Tare vs. Sauce: What is the Difference?

Tare (タレ) is a liquid seasoning used for foods and dishes, such as Yakiniku, Unagi no Kabayaki, Shabu-Shabu, Sukiyaki, and Natto, and it seems like a sauce.

Tare vs. Sauce

So I wondered, Tare and Sauce are the same things or different? And for that, today, I researched the difference.

Tare (タレ)

Tsuke-Dare (つけだれ: Dipping Sauce) for Yakiniku

In the first place, Tare is a Japanese word derived from Tare Miso (垂れ味噌), a simple miso seasoning that had been available before Shoyu or soy sauce was born.

Tare Miso, literally meaning dripping miso, was put into a cloth bag and used by hanging.

In modern times, as mentioned above, Tare comes in various varieties. But a single seasoning, like soy sauce, is not called Tare.

Tare is a thick combined liquid seasoning made by simmering down ingredients such as soy sauce, sake, mirin, and miso.

Tare is used during cooking or by dipping/soaking food before eating. This seasoning often comes with Japanese or Asian dishes.

Sauce (ソース)

Hamburg Steak with Demi-Glace Sauce

On the other hand, Sauce is an English word, and this seasoning liquid is mainly for Western dishes.

As you know, Sauce is used during cooking or put on food before eating.

(Reference Page: Wikipedia タレ )