What To Know
- Traditionally, chicken teriyaki is prepared with a marinade or sauce made from soy sauce, mirin (a Japanese sweet rice wine), sake (a Japanese rice wine), sugar, and ginger.
- When ordering chicken teriyaki at a restaurant or purchasing pre-made sauces, it’s essential to check the ingredient list carefully.
- Bring the marinade to a simmer in a skillet over medium heat.
Chicken teriyaki is a beloved dish that tantalizes taste buds with its savory and sweet glaze. However, for those with dairy sensitivities, the question arises: is chicken teriyaki dairy free? The answer, in most cases, is a resounding yes.
Understanding the Ingredients
Traditionally, chicken teriyaki is prepared with a marinade or sauce made from soy sauce, mirin (a Japanese sweet rice wine), sake (a Japanese rice wine), sugar, and ginger. None of these ingredients contain dairy.
Common Dairy-Containing Variations
While the classic chicken teriyaki recipe is dairy-free, some variations may include dairy ingredients. These include:
- Creamy Teriyaki Sauce: This variation adds dairy cream or milk to the sauce for a richer texture.
- Butter: Some recipes may use butter to sauté the chicken or glaze the sauce.
- Cheese: Occasionally, shredded cheese may be added as a topping or mixed into the sauce.
Identifying Dairy-Free Chicken Teriyaki
When ordering chicken teriyaki at a restaurant or purchasing pre-made sauces, it’s essential to check the ingredient list carefully. Look for key dairy terms such as:
- Milk
- Cream
- Butter
- Cheese
- Whey
- Lactose
If any of these ingredients are present, the chicken teriyaki is not dairy-free.
Making Dairy-Free Chicken Teriyaki at Home
Creating your own dairy-free chicken teriyaki is simple. Here’s a recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup mirin
- 1/4 cup sake (optional)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, combine the chicken breasts, soy sauce, mirin, sake (if using), sugar, and ginger. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. In a small saucepan, whisk together the cornstarch and water.
3. Bring the marinade to a simmer in a skillet over medium heat.
4. Add the cornstarch mixture and whisk until the sauce thickens.
5. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until cooked through.
Other Dairy-Free Teriyaki Options
If you prefer pre-made teriyaki sauces or dishes, here are some dairy-free options:
- Kikkoman Teriyaki Sauce: This popular brand offers a variety of dairy-free teriyaki sauces.
- Teriyaki Stir-Fry Sauce by Annie Chun’s: This sauce is gluten-free and dairy-free.
- Trader Joe’s Teriyaki Sauce: Trader Joe’s carries a dairy-free teriyaki sauce that is perfect for marinating or glazing.
The Bottom Line: Navigating the Dairy-Free Teriyaki Landscape
Chicken teriyaki is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed dairy-free with some careful considerations. By checking ingredient lists, making your own sauce, or choosing pre-made dairy-free options, you can savor this savory and sweet delicacy without compromising your dietary restrictions.
Frequently Discussed Topics
Q: Are all chicken teriyaki dishes dairy-free?
A: No, some variations may include dairy ingredients such as cream, butter, or cheese.
Q: What are some dairy-free alternatives to chicken teriyaki sauce?
A: Kikkoman Teriyaki Sauce, Annie Chun’s Teriyaki Stir-Fry Sauce, and Trader Joe‘s Teriyaki Sauce are all dairy-free options.
Q: Can I make chicken teriyaki dairy-free at home?
A: Yes, you can make your own dairy-free chicken teriyaki sauce using soy sauce, mirin, sake (optional), sugar, and ginger.
Q: What other dairy-free Asian dishes can I enjoy?
A: Pad Thai, sushi, and vegetable stir-fries are all popular dairy-free Asian dishes.
