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What is eel Sauce?

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Eel sauce, also known as unagi no tare or kabayaki sauce, is a thick, sweet, and savory condiment that hails from Japanese cuisine. Despite its name, it doesn’t contain eel; instead, it’s traditionally used to glaze grilled eel. But there’s much more to this delicious sauce. Let’s explore the world of eel sauce, including its composition, recipes, and how to use it in various dishes.

Eel sauce is a luscious, umami-rich condiment typically made from soy sauce, mirin (a type of rice wine), and sugar. Some variations include sake or dashi to add depth. The ingredients are simmered until the mixture reduces to a glossy, thick consistency. Its complex flavor profile—sweet, salty, and slightly smoky—makes it a versatile addition to many dishes.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup mirin
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • Optional: 1/4 cup sake or dashi

Instructions:

  1. Combine all ingredients in a saucepan.
  2. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
  3. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 15-20 minutes.
  4. Allow to cool before using.

Eel Sauce Recipes

Classic Eel Sauce

A classic eel sauce is simple to make and enhances many dishes.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup mirin
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup sake (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Mix the soy sauce, mirin, and sugar in a small pot.
  2. Add sake if desired.
  3. Heat the mixture over medium heat.
  4. Stir continuously until it begins to thicken.
  5. Once thickened, remove from heat and let cool.

Vegan Eel Sauce

For a plant-based version, this recipe omits any animal products.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1/2 cup rice vinegar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp molasses
  • 1 tsp liquid smoke (optional for a smoky flavor)

Instructions:

  1. Combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and molasses in a saucepan.
  2. Bring to a boil, then simmer until it thickens.
  3. Stir in liquid smoke if using.
  4. Let the sauce cool before using.

Dishes Featuring Eel Sauce

Grilled Eel (Unagi)

Traditionally, eel sauce is used to glaze grilled eel, known as unagi in Japan.

Ingredients:

  • 2 fillets of unagi (grilled eel)
  • 1 cup steamed rice
  • 1/4 cup eel sauce

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
  2. Brush the eel fillets with eel sauce.
  3. Grill each side for 3-4 minutes until caramelized.
  4. Serve over steamed rice with extra sauce on the side.

Sushi Rolls

Eel sauce is a fantastic topping for various sushi rolls, adding a touch of sweetness and depth.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup sushi rice
  • 1 sheet nori (seaweed)
  • 1/2 cucumber, julienned
  • 1/2 avocado, sliced
  • 4 oz imitation crab or tofu strips
  • 2 tbsp eel sauce

Instructions:

  1. Place a sheet of nori on a bamboo sushi mat.
  2. Spread sushi rice over the nori.
  3. Layer cucumber, avocado, and crab (or tofu) in the center.
  4. Roll tightly using the mat.
  5. Slice into pieces and drizzle with eel sauce.

Tempura

Eel sauce pairs wonderfully with crispy tempura vegetables and seafood.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup tempura batter
  • 1/2 cup ice water
  • Assorted vegetables (sweet potatoes, bell peppers, zucchini)
  • 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled
  • 1/4 cup eel sauce

Instructions:

  1. Mix tempura batter with ice water.
  2. Dip vegetables and shrimp into the batter.
  3. Fry in hot oil until golden brown.
  4. Drain on paper towels and serve with eel sauce.

Tofu Stir-Fry

For a quick and healthy meal, try this tofu stir-fry with eel sauce.

Ingredients:

  • 1 block firm tofu, cubed
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1/2 bell pepper, sliced
  • 1/4 cup eel sauce
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil

Instructions:

  1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add tofu and cook until golden brown.
  3. Add broccoli and bell pepper; stir-fry until tender.
  4. Pour eel sauce over the mixture and toss to coat.
  5. Serve immediately.

Chicken Teriyaki

Although traditionally not used for teriyaki, eel sauce can add a unique twist to this popular dish.

Ingredients:

  • 2 chicken breasts
  • 1/4 cup eel sauce
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp ginger, minced
  • 1 tsp garlic, minced

Instructions:

  1. Combine eel sauce, soy sauce, honey, ginger, and garlic in a bowl.
  2. Marinate the chicken breasts in the mixture for at least 30 minutes.
  3. Grill or pan-fry the chicken until fully cooked.
  4. Brush with additional eel sauce before serving.

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