This recipe for how to make eel sauce for sushi will become your favorite sauce from this point on.
If you love Sushi, you will love the next three posts I have for you!
I'm starting off my Sushi series with how to make your own sushi eel sauce. Many Thai and Japanese restaurants serve this sauce.

This post was originally published on March 9, 2015, and republished on June 1, 2019.

Of course, you can visit this page that has everything you need to know about making sushi at home. It has recipes listed, equipment, and more.
Every post on my site that has sushi recipes can be found here.
One of my favorite things to do with my daughter is taking a girl's day and go shopping in Paducah, Kentucky (if you are visiting the area, be sure and check out this post for Paducah, KY restaurants).

We always hit up the mall, Starbucks, and then for lunch, we have this fabulous little Thai restaurant that serves THE best sushi around.
Now — I am not one for raw sushi — it has to be cooked — all the way cooked — or I won't eat it. If you are pregnant and love sushi, then you need to make sure you are choosing sushi recipes you can eat while pregnant.
Our favorite dish there is a tempura-fried sushi roll that they call the Kentucky Roll. It is served with Wasabi paste on the side and topped with a delicious eel sauce.
What is eel sauce?
Eel Sauce is also called Natsume, Unagi or Kabayaki. It is a sweet and salty sauce that goes great over grilled fish or chicken and is a common drizzle over sushi.

Traditionally it is used on Japanese grilled eel and eel rolls. I also use this sauce over freshly cooked noodles for a quick snack.
Related Article: Essential Equipment Needed for Making Sushi at Home
How to Make The Perfect Dipping Sauce for Sushi
When making this sauce, the thickness that you are looking for is that of honey. When cooking it, it will still look thin, but once it cools down, it gets super thick and tastes delicious on sushi.

Now that you have my delicious sauce, you can totally make your own. My favorite recipes are my sticky sushi rice and my Fried Sushi Roll. You can also pair this sauce with this easy California roll.
For additional sushi recipes, read 20 easy sushi recipes that go great with my eel sauce. If you are pregnant here are some sushi recipes you can eat while pregnant.

Making sushi at home is simple and easy if you have the right ingredients. Here is the list of what I bought on Amazon
Now that you have all the things you need, you can start making your own sushi right at home!
Let's Get Saucy
- Air Fryer Chicken with Cajun Velouté Sauce from A Kitchen Hoor's Adventures
- Eel Sauce for Sushi from Jen Around the World
- Homemade Tartar Sauce from Art of Natural Living
- Sausage and Mushroom Pasta Sauce from That Recipe
- Slow Cooker Marinara Sauce from Hezzi-D's Books and Cooks
We share Recipes From Our Dinner Table! Join our group and share your recipes, too! While you're at it, join our Pinterest board, too!
How to Make Eel Sauce for Sushi

This eel sauce is perfect for dipping in sushi or using as a marinade for fish or chicken.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup of soy sauce
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 1/2 cup mirin
Instructions
- Heat soy sauce, sugar, and mirin into a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook and stir until liquid is reduced by about 1/4. This should take about 10 minutes. Your sauce will have the thickness of honey.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
-
Kikkoman Manjo Aji Mirin Cooking Rice Seasoning, 60-Ounce
-
Daechun Sushi Nori (50 Full Sheets), Resealable, Gold Grade, Product of Korea
-
Sushi Making Kit - All In One Sushi Bazooka Maker with Bamboo Mats, Bamboo Chopsticks, Avocado Slicer, Paddle,Spreader,Sushi Knife, Chopsticks Holder, Cotton Bag - DIY Sushi Roller Machine - Black
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8Serving Size:
1/4 cupAmount Per Serving: Calories: 93Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 876mgCarbohydrates: 20gFiber: 0gSugar: 19gProtein: 1g
Heidi
Monday 22nd of May 2023
Thank you so much for this recipe!!!
We consume TONS of eel sauce at my house, and it’s cheaper, convenient, and healthier to make homemade. I’ve been subbing “strong“ apple juice made from concentrate for the Mirin because it cost less and has great results.
Jennifer Sikora
Friday 26th of May 2023
Thanks for sharing your experience! So glad you found a way to make it work for you.
Stephanie
Saturday 17th of December 2022
Hello!
What kind of container do you store this in and how long can it be stored for?
Jennifer Sikora
Monday 19th of December 2022
Any airtight container will work. I have left it in the fridge for about 2-3 weeks and it was still fine. It holds up really well.
Jessica
Thursday 9th of June 2022
What the best way to store this?
Jennifer Sikora
Tuesday 14th of June 2022
I usually just store mine in the fridge. When I am ready to use it, I just reheat it
Weekend Reading - What Inspired Me This Week -
Monday 7th of September 2015
[…] this week. If you missed my posts about making your own sushi, you can find them here, here, and here. We also made a really yummy mango avocado salsa that goes great on tacos or just eating it with […]