You have an opened bottle of teriyaki sauce that has been in the kitchen for quite some time. You might be concerned: Does teriyaki sauce go bad? How long does it last? Sauces usually don’t last that long, right?
Here’s the deal. Teriyaki sauce lasts a pretty long time. If it’s unopened, you can hold onto it for three years past the best-by date. As soon as you open the bottle, it generally lasts 3-6 months in the pantry and up to a year in the fridge.
Signs Teriyaki Sauce Has Spoiled
In most cases, teriyaki sauce will be safe to consume for a few years. So it doesn’t go bad quickly. However, the taste will start to change slowly. If you’re unhappy with the quality of your teriyaki sauce, get rid of it.
If you notice an off smell or a change in appearance, the best thing to do is to discard it to be safe.
How To Store Teriyaki Paste
Teriyaki sauce should be stored in the same way as soy sauce. Keep it in a cool, dry place. It should be kept away from sunlight and sources of heat. An unopened bottle can be stored in either the pantry or kitchen cabinet.
As soon as you open the bottle, make sure to seal it tightly when it’s not in use. You can decide whether to store it in the fridge or at room temperature.
It will last longer if stored in the fridge, so that may be the best option. However, at room temperature is perfectly fine.
Homemade teriyaki sauce should be stored as the recipe states.
Can You Freeze Teriyaki Sauce?
Teriyaki sauce does freeze well. However, due to its long shelf-life, it may not even be necessary. Homemade teriyaki sauce, on the other hand, can be frozen to last longer as it can include perishable ingredients.
To freeze your teriyaki sauce, use ice cube trays. After freezing, move the cubes to a freezer bag and put them back in the freezer.
The Shelf-Life Of Teriyaki Sauce
Teriyaki sauce comes with a best-by-date. However, your sauce won’t spoil immediately after this date. In fact, unopened teriyaki sauce will last about three years past the best-by date. Once it is opened, it will last 3-6 months in the pantry and a year in the fridge.
These dates are based on the best quality of the sauce. It will stay safe to consume even longer if stored properly due to its high salt content, which acts as a preservative.
Uses For Teriyaki Sauce
Teriyaki sauce is best used as a marinade or glaze for meat and fish. It can be used with grilled chicken as well as in the oven, broiler, stovetop, slow cooker, and for stir-frying. It can also be drizzled on top of your meal before eating or used as a dipping sauce.
Soak your meat, vegetables, fish, or tofu in the sauce for half an hour before cooking to get the most out of the sauce. You can even reduce the mixture into a thick, sticky sauce that is great for topping.
In Summary
Teriyaki sauce is made from common Asian seasonings such as soy sauce, sake or mirin, sugar, and ginger.
Teriyaki sauce may have a long shelf life. But always be cautious of any changes in your sauce that may be a sign of spoilage. To store it for even longer, keep it in the fridge when opened. Although, at room temperature is perfectly okay.
