Eel Sauce (Unagi Sauce)

Introduction:

Eel sauce, or Unagi sauce, is a sweet and savory Japanese condiment that’s perfect for drizzling over sushi, shrimp tempura, and eel rolls, or for glazing grilled dishes. Made with just three ingredients—sugar, soy sauce, and Mirin—this sauce is easy to prepare and adds a rich, umami flavor to a variety of dishes.

Ingredients

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup soy sauce
• ½ cup Mirin

Directions

1. Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, whisk together the granulated sugar, soy sauce, and Mirin until fully combined.
2. Cook the Sauce: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and reduces to about ¾ cup (approximately 253g). The sauce should have a consistency similar to honey once it cools.
3. Cool and Store: Let the sauce cool completely. Once cooled, you can use it immediately or store it in a resealable container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Approximately ¾ cup (about 253g) of sauce
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Eel Sauce: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of Sriracha for a spicy kick.
• Ginger Eel Sauce: Add freshly grated ginger to the sauce for a zesty twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the eel sauce in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
• Reheating: If the sauce thickens too much in the refrigerator, gently reheat it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until it reaches the desired consistency.

10 FAQs

1. What is eel sauce made of?
   • Eel sauce is typically made from a combination of sugar, soy sauce, and Mirin.
2. Does eel sauce contain eel?
   • No, eel sauce does not contain eel; it’s simply named after its common use with grilled eel (unagi) dishes.
3. Can I use eel sauce for sushi?
   • Yes, eel sauce is perfect for drizzling over sushi, particularly rolls that feature eel or tempura.
4. Is eel sauce vegan?
   • Yes, eel sauce is vegan as it contains no animal products.
5. Can I make eel sauce ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can make eel sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
6. What is the consistency of eel sauce supposed to be?
   • Eel sauce should have a thick, syrupy consistency similar to honey.
7. Can I use eel sauce as a marinade?
   • Yes, eel sauce can be used as a marinade for meats or as a glaze for grilling.
8. How can I make the sauce less sweet?
   • You can reduce the amount of sugar or add more soy sauce and Mirin to balance the sweetness.
9. Is eel sauce gluten-free?
   • Traditional soy sauce contains gluten, but you can use gluten-free soy sauce to make gluten-free eel sauce.
10. What can I substitute for Mirin in eel sauce?
    • You can substitute Mirin with a mixture of rice vinegar and sugar if needed.

Conclusion

Eel sauce is a versatile and flavorful addition to many dishes, from sushi to grilled meats. With its simple ingredients and quick preparation, you can easily whip up a batch to elevate your meals. Whether you like it spicy, zesty, or classic, this eel sauce is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy it fresh, and don’t forget to experiment with different variations to suit your taste!

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