Unagi Sauce: What It Is And How To Use It

Unagi sauce is a thick, sweet, and savory sauce used as a glaze for grilled eel (unagi) in Japanese cuisine. It is made from a rich blend of soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and sake, simmered together until it thickens and caramelizes. The resulting sauce is dark brown in color, with a complex flavor profile that complements the delicate taste of the eel.

History and Origins

Unagi sauce has its roots in the Edo period (1603-1868) of Japan. During this time, unagi became a popular street food, and vendors would brush the grilled eel with a simple sauce made from soy sauce and sugar. Over time, the sauce evolved to include mirin and sake, giving it its distinctive sweet and savory flavor.

Ingredients and Preparation

The primary ingredients in unagi sauce are:

• Soy sauce
• Mirin (sweet rice wine)
• Sugar
• Sake (Japanese rice wine)

To prepare unagi sauce, the soy sauce, mirin, and sugar are combined in a saucepan and brought to a simmer. The mixture is then reduced until it thickens, and the sake is added to enhance the flavor. Some variations of unagi sauce may also include other ingredients such as honey, ginger, or garlic.

Flavor Profile

Unagi sauce is known for its rich, complex flavor profile. It is sweet, savory, and slightly salty, with a hint of umami. The soy sauce provides the salty base, while the mirin and sugar add sweetness. The sake adds depth and complexity to the flavor, and the caramelization process gives the sauce a slight bitterness.

Uses of Unagi Sauce

Unagi sauce is primarily used as a glaze for grilled eel. It is brushed onto the eel before grilling to create a caramelized crust that enhances the flavor and texture. Unagi sauce can also be used as a dipping sauce for other dishes, such as sushi, tempura, or rice bowls.

Nutritional Value

Unagi sauce is a relatively high-calorie condiment. One tablespoon contains approximately 20 calories, with most of the calories coming from sugar. It is also a good source of sodium, with one tablespoon containing about 200 milligrams. However, unagi sauce is consumed in small amounts, so its overall nutritional impact is minimal.

Health Benefits

Unagi sauce is not known to have any specific health benefits. However, some of its ingredients may offer certain health properties. For example, soy sauce is a good source of antioxidants, and sake is believed to have digestive benefits.

Variations

There are several variations of unagi sauce that can be found in different regions of Japan. Some common variations include:

• Kyushu-style unagi sauce: This variation is sweeter and more pungent than the standard unagi sauce, with a higher proportion of sugar and sake.
• Kansai-style unagi sauce: This variation is lighter and more umami-rich, with a greater emphasis on soy sauce and dashi (Japanese fish stock).
• Edo-style unagi sauce: This variation is the most common type of unagi sauce, with a balanced flavor profile that combines sweetness, savoriness, and umami.

How to Make Unagi Sauce at Home

Making unagi sauce at home is relatively easy. Here is a simple recipe:

Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

1. Combine all the ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and caramelized.
3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before using.

Tips for Using Unagi Sauce

Here are a few tips for using unagi sauce:

• Brush unagi sauce onto grilled eel before cooking to create a caramelized crust.
• Use unagi sauce as a dipping sauce for sushi, tempura, or rice bowls.
• Add unagi sauce to stir-fries or marinades to enhance the flavor.
• Experiment with different variations of unagi sauce to find your preferred taste.

Questions We Hear a Lot

1. What is the difference between unagi sauce and teriyaki sauce?

Unagi sauce is specifically designed for grilled eel, while teriyaki sauce is a more general-purpose sauce used for a variety of dishes. Unagi sauce is thicker and sweeter than teriyaki sauce, and it contains sake, which gives it a unique flavor.

2. Can I use unagi sauce as a marinade?

Yes, unagi sauce can be used as a marinade for grilled eel or other meats. The sauce will add flavor and moisture to the meat, and it will help to create a caramelized crust when grilled.

3. How long does unagi sauce last?

Unagi sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

4. What are some good substitutes for unagi sauce?

If you do not have unagi sauce, you can substitute a mixture of soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. You can also add a small amount of sake to enhance the flavor.

5. Can unagi sauce be made without sugar?

Yes, you can make unagi sauce without sugar. Simply omit the sugar from the recipe and use a sugar-free sweetener, such as stevia or monk fruit extract, to taste.