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This sugar free keto teriyaki sauce is super versatile and you can whip it up in minutes. This sauce brings that perfect balance of salty, sticky, and slightly sweet tastes that’s downright addictive. With only 2 net carbs and ready in 5 minutes, it’s so simple you’ll want to have this versatile sauce on standby for everything.
Whether you’re glazing air fryer teriyaki salmon or marinating air fryer teriyaki chicken, this sauce is your go-to for endless delicious possibilities. And for those on a Whole30 diet, don’t miss out on my equally tasty paleo teriyaki sauce!
Table of Contents
What is teriyaki
“Teriyaki” (照り焼き) is a Japanese term that describes a cooking technique rather than just a sauce. The word “Teri” (照り) highlights the shine and luster food gets when it’s cooked, and “Yaki” (焼き) refers to the method of cooking by grilling or broiling. So, when we talk about teriyaki, we’re talking about a way of preparing food so it ends up with a beautiful, glossy finish.
However, most of us think of teriyaki as that deliciously sweet and savory sauce that’s perfect for dressing up meat and seafood dishes.
Traditionally, Japanese teriyaki sauce is a mix of soy sauce, sake, mirin, and sugar. But the recipe we’re discussing today tweaks the classic to suit those on a low-carb diet. While it strays from the original, this version offers a fantastic solution for anyone seeking a sugar-free or low-sugar teriyaki sauce option.
Sugar Free Teriyaki Sauce Ingredients
Dive into making your own sugar free teriyaki marinade with just 2 grams of net carbs per serving! This super easy and versatile sauce can drop to 1 net carb if you opt for low-sodium soy sauce instead. It’s the perfect addition to jazz up your meals, ensuring a delightful blend of flavors without the guilt.
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- Coconut Aminos: A healthier, sweeter alternative to soy sauce, adding a rich, umami flavor without the gluten or soy.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a tangy kick to the sauce, balancing the sweetness and umami flavors.
- Grated Ginger: Fresh ginger brings a warm, spicy note that adds depth and complexity to the sauce.
- Grated Garlic: Provides a pungent, earthy flavor that is foundational to many savory dishes.
- Lakanto Brown Monk Fruit Sweetener: A natural, sugar-free brown sugar substitute sweetener that mimics the taste of brown sugar without the carbs, adding sweetness to the sauce.
- Xanthan Gum: A thickening agent that helps achieve the perfect sauce consistency without adding carbs or altering the flavor.
Tip: 1:1 conversion of Brown sugar to Lakanto brown sugar
Substitutions and variations
- Tapioca or Arrowroot Starch: Using these will slightly increase the carb count, but it’s minimal. These starches are great for those following Whole30 and Paleo diets.
- Sweetener: Feel free to swap in any keto-friendly sweetener such as Lakanto golden. Brown sugar is a top pick for its rich, caramel-like sweetness.
- Gluten-Free: Opt for gluten-free soy sauce or tamari if you’re avoiding gluten. Just like traditional soy sauce, these varieties are saltier and less sweet compared to coconut aminos.
- Soy Sauce: Whether it’s low sodium or regular, soy sauce is a viable option. Remember, it’s saltier and less sweet, so use a reduced amount mixed with water to lessen the salty flavor. See my Chinese pantry staples for more gluten-free Asian seasonings.
Remember, the magic ratio when swapping coconut aminos for soy sauce is 1 cup of coconut aminos to ⅔ cup of soy sauce + ⅓ cup of water. This simple guide ensures your sauce maintains its delicious balance, no matter the substitution!
How to make sugar free teriyaki sauce
Making low carb teriyaki sauce is a breeze, and the best part? It’s a super versatile, all-purpose sauce that can jazz up any dish. Let’s dive in and mix up some magic in the kitchen!
- Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, mix the coconut aminos (or soy sauce and water mix), apple cider vinegar, ginger, garlic, and Lakanto Brown Monk Fruit Sweetener.
- Heat: Stir the mixture, cover the pot, and let it simmer on medium heat to medium-low heat for about 3 minutes. Avoid boiling to maintain the perfect flavor balance.
- Thicken: Gradually whisk in xanthan gum into the simmering sauce until it thickens to your liking.
- Cool and Store: Turn off the heat, let the sauce cool, then adjust the sweetness if needed. Store in a mason jar in the fridge for up to 2-3 weeks.
