The spelling of the word "teriyakis" can be confusing. It is actually a plural form of the word "teriyaki", a Japanese word meaning "shiny grilled". In IPA phonetic transcription, teriyaki would be /ˌtɛr.iˈjɑː.ki/. The plural form is created by adding the suffix "-s" (/s/) to the end, resulting in teriyakis, pronounced as /ˌtɛr.iˈjɑː.kiz/. Although it may look like teriyakis is misspelled, it is in fact a correct plural form in English grammar.
Teriyakis refers to a plural noun that refers to a type of Japanese dish or cooking technique. It is primarily used in the English language and holds roots in the Japanese word "teriyaki" which refers to a cooking method of grilling or broiling food with a glaze or sauce made from soy sauce, sugar, and sometimes mirin or sake. The term "teriyakis" is used to indicate multiple instances of this dish or technique, much like adding an "s" or "es" to the end of certain English words to denote pluralization.
Teriyakis typically involve marinating or coating meat, often chicken or beef, seafood, or vegetables in a savory sauce made from soy sauce and a sweetener, such as sugar, honey, or mirin. The dish is then either grilled or broiled, allowing the marinade to caramelize and create a glossy, sweet and savory glaze. Teriyaki sauce can vary slightly in different regions or households, with variations incorporating additional ingredients such as ginger, garlic, or sesame oil to enhance the flavor profile.
Teriyakis are often served as a main dish accompanied by a side of steamed rice, and occasionally with stir-fried vegetables or a Japanese-style salad. This popular Japanese cuisine has gained widespread international appeal and is available in many Japanese restaurants and even fast-food establishments globally.
The word "teriyaki" originates from Japan and has a fairly straightforward etymology. It is derived from two Japanese words: "teri" (照り), meaning "shine" or "luster", and "yaki" (焼き), which means "grilled" or "broiled". When combined, "teriyaki" refers to a cooking method where food is grilled or broiled and then glazed with a sweet and savory sauce.