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Dairy-Free Delight: The Dairy Presence in Teriyaki

Emily Chen is the food blogger and recipe developer behind Cookindocs.com. With a lifelong passion for food, she enjoys creating easy and delicious recipes for home cooks to enjoy. Whether testing new ingredients or perfecting family favorites, Emily finds joy in cooking dishes from around the world.

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.

Emily Chen

Emily Chen is the food blogger and recipe developer behind Cookindocs.com. With a lifelong passion for food, she enjoys creating easy and delicious recipes for home cooks to enjoy. Whether testing new ingredients or perfecting family favorites, Emily finds joy in cooking dishes from around the world.

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