How to use Keto teriyaki sauce
This no sugar teriyaki sauce is a kitchen superstar, thanks to its versatility. Whether you’re marinating, glazing, or stir-frying, this sauce has got you covered. Let’s explore the different ways you can use it to elevate your dishes:
I. As a marinade:
For Seafood and Meat: Enhance chicken, beef, steak, salmon, or shrimp with this sugar free teriyaki marinade. Skip the xanthan gum to keep the sauce thinner, simmer for about 3 minutes, let it cool, and it’s ready to marinate your favorites.
II. As a glaze:
For Grilled and Pan-Fried Dishes: Turn your sauce into a perfect glaze for air fryer teriyaki salmon, air fryer teriyaki chicken, Tsukune (Japanese grilled meatballs), and Yakitori (Japanese grilled chicken skewers). Just add a tiny bit of xanthan gum while simmering and whisking for about 3 minutes until it thickens.
III. In stir-fries:
Use as a Sauce: Give a flavor boost to Hibachi vegetables and Hibachi noodles by incorporating this sauce into your stir-fries. It brings a rich, savory depth that complements the ingredients beautifully.
How to make ahead and store
Planning ahead or have leftovers? No problem! This zero sugar teriyaki sauce can be made in advance and keeps beautifully in the refrigerator.
Just let it cool and pour it into a mason jar or an airtight container, and it will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 2-3 weeks. This make-ahead trick ensures you always have this delicious, versatile sauce on hand for quick meals and flavor boosts!
Expert tips
- Taste as You Go: Since everyone’s palate is different, adjust the sweetness and saltiness to your liking. Start with the recommended amounts and tweak from there.
- Simmer, Don’t Boil: Gently simmer the sauce to meld the flavors without reducing it too much, which could concentrate the saltiness.
- Whisk Well When Adding Xanthan Gum: To avoid clumps and ensure a smooth sauce, sprinkle the xanthan gum in small teaspoon slowly while continuously whisking.
- Cool Before Storing: Let the sauce cool to room temperature before transferring it to a jar or container. This helps maintain its texture and flavor.
- Adjust for Dietary Needs: Use coconut aminos for a soy-free option or low sodium gluten-free soy sauce for a lower carb count. Remember, the ratio is key when substituting.
- Marinade Without Thickening: If using the sauce as a marinade, skip the xanthan gum. It’s easier to coat the meat and seafood, and it penetrates better for more flavor.
- Coconut Aminos to Soy Sauce Ratio: When substituting coconut aminos with soy sauce, use a ratio of 1 cup of coconut aminos to ⅔ cup of soy sauce plus ⅓ cup of water to achieve a similar flavor balance without the sauce becoming too salty.
FAQs
For a similar flavor profile, you can use a mix of soy sauce, a sweetener like honey or maple syrup, and a bit of ginger and garlic for depth.
Coconut aminos is a popular keto-friendly substitute for soy sauce, offering a similar umami flavor with fewer carbs and no gluten, making it ideal for low-carb diets.
Yes, soy sauce is allowed on keto in moderation. Opt for low-sodium versions to reduce carb intake and avoid adding unnecessary sugars to your keto diet.
A great substitute for brown sugar in teriyaki sauce is a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener, giving a similar sweetness without the carbs.
More sugar free asian sauces you might like
Craving more sugar-free Asian sauce magic? We’ve got you covered with these mouthwatering options that promise to keep your meals exciting and your taste buds happy.
- Vietnamese Dipping Sauce (Nuoc Cham): A perfect blend of tangy, sweet, and spicy, this sauce is essential for Vietnamese salads, spring rolls, and grilled meats.
- Thai Dipping Sauce (Nam Jim Jaew): A smoky, spicy sauce with a hint of sweetness, ideal for grilled meats and sticky rice.
- Shacha Sauce: A savory, slightly spicy Taiwanese sauce with a hint of seafood flavor, great for stir-fries, noodles, hot pot, and barbecue.
- Wonton Sauce: A sweet and spicy sauce with a garlic twist, perfect for dipping those delicious dumplings or drizzling over noodle dishes.
See my Top 20 Sauce for grilled chicken for more ideas!
Keto Teriyaki Sauce Recipe (Sugar Free, Low Carb, Easy)
Ingredients
- 1 cup coconut aminos or ⅔ cup low sodium gluten-free soy sauce and ⅓ cup water (see notes)
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tsp grated ginger
- 2 tsp grated garlic
- 2 tbsp Lakanto brown monk fruit sweetener
- 1/4 tsp xanthan gum
Instructions
- Combine ingredients: In a small to medium size pot, add ingredients from the coconut amino to the sweetener.
