Eel sauce, a unique Japanese-origin condiment, is an interesting combination of salty, sweet, tangy, rich, and deep flavor. Also known as Kabayaki sauce, Nitsume sauce, and more commonly “Unagi no tare,” this delectable topping was originally used to give a burst of flavor to unagi (freshwater eel) or rice. If you are familiar with the cuisine, you would know that now eel sauce sushi is one of their top dishes.
One of the most common apprehensions when making or trying eel sauce is whether it requires actual eel. If this is your concern as well, the condiment does not contain eel or any kind of fish. So, what ingredients actually go into this savory sauce? Let’s find out.
How to Make Eel Sauce?
Yearning for a touch of eel condiment on your cherished home-cooked dish? The rich and intricate taste of the sauce stems from an unexpectedly simple Eel sauce recipe. It comprises solely of four elements: mirin, soy sauce, sake, and sugar.
Easy enough, right? You can even make a large batch of the sauce and freeze it.
We recommend the following measurements of each ingredient, however, feel free to experiment and adjust the amount according to your taste:
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp Sake
- ¼ cup mirin
- ¼ cup soy sauce
Once you’ve gathered the ingredients, add them all in a saucepan. Stir occasionally over medium heat and then bring the eel sauce to a low boil.
Continue to heat the sauce until it becomes one-third of the original amount. The consistency should match that of honey, and if it gets too thick, you can add water.
If it’s still too thin, you can keep it over the stove, however, remember that sauce also thickens after it cools down. Remove the saucepan from the heat when you feel it’s the right consistency, and you’re ready to go.
We’ve got our Unagi no tare ready – but what does it taste best with? You can actually pair this sauce with a bunch of different foods.
Eel Sauce on A Variety of Dishes
Whether it’s a topping, a dip, or even a marinade, there are many ways to use Japanese eel sauce:
- As a sauce over sushi
- A dipping for dumplings
- With stir-fry vegetables or meat
- To add to soups and stews
- To marinate meats
- A glaze for roasted or grilled vegetables or tofu
- A spread for burgers or sandwiches when mixed with mayonnaise
Eel sauce is versatile and good with numerous dishes. However, what if you want the same taste but can’t buy or recreate the condiment?
Eel Sauce Substitutes:
Yearning for a touch of eel condiment on your cherished home-cooked dish? Your usual shop might not have it, or perhaps the necessary components are not within reach. Here are alternative options at your disposal:
Oyster Sauce:
Made from oysters, water, and soy sauce, it is a good replacement you can easily use in most Asian dishes. It has a similar “Umami” taste to eel sauce, even though it is less sweet and a little saltier. You can add honey to balance the flavor and match it to the original eel sauce taste.
Teriyaki Sauce:
Boasting a delightful blend of sweetness and savory notes, this mixture comprises three key elements found in eel sauce: sugar, mirin, and soy sauce. Despite its slightly lighter texture, it serves exceptionally well for marinating and dipping.
Hoisin Sauce:
Combining garlic, vinegar, chili peppers, and soybeans, this renowned sauce presents a sweet and salty character akin to eel sauce. Its denser consistency allows for easy adjustment by incorporating a touch of soy sauce or water.
Soy Sauce:
Similar to oyster sauce, soy sauce offers a viable alternative to eel sauce owing to its strong Umami taste. Despite its thinner consistency compared to eel sauce, it stands out as an excellent substitute, widely accessible in various stores. Incorporating honey into soy sauce also yields a sweeter profile and a denser texture.
Worcestershire Sauce:
It emulates the Japanese eel-inspired sauce with its zesty and savory flavor profile. It boasts a more intense taste compared to eel sauce, prompting the need for personalized adjustments based on individual preferences.
Fish Sauce:
Popular in Asian cooking, fish sauce shares a comparable profound hue and flavorful profile with eel sauce, serving as a viable replacement. Despite its salty-sweet resemblance to eel sauce, certain individuals may find the strong scent of fish sauce overwhelming.
Korean BBQ Sauce:
The taste of Korean BBQ sauce closely mirrors that of Japanese eel sauce, incorporating an additional element of spiciness. It proves to be a superb option for those who relish the zesty sweetness of eel sauce and desire an added punch. You may also incorporate a touch of lemon juice to balance the piquant essence.
Tian Mian Sauce:
It comes from wheat flour and has a sweet and savory taste like eel sauce. It’s just thicker, but you can add some water to fix the consistency.
Final Words:
In summary, the Japanese eel sauce offers a distinct, zesty flavor that complements various dishes wonderfully. Creating it is an uncomplicated process using readily available components. Should eel sauce or its essential ingredients be unavailable, alternative options prove quite useful.