Distinctly Japanese in flavor, unagi sauce (eel sauce) adds a sweet and salty dimension to a wide range of sushi and Japanese dishes. I especially enjoy it on my sushi rolls. If making home sushi rolls, unagi sauce (eel sauce) helps bring it to the next level.
While there are some decent options available in stores, I prefer to make my own. It’s quick and simple to make and I think it tastes better as well. In this article we will walk you through how to make delicious unagi sauce (eel sauce) that your whole family will love!
Table of Contents
What is Unagi Sauce (Eel Sauce)?
With the consistency of honey, unagi sauce (eel sauce) is a Japanese sauce used in a wide range of dishes from sushi to Japanese barbecue. Despite its name, there is no eel in unagi sauce (eel sauce) but it is frequently used to glaze eel in sushi and Japanese dishes, such as the popular eel rice bowl unagi don.
I love the high level of flavor that unagi sauce gives to sushi rolls when drizzled over the top.
How Long Does Unagi Sauce (Eel Sauce) Last?
Homemade unagi sauce (eel sauce) will last in the fridge anywhere from 5 to 7 days. Though, make sure you store it in an airtight container before putting in the fridge.
If you want to store longer than that, you can freeze your homemade unagi sauce (eel sauce) in a freezer bag or freezer container with an airtight lid for up to two months.
Store bought sauce has a longer shelf life due to preservatives added. Look at expiration date on the bottle and go by that. Kikkoman, a leading Japanese sauce manufacturer, recommends that you keep store bought sauces in the fridge for no more than one month after opening.
What Does Unagi Sauce (Eel Sauce) Have in it?
As mentioned before, eel sauce (unagi sauce) surprisingly doesn’t contain any eel. It’s a very simple sauce with only three main ingredients. The ingredients are as follows:
- 1/2 cup of soy sauce
- 1/2 cup of mirin (type of sweet Japanese rice wine)
- 1/2 cup of sugar
How to Make Unagi Sauce (Eel Sauce)?
Besides being delicious, unagi sauce (eel sauce) is ridiculously easy to make. Just follow the five steps below:
1. Combine all ingredients into a sauce pan and heat on medium heat. Mix together as the pan heats up until the mixture is combined.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil and reduce the heat to simmer.
3. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Turn off the heat and let the sauce cool. You will notice it thickening as it cools.
5. Enjoy it on your favorite sushi or other Japanese dish!
Unagi Sauce (Eel Sauce) Recipe
Quick and Easy Unagi Sauce (Eel Sauce) Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Sauce pan
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Soy Sauce
- 1/2 cup Mirin (Type of sweet Japanese rice wine)
- 1/2 cup Sugar
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients into a sauce pan and heat on medium heat. Mix together as the pan heats up until the mixture is combined.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and reduce the heat to simmer.
- Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Turn off the heat and let the sauce cool. You will notice it thickening as it cools.
- Enjoy it on your favorite sushi or other Japanese dish!
Video
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Is unagi sauce (eel sauce) healthy for you?
With soy sauce and sugar as two of the three ingredients, unagi sauce (eel sauce) is not very good for you. However, you can do things to make it more healthy such as reduce the sugar added and use low sodium soy sauce.
Is unagi sauce (eel sauce) gluten free?
Unagi sauce (eel sauce) from most restaurants is not gluten free as it contains soy sauce. However, you can make your unagi sauce gluten free by replacing the regular soy sauce with gluten free soy sauce. The other ingredients in unagi sauce (eel sauce) are naturally gluten free.
Final Thoughts on Unagi Sauce (Eel Sauce)
The depth of flavor this sweet, yet salty sauce provides is hard to beat. Whether drizzling if over your sushi or enjoying it in your unagi don bowl, unagi sauce (eel sauce) packs a flavor punch that helps define the dish. I hope you have found this helpful and feel motivated to make your own unagi sauce (eel sauce) for future dishes.
Check out the below articles for more great sushi recipes:
Ebi Sushi: What it is and How to Make it
How to Prepare Boston Roll Sushi
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