Is Teriyaki a Healthy Food?

Teriyaki is a Japanese word that refers to a cooking technique of grilling, broiling or roasting foods with a glaze of soy sauce, sugar, and mirin. It’s popular in Japan, but it’s also become an international favorite. Teriyaki dishes have become staples in many restaurants and homes around the world.

But is teriyaki healthy? The answer is yes – if you make it the right way.

The traditional ingredients used to make teriyaki are all healthy and nutritious. Soy sauce is made from fermented soybeans, sugar adds sweetness, and mirin is a type of rice wine with a slightly sweet flavor.

The key to making teriyaki healthy is to keep portions in check. A single serving of teriyaki should include no more than 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of mirin or sugar. This will help keep sodium levels low and avoid adding too much sugar to your dish.

When using teriyaki as a marinade for meats like chicken or beef, try to limit its time on the grill or in the oven so that the sugars don’t burn. Also, avoid adding additional sauces or seasonings that may add more sodium or sugar.

Overall, teriyaki can be part of a healthy diet when enjoyed in moderation and prepared properly. It’s best to limit servings to 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of soy sauce per dish and 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of mirin or sugar. When used as a marinade for meats, try not to overcook them so that the sugars don’t burn.

In conclusion, Teriyaki can be considered healthy as long as it’s cooked properly with limited amounts of salt and sugar added – making it an ideal addition to any meal.