japanese eel sauce recipe

The Best japanese eel sauce recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my favorite Japanese eel sauce recipe. This dish has been a staple in our household for years, and I just can’t get enough of it. The combination of sweet and savory flavors is absolute perfection. My family loves it when I serve it with grilled fish or as a dipping sauce for tempura.

It’s also incredibly easy to make, which is a bonus in my book. I first discovered this recipe while browsing through a Japanese cookbook at the local library. I was immediately drawn to the simplicity of the ingredients and the complexity of the flavors. The eel sauce, known as ‘unagi no tare’ in Japanese, is made with a combination of soy sauce, sake, mirin, and sugar.

It’s sweetened to perfection and has a rich, velvety texture that’s just divine. One of the things I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can use it as a marinade for grilled meats or as a sauce for noodles or rice. It’s also an excellent accompaniment to sushi or sashimi.

My kids absolutely adore it when I serve it with their favorite tempura dishes. The key to making this recipe successful is to use high-quality ingredients and to not be afraid to experiment with different flavor combinations. Don’t be shy about adding your own twist to the recipe – that’s what makes cooking so much fun! I’ve included a simple recipe below that serves four people.

Feel free to adjust the quantities based on your family’s needs. As for storage, you can store the eel sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. Reheating it is easy – simply warm it up in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave.

Japanese Eel Sauce Recipe

4.9 from 1770 votes

A rich and savory sauce inspired by Japanese eel dishes. Perfect for grilled eel or as a dipping sauce.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time30 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Sauce

1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup mirin
2 tablespoons sake
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated ginger
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon rice vinegar

For the Thickening

1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a small saucepan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat.
2Add minced garlic and grated ginger, then sauté for 1 minute until fragrant and lightly golden.
3Add sugar and salt, stir until fully dissolved.
4Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5Continue to simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
6If it becomes too thick, add a small amount of water to adjust.
7Serve the eel sauce warm or at room temperature, ensuring it is evenly coated on the eel or used as a dipping sauce.
8Enjoy the rich, savory flavor of this Japanese-inspired eel sauce.

🔧Equipment

Small saucepan
Whisk
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: For a smoother sauce, strain the garlic and ginger before adding the cornstarch slurry. Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding more soy sauce for saltiness or sugar for sweetness.

This Japanese eel sauce recipe has been a staple in our household for years, and I highly recommend giving it a try! Not only is it incredibly easy to make, but it’s also incredibly versatile – you can use it as a marinade or as a dipping sauce for all sorts of dishes.

And let’s not forget about the health benefits – with its rich umami flavor and sweet undertones, this eel sauce is sure to become one of your go-to condiments. So go ahead and give it a try – your taste buds (and your family) will thank you!

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Japanese Eel Sauce

Q: What is Japanese eel sauce?

Japanese eel sauce, also known as ‘unagi no tare,’ is a sweet and savory condiment made from a combination of soy sauce, sake, mirin, and sugar.

Q: Can I use this recipe as a marinade?

Yes, you can definitely use this recipe as a marinade for grilled meats or vegetables. Simply mix it with some oil and let it sit for at least 30 minutes before cooking.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

This recipe contains fish products, so it’s not suitable for vegetarians who avoid animal-derived ingredients.

Q: How long does this sauce keep in the fridge?

This sauce will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Q: Can I freeze this sauce?

No, we do not recommend freezing this sauce as it may separate or become less flavorful when thawed.

Q: What are some good pairings for this eel sauce?

This eel sauce pairs beautifully with grilled fish, tempura dishes, sushi, sashimi, and even noodles or rice.

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