The main difference between teriyaki marinade and sauce lies in their intended uses and consistency: Teriyaki Marinade: Teriyaki marinade is a mixture of soy sauce, sugar (often brown sugar or honey), ginger, garlic, and sometimes other ingredients like sesame oil or mirin. Its primary purpose is to flavor and tenderize meats before cooking. Teriyaki marinade is thinner in consistency and is used to coat meat for a period of time (usually 30 minutes to several hours) to infuse flavor and help tenderize it. Teriyaki Sauce: Teriyaki sauce is a thicker, more concentrated mixture made from similar ingredients as the marinade but typically includes additional ingredients like cornstarch or other thickeners to create a sauce-like consistency. Teriyaki sauce is used as a finishing sauce or glaze for cooked meats or vegetables. It's brushed onto the food during or after cooking to add a glossy coating and a burst of sweet and savory flavor.