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Unagi Don (Grilled Eel Rice Bowl)
Unagi Don is a luxurious delicacy from Japan featuring perfectly grilled unagi (freshwater eel) layered over a bed of fluffy steamed rice. This dish was popular during the Edo period and is traditionally savored during the sweltering days of summer for an energy surge. Coated in a sweet soy glaze, the unagi imparts a uniquely rich and smoky flavor that harmoniously melds with the simplicity of the rice. Enjoy this exquisite meal with a bowl of refreshing miso soup or a side of crunchy pickled radish for an authentic Japanese gastronomic journey.
Ingredients
- Sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon, toasted
- Green onions
- 2, thinly sliced
- Nori (seaweed)
- 1 sheet, cut into thin strips
- Japanese rice
- 2 cups, cooked and kept warm
- Sugar
- 1 tablespoon
- Mirin
- 1/4 cup
- Soy sauce
- 1/2 cup
- Unagi (freshwater eel)
- 2 fillets
Instructions
- Heat your grill to medium-high heat.
- For the sweet soy glaze, combine soy sauce, mirin, and sugar in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat until the sugar completely dissolves. Set this glaze aside for later use.
- Grill the unagi fillets for roughly 5 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and slightly charred.
- Remove the unagi from the grill and generously brush both sides with the prepared sweet soy glaze.
- Place the unagi back on the grill for an additional 1-2 minutes on each side, applying more glaze as needed to create a sticky, caramelized coating.
- Take the unagi off the grill and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Slice the rested unagi into thin, bite-sized pieces.
- To serve, divide the warm cooked rice among bowls. Layer the sliced unagi on top.
- Garnish each bowl with strips of nori, a sprinkling of toasted sesame seeds, and sliced green onions.
- Serve immediately while hot and enjoy this delightful taste of Japanese culinary tradition.
Tips
- For an even more authentic experience, try using a traditional Japanese grill or a broiler. Look for pre-cut unagi fillets in the frozen section at an Asian grocery store.
Dietary Information
Servings: 2 Dish Type: Main Course Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes Calories: 550 Fat: 18g Carbs: 70g Protein: 25g Sodium: 1600mg Sugar: 7g
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