Authentic Unagi Don (Grilled Eel Rice Bowl) Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 whole eel fillets
  • 2 cups of sushi rice
  • 2 1/2 cups of water
  • 1/4 cup of rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons of sugar
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 cup of soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup of mirin
  • 1/4 cup of sugar
  • 1/2 cup of sake
  • 4 sheets of nori (seaweed)
  • 1 tablespoon of wasabi paste
  • 1 tablespoon of pickled ginger

Steps and instructions

  1. Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
  2. Transfer the rice to a rice cooker and add the measured water. Start the rice cooker and let it cook.
  3. While the rice is cooking, make the sushi vinegar by mixing rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a bowl until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved.
  4. Once the rice is done, transfer it to a large bowl and let it cool for a few minutes.
  5. Drizzle the sushi vinegar over the rice and mix it gently with a rice paddle or a spatula.
  6. Preheat your grill or oven to high.
  7. Brush the eel fillets with a little bit of soy sauce and grill them for about 5 minutes on each side, or until they are caramelized and slightly crispy.
  8. While the eel is cooking, make the unagi sauce by combining soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and sake in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer until it thickens into a syrupy consistency.
  9. Place a sheet of nori on a bamboo sushi mat, spread a layer of sushi rice on top, and place a grilled eel fillet in the middle. Roll the sushi tightly, then cut it into bite-sized pieces.
  10. Repeat the previous step with the remaining eel fillets and rice.
  11. Arrange the sushi rolls on a plate and drizzle the unagi sauce over them.
  12. Serve the unagi don with a side of wasabi paste and pickled ginger.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Substitute the eel with grilled salmon or grilled tofu for a meat-free option.
  • Add sliced avocado or cucumber to the sushi rolls for added freshness and texture.
  • Try using brown rice instead of sushi rice for a healthier alternative.
  • Experiment with different toppings such as sesame seeds, green onions, or tempura flakes.
  • Instead of grilling the eel, try pan-frying it in a little oil for a different flavor and texture.
  • For a spicier version, mix some spicy mayo or Sriracha sauce with the sushi rice before rolling.
  • Try using different types of nori sheets, such as flavored or roasted nori, to add a unique twist.
  • Add a drizzle of teriyaki sauce or sweet chili sauce over the sushi rolls for extra flavor.
  • Include other seafood options such as shrimp or scallops alongside the eel.
  • For a vegetarian version, replace the eel with grilled eggplant or portobello mushrooms.

Recipe overview

Unagi Don, also known as Eel Bowl, is a popular and delicious Japanese dish that features grilled eel served over a bed of sushi rice. The eel is glazed with a sweet and savory unagi sauce, giving the dish a unique, mouthwatering flavor. This well-loved dish is not only flavorful, but also rich in protein and vitamins. Creating Unagi Don at home is a rewarding culinary experience that takes you through the process of preparing sushi rice, grilling eel fillets, and making a homemade unagi sauce. While the dish requires careful preparation, the steps are straightforward and manageable, even for beginners in Japanese cuisine. Expect a delightful combination of textures and flavors, from the soft and vinegary sushi rice, to the caramelized and slightly crispy eel, and the umami-packed unagi sauce. The dish is typically served with nori (seaweed), wasabi paste, and pickled ginger for an authentic Japanese dining experience. Get ready to immerse yourself in the delicious world of Japanese cuisine with this Unagi Don recipe. Happy Cooking!

Common questions

  1. Can I use pre-cooked eel fillets for this recipe?
  2. No, it is recommended to use raw eel fillets and grill them as directed in the recipe for the best flavor and texture.
  3. Can I substitute the eel with another type of fish?
  4. While unagi don traditionally uses eel, you can experiment with other fish if you prefer. However, keep in mind that the taste and texture may be different.
  5. Can I make the sushi rice without a rice cooker?
  6. Yes, you can cook the rice on the stovetop by following the instructions on the rice packaging. Just make sure to adjust the water accordingly.
  7. Can I use regular vinegar instead of rice vinegar?
  8. Rice vinegar is recommended for its mild and slightly sweet flavor, which complements the sushi rice. However, if you don't have rice vinegar, you can use a combination of white vinegar and a little sugar as a substitute.
  9. Can I make the unagi sauce ahead of time?
  10. Yes, you can make the unagi sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just make sure to reheat it gently before drizzling it over the sushi rolls.
  11. Can I add additional toppings or ingredients to the unagi don?
  12. Absolutely! Unagi don is versatile, and you can customize it to your liking. Popular additions include avocado, cucumber, sesame seeds, or even a sprinkle of furikake seasoning.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Unagi Don, or grilled eel over rice, is a beloved dish in Japan with a rich history. Its origin can be traced all the way back to the Edo period (1603–1868), a time when Tokyo was still known as Edo. The dish was particularly popular among the working class due to the high nutritional value of eel, and it was often enjoyed during the scorching summer months. The tradition became so ingrained in Japanese culture that there's even a special day dedicated to eating eel, known as "Unagi no Hi," which falls on the Day of the Ox in mid-July or early August, according to the lunar calendar. The event was supposedly created by an eel seller during the Edo period to boost sales, but the tradition has stuck around, providing a delicious respite from the summer heat.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.