) prepared in this manner.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. Slight variance in typical menu items (e.g., 'teriyaki noodles' more common in UK pre-packaged meals vs. 'teriyaki bowl' in US).
Connotations
Associated with Japanese-inspired fast-casual dining, health-conscious options, and fusion cuisine in both regions.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English due to greater prevalence of Japanese-American fast-food chains.
Grammar
How to Use “teriyaki” in a Sentence
[Noun] with teriyaki[Noun] in teriyaki sauceteriyaki [Noun] (e.g., teriyaki chicken)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “teriyaki” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We could teriyaki that mackerel for the barbecue.
- The recipe says to teriyaki the steaks for at least an hour.
American English
- Just teriyaki the chicken thighs and throw them on the grill.
- I'm going to teriyaki the salmon fillets for dinner.
adjective
British English
- I fancied a teriyaki bento box for lunch.
- They do a lovely teriyaki-style aubergine.
American English
- I'll have the teriyaki bowl with brown rice.
- Pick up a teriyaki sauce bottle from the Asian aisle.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Menu descriptions, food product marketing, restaurant concept development.
Academic
Culinary studies, cultural anthropology discussing food globalization.
Everyday
Discussing meals, ordering food, cooking, reading menus.
Technical
Food science (discussing Maillard reaction with sugar-based glazes), professional culinary arts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “teriyaki”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “teriyaki”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “teriyaki”
- Pronouncing it /ˈtɛriˌjæki/ (incorrect stress and vowel).
- Using it as a countable noun for the sauce ('a teriyaki') instead of 'a teriyaki sauce'.
- Spelling: 'terriyaki', 'teriyakki'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Teriyaki sauce is made from soy sauce but combined with sweeteners like sugar or mirin, and often other ingredients, creating a thicker, sweeter glaze.
Yes, in informal culinary contexts (e.g., 'to teriyaki the beef'), meaning to cook or marinate using the teriyaki method.
The technique and name are Japanese. However, 'teriyaki' as commonly found internationally is often a Westernized adaptation, leading to fusion dishes like 'teriyaki burgers'.
It derives from 'teri' (shine/luster) and 'yaki' (grilling/broiling), referring to the glossy finish the sugar glaze gives the grilled food.
A Japanese cooking technique where food is grilled or broiled with a glaze of soy sauce, mirin, and sugar.
Teriyaki is usually informal/culinary in register.
Teriyaki: in British English it is pronounced /ˌtɛrɪˈjɑːki/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌtɛriˈjɑki/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'TERI' (as in 'territory') of 'YAKI' (sounds like 'yucky' but isn't!) is the domain of tasty grilled Japanese food.
Conceptual Metaphor
TERIYAKI IS A GLOSSY FINISH (as in 'a teriyaki sheen on the salmon').
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic of a teriyaki dish?