- Simmer: Give it a stir and cover the pot with a lid. Bring it to a gentle simmer (not boiling) over medium-low heat, about 3 minutes.
- Thicken: Slowly and gradually sprinkle in the xanthan gum little-by-little while whisking the simmering sauce at the same time. The sauce will thicken pretty quickly.
- Enjoy: Turn off the heat. Let the sauce cool to room temperature before packing it to a mason jar. Taste and adjust with more sweetener. Store it in the fridge and best use it in 2-3 weeks.
Notes
- Flavor Adjustments: Coconut aminos are sweeter and less salty than soy sauce. Feel free to play with the sweetness or saltiness to your taste.
- Soy Sauce Swap: If you use soy sauce, remember it’s saltier. Adjust accordingly.
- Sweetness Level: This keto sauce is less sweet than the store-bought versions. Add more sweetener if you like it sweeter.
- Thickening Alternatives: You can use tapioca or arrowroot starch, but it’ll slightly up the carbs.
- Marinade Magic: Skip the xanthan gum if you’re using this as a marinade.
Simmer, Don’t Boil: To avoid bitterness and saltiness, simmer gently and avoid cooking it down too much. - A Little Goes a Long Way: Be conservative with xanthan gum to avoid a jelly-like consistency.
- If use low sodium gluten-free tamari, the net carb is 1.
- Please note: Bragg’s liquid amino is NOT the same as Coconut Aminos. It does not taste the same and the ingredients are not the same. If you use liquid aminos, you will be changing my recipe and I cannot guarantee what it will taste like.
- Serving Suggestions: This versatile sauce pairs wonderfully with Tsukune (Japanese grilled chicken meatballs), Chicken Yakitori, Teriyaki chicken, grilled beef, and air fryer teriyaki salmon. It’s a game-changer for your keto-friendly culinary adventures!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Made a dish and loved it? Please remember to rate the recipe and leave a comment in the section below! It helps my blog grow organically, allowing me to continue sharing free and awesome content with you. Thank you!
literally the best sauce ever!!! it taste just like hibachi
Thank you, Elisabeth. Appreciate it. 🙂
I love this sauce! Has anyone tried freezing it? It’s been 2 years since the question was asked. I’m hoping there’s an update?
Hello Andrea, thank you. You can freeze the sauce I recommend using ice cube trays but the flavor might not be as fragrant as the ginger really pops when it’s fresh.
Is it 9 tbsp or tsp of ACV?
It’s 3 tbsp (9 tsp) thank you!
Can I use powdered garlic and powdered ginger I don’t have fresh and I’m wondering how much I should use?
Yes you can. The flavor might be stronger for the powdered version so start with 1/4 tsp garlic and 1/8 tsp ginger powder first and you can taste and adjust!
Has anyone tried using red boat fish sauce in place of coconut aminos? I LOVE That fish sauce and dislike coco aminos intensely. I don’t like coconut flavor really. I’ve heard mixing fish sauce with coco aminos even out flavor and masks the coconut. Any thoughts?
Hello April, I would not recommend it – at least not altering this recipe for fish sauce. You can try Ocean’s Halo soy-free soy sauce. Coconut aminos doesn’t taste coconut to me though. Also Bragg’s liquid amino is not the same as coconut aminos just want to make sure. I use Big Tree Farm coconut aminos. It tastes similar to dark sweet soy sauce flavor to me. 🙂 I haven’t tried Ocean’s Halo yet but if you want, grab a bottle and see if you like the flavor!
Can you add the ingredients to a slow cooker and add raw chicken and cook on Low for 8hrs?
Hello Alyson, theoretically it should work. Now I don’t know how much liquid you need to add to the slow cooker in proportion to the chicken in a slow cooker though. Also you probably also don’t need to thicken the sauce until after the chicken is cooked in a slow cooker.
LOVE THIS!! Added a tsp of toasted sesame oil at the end.
AWESOME!
I used honey for the sweetener and didn’t end up using a thickener (mainly because I didn’t have any on hand!) and it turned out so good! This recipe with chicken rice and broccoli is so good!
Hi,
I just made this teriyaki and I added honey for the sweetener and arrowroot to thicken. I had it over Salmon. Outstanding! Thank you!
Debra
how long will this keep and will it crystalize when it cools?
thank you, I look forward to trying it!
Hi Glenn, I haven’t noticed mine turning crystalize if I store it in the fridge. 🙂