Lee Kum Kee, a producer of Asian sauces and condiments, has announced a partnership with Uncle Sharkii Poke Bar, a quick-service restaurant chain known for its Hawaiian-inspired poke bowls. This collaboration will introduce a new menu item, the Chicken Teriyaki Poke Bowl, which will utilize Lee Kum Kee’s Teriyaki Glaze. This glaze, recognized for its sweet and savory characteristics, will also be available as a permanent addition to the menu at all Uncle Sharkii locations across the country, allowing customers to use it in various poke bowl combinations.
Grace Chow, Vice President of Mainstream Foodservice and Industrial Sales for Lee Kum Kee (USA), commented on the partnership, stating that the Teriyaki Glaze complements the fresh ingredients typically found in poke bowls. The glaze’s origins trace back to the 19th century when Japanese immigrants introduced teriyaki to Hawaii, where it became a popular cooking method. The term “teriyaki” refers to the shine from the sugars used in the cooking process and the grilling method, respectively.
Lee Kum Kee’s Teriyaki Glaze is composed of soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and other seasonings, resulting in a rich flavor suitable for various culinary applications. Quynh Vu, Director of Marketing for Uncle Sharkii, noted that the addition of teriyaki glaze aligns with the restaurant’s goal of enhancing its menu and responding to customer requests for this familiar flavor. This partnership aims to broaden the appeal of Uncle Sharkii’s offerings while integrating a well-known Asian flavor profile into their dishes.