Is Traditional Teriyaki Sauce meant to be runny?

Question

I have been to a few Japanese places and most of them seem to have a runny, almost soy like sauce.

But my favourtie place uses sweet and thick stuff?

Is it traditionally meant to be runny?

Is Japanese food way different to what western people are served?

Answer 1

"Is Japanese food way different to what western people are served?"

Yes, VERY different. It is the same with almost all ethnic cuisine. For example, Chinese food. The American style cooking is much sweeter and stronger than traditional fare, and sometimes even more colorful, as is the case of the sweet and sour pork. As for the teriyaki sauce, yes, it is usually runny.

Answer 2

Yes, its traditionally more runny.

Because of the Western influence, they tend to like their sauces/gravy/dips thicker & flavorful. To be more appealing to the Westerners taste buds. So some do prepare it more thicker by either adding cornstarch or flour to it & adding more flavor to it.

Answer 3

Teriyaki is usually thin, but if you want that thick glaze, it's easy enough to get. Use your favorite teriyaki sauce and bring a cup or so of it to a boil in a saucepan. Whisk in a slurry of cornstarch and water or arrowroot and water, a little at a time, until the sauce starts to thicken. Try to whisk out any lumps. Let cool a little and use it as a glaze. If it gets too thick, gently whisk in a little more terriyaki sauce to loosen it.

I think traditional japanese food wouldn't appeal to many westerners. We are more familiar with japanese street food type flavors and textures: crunchy, salty, tangy, whereas traditional japanese food tends to be more delicate (not necessarily bland, just more subtle); American palates aren't known for being delicate. :P