What Is Eel Sauce On Sushi?

Eel sauce, known as “unagi no tare” in Japanese, is a thick, sweet, and savory sauce commonly used as a glaze or dipping sauce for grilled eel (unagi) or sushi. It is an essential condiment in Japanese cuisine, adding a unique flavor and umami to various dishes.

Ingredients and Preparation

Eel sauce is typically made with a base of soy sauce, mirin (sweet rice wine), sake (Japanese rice wine), and sugar. Some recipes may also include other ingredients such as dashi (Japanese soup stock), honey, or garlic. The sauce is simmered until it thickens and develops a rich, caramelized flavor.

Flavor Profile

Eel sauce has a complex flavor profile that balances sweetness, saltiness, and umami. The soy sauce provides a salty backbone, while the mirin and sake add sweetness and a hint of acidity. The sugar caramelizes during the simmering process, creating a rich and slightly smoky flavor.

Uses on Sushi

Eel sauce is most commonly used as a glaze for grilled eel sushi (unagi sushi). The sauce is brushed onto the eel before grilling, giving it a glossy sheen and enhancing its flavor. It can also be used as a dipping sauce for other types of sushi, such as cucumber rolls or avocado rolls.

Other Uses

Beyond sushi, eel sauce is a versatile condiment that can be used in various dishes. It adds a sweet and savory flavor to grilled meats, poultry, or vegetables. It can also be used as a marinade or glaze for tofu or tempeh.

Nutritional Value

Eel sauce is relatively high in sodium due to the soy sauce base. However, it also contains some carbohydrates and protein from the mirin and sake. It is not a significant source of vitamins or minerals.

Types of Eel Sauce

There are two main types of eel sauce:

• Traditional Eel Sauce: This is the classic recipe made with soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar. It has a thick, caramelized texture and a rich flavor.
• Unagi Kabayaki Sauce: This is a sweeter and thinner version of eel sauce that is specifically designed for glazing grilled eel. It contains more sugar and less soy sauce.

DIY Eel Sauce Recipe

Making your own eel sauce at home is easy and allows you to customize the flavor to your liking. Here is a simple recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup mirin
• 1/4 cup sake
• 1/4 cup sugar

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a saucepan.
2. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and caramelized.
4. Remove from heat and let cool before using.

Key Points: The Indispensable Companion to Sushi

Eel sauce is an indispensable condiment in Japanese cuisine, adding a unique and flavorful touch to sushi and other dishes. Its sweet, salty, and umami-rich flavor complements the delicate flavors of fish and vegetables, making it a beloved ingredient among sushi enthusiasts. Whether used as a glaze or a dipping sauce, eel sauce enhances the culinary experience and elevates the enjoyment of sushi to a new level.

What You Need to Know

Q: What is the difference between eel sauce and teriyaki sauce?

A: Eel sauce is typically sweeter and thicker than teriyaki sauce, and it has a more prominent caramelized flavor. Teriyaki sauce also contains ginger and garlic, which are not typically used in eel sauce.

Q: Can I substitute honey for sugar in eel sauce?

A: Yes, honey can be used as a substitute for sugar in eel sauce. It will add a slightly different flavor profile, but it will still result in a sweet and savory sauce.

Q: How long does eel sauce last?

A: Homemade eel sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Store-bought eel sauce typically has a longer shelf life, as indicated on the packaging.

Q: Is eel sauce gluten-free?

A: Traditional eel sauce is not gluten-free due to the presence of soy sauce. However, gluten-free eel sauce is available commercially.

Q: Can I use eel sauce on other dishes besides sushi?

A: Yes, eel sauce can be used as a marinade or glaze for grilled meats, poultry, vegetables, or tofu. It adds a sweet and savory flavor to various dishes.