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Eel Sauce for Sushi Recipe

4.7 from 91 reviews

This classic Eel Sauce, also known as Unagi Sauce or Kabayaki Sauce, is a sweet and savory glaze perfect for drizzling over sushi, grilled eel, or other Japanese-inspired dishes. Made with soy sauce, sugar, and mirin, it reduces to a thick, flavorful syrup that elevates the taste and presentation of your meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup Soy Sauce (use gluten-free if needed)
  • 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1/2 cup Mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)

Instructions

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, whisk together the soy sauce, granulated sugar, and mirin until fully combined.
  2. Simmer the Sauce: Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer gently until the sauce thickens and reduces to about 3/4 cup in volume. Avoid boiling it too vigorously to prevent caramelization and ensure a smooth sauce consistency.
  3. Cool the Sauce: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the sauce to cool to room temperature naturally.
  4. Chill: Transfer the cooled sauce to a refrigerator-safe container and chill it until ready to use. This helps the sauce thicken further and enhances its flavor.
  5. Serve: When ready to use, spoon the sauce into a pastry bag or sauce bottle, cut the tip if necessary, and drizzle the eel sauce over prepared sushi or desired dishes for a savory-sweet finish.

Notes

  • Use gluten-free soy sauce for a gluten-free version suitable for dietary restrictions.
  • Mirin is essential for authentic flavor; however, if unavailable, a mixture of sake and sugar can be a substitute.
  • Do not overboil the sauce as it will turn into caramel and lose the intended consistency.
  • Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
  • This sauce is versatile and can also be used as a glaze for grilled meats or vegetables.

Keywords: Eel sauce, Unagi sauce, Kabayaki sauce, sushi sauce, Japanese glaze, mirin sauce