Crossword puzzles are fun but can sometimes be tricky. One such clue is:
“Glaze made with soy sauce and mirin Crossword”
The most common and correct answer to this is:
š TERIYAKI
But why is teriyaki the best fit for this clue? Let’s dive deeper into the meaning, history, and context behind this flavorful word.
š± What is Teriyaki?
Teriyaki is both a classic Japanese cooking method and the name of the glaze used in it. This method involves grilling or broiling meat, fish, tofu, or vegetables with a glossy, savoury-sweet sauce.
The traditional teriyaki glaze is made with:
- Soy Sauce ā for salty umami flavour
- Mirin ā a sweet rice wine
- Sugar ā for caramelisation and sweetness
- (Optional: Sake) ā for added depth and aroma
Together, these ingredients create the shiny, flavorful coating known as teriyaki sauce, which gives dishes their signature appearance and taste.
š¾ The History of Teriyaki
The term teriyaki is derived from two Japanese words:
- Teri (ē §ć) ā meaning shine or gloss, referring to the sauce’s lustrous finish
- Yaki (ē¼ć) ā meaning grill or broil, the technique used in preparation
This cooking style emerged during the Edo period (1603ā1868) in Japan, when soy sauce and sweeteners like mirin began gaining popularity. The balance of salty and sweet flavours became a defining feature of Japanese cuisine, and teriyaki became a household favourite.
š Teriyaki in America
When Japanese immigrants arrived in the U.S. in the early 20th century, they brought their cuisine with them. In Hawaii, teriyaki was adaptedĀ to incorporate local ingredientsāmost notablyĀ pineapple juice,Ā which gave the sauce a distinctive tropical twist.
From there, teriyaki gained popularity across the mainland United States. Today, itās common to see teriyaki:
- In fast food (teriyaki chicken bowls and burgers)
- At Asian restaurants
- On grocery store shelves in bottled form
ā Other Possible Crossword Answers
While TERIYAKI is the best and most accurate answer for the clue, solvers might come across related words:
| Word | Description |
|---|---|
| MISO | A fermented soybean paste ā not a glaze, but often confused due to its Japanese origin |
| TARE | A general term for dipping sauces in Japanese cuisine ā some may resemble teriyaki. |
| SHOYU | The Japanese word for soy sauce ā a key ingredient in teriyaki, but not a glaze itself |
These alternatives might show up in other clues, but TERIYAKI is the only one that perfectly matches both soy sauce and mirin as ingredients in a glaze.
š¤ Why This Clue Can Be Tricky
This clue challenges solvers because it references ingredients rather than the name of the final dish or sauce. Some players may not immediately connect soy sauce and mirin with teriyaki, especially if they associate the word only with bottled sauce or restaurant menu items.
Also, since teriyaki refers to both a cooking style and a sauce, it adds an extra layer of confusion for less familiar solvers.