As I stood in my kitchen, the sweet aroma of grilled eel began to fill the air, transporting me straight to a cozy sushi bar. Nothing compares to the joy of creating homemade sushi, especially when it features the rich, smoky flavor of unagi, or eel. This recipe for Easy Unagi Sushi is not just a meal; it’s an experience that combines the delicate art of sushi-making with the satisfying textures and tastes of Japanese cuisine. Whether you’re planning a special dinner or just looking to shake up your weeknight meals, this éel sushi will leave your taste buds buzzing and your guests impressed.
With tender eel glazed in a delicious unagi sauce laid atop a soft bed of perfectly seasoned sushi rice, every bite bursts with umami goodness. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make; so you can enjoy restaurant-quality sushi right in your own home! Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that promises to awaken your culinary creativity and fill your kitchen with the warmth of homemade flavors.
Why is Eel Sushi a Must-Try?
Delicious Experience: Making eel sushi at home is not just about the flavors; it’s an exciting culinary adventure that elevates your cooking game.
Rich Flavors: The tender grilled eel paired with the sweet unagi sauce creates an irresistible umami taste that will impress anyone at your table.
Easy to Create: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even sushi novices can roll up their sleeves and whip up this delightful dish!
Versatile Options: Feel free to add your favorite veggies like avocado or cucumber for a refreshing crunch, or switch up the seafood for your own unique twist.
Perfect for Gatherings: Whether it’s a family dinner or a gathering with friends, eel sushi is sure to be a hit, bringing a touch of Japanese flair to any occasion.
It’s time to experience this homemade treat and savor the satisfying journey of crafting sushi right in your kitchen!
Eel Sushi Ingredients
For the Eel
• Grilled Unagi (Eel) – Main ingredient providing tender texture and rich flavor; use pre-cooked unagi available at Asian grocery stores.
• Unagi Sauce – Adds sweetness and depth to the dish; consider making your own or buying ready-made for convenience.
For the Sushi Rice
• Sushi Rice – Offers structure and binds the sushi together; essential to wash thoroughly before cooking.
• Rice Vinegar – Balances sweetness in rice and is crucial for flavor; can substitute with apple cider vinegar if unavailable.
• Sugar – Enhances the flavor of the rice; adjust to personal taste and can substitute with honey or agave syrup.
• Salt – Essential for seasoning the rice; using sea salt provides the best taste.
For Assembly
• Nori Seaweed Strips – Wraps the nigiri; can be replaced with soy paper for a different flavor.
• Toasted Sesame Seeds – Used as a garnish for added crunch; optional but enhances presentation.
• Wasabi – Adds heat as a dip; feel free to omit if you prefer a milder flavor.
• Pickled Ginger – Served alongside to cleanse the palate; optional but traditional in sushi presentations.
Let’s gather these ingredients and get ready to create a delightful eel sushi experience in your very own kitchen!
How to Make Eel Sushi
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Cook the Sushi Rice: Rinse the sushi rice under cool water until the water runs clear, removing excess starch. Cook it in a rice cooker, letting it cool slightly once done for the perfect texture.
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Season the Rice: In a separate bowl, mix the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until fully dissolved. Drizzle this mixture over your cooked rice and toss gently with a paddle to coat.
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Prepare the Unagi: Take your grilled unagi, placing it on an aluminum-lined baking tray. Bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (176°C) for about 15 minutes, allowing it to warm up and intensify in flavor.
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Slice the Unagi: Carefully cut the warm eel lengthwise down the middle. Then slice it diagonally into 3-inch by 1-inch pieces against the grain for the perfect nigiri topping.
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Shape the Rice: Wet your hands to prevent sticking. Take about 1 tablespoon of the seasoned sushi rice and shape it into oval nuggets, ensuring they are compact yet light.
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Assemble the Nigiri: Place a slice of eel on top of each rice nugget. Brush with unagi sauce for that glossy finish, then wrap a strip of nori around the base and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.
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Serve: Present your beautiful eel sushi with small dishes of soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger on the side. Enjoy it fresh to savor all those wonderful flavors!
Optional: Garnish with additional pickled ginger for an extra zing.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Eel Sushi
Room Temperature: Eel sushi is best enjoyed fresh, so avoid leaving it at room temperature for more than 2 hours to ensure quality.
Fridge: Store any leftover eel sushi in an airtight container for up to 1 day. Keep refrigerated to maintain its freshness and avoid drying out.
Freezer: Freezing is not recommended for eel sushi as the rice and eel can lose their texture and flavor. It’s best to consume this dish fresh.
Reheating: If you have leftover eel, warm it gently in the oven at a low temperature, adding a few drops of water to maintain moisture, but enjoy the sushi fresh if possible.
Tips for the Best Eel Sushi
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Use Warm Rice: Shaping nigiri with warm rice helps prevent crumbling; cold rice tends to fall apart easily.
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Wet Your Hands: Keep your hands damp while shaping the rice to manage its stickiness; this simple trick makes a world of difference.
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Sharp Knife: Invest in a sharp knife for clean cuts when slicing the eel; long, swift movements are key to maintaining a beautiful presentation.
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Don’t Overcook Unagi: If using pre-cooked eel, simply reheat it gently; overcooking can result in a dry texture that detracts from the overall flavor of your eel sushi.
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Serve Immediately: Enjoy your eel sushi right after assembling for the best texture and flavor; waiting too long can affect the freshness.
Crafting perfect eel sushi at home becomes a breeze with these helpful tips!
Make Ahead Options
These Eel Sushi creations are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week! You can prepare the sushi rice and unagi sauce up to 24 hours in advance. To do this, cook and season the rice, then store it covered in the refrigerator to keep it fresh and prevent it from drying out. You can also slice the grilled unagi and keep it in an airtight container for the same time frame. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the unagi in the oven at 350°F (176°C) for about 10 minutes until warm, then assemble your nigiri with freshly shaped rice and a glossy glaze of unagi sauce for a dish that’s just as delicious as if it were made from scratch.
Eel Sushi Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to unleash your creativity with these suggested variations; each twist brings a new delight to your sushi experience!
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Seafood Swap: Replace grilled unagi with shrimp or crab for a fresh alternative that’s equally delicious.
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Veggie Boost: Add thin avocado or cucumber slices for a refreshing crunch that balances the rich eel flavor. A wonderful contrast in every bite!
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Soy Paper Upgrade: Instead of nori, try using soy paper for a unique taste and slightly different texture that complements the eel.
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Sweet Soy Glaze: Elevate the flavor by mixing in a touch of sweet soy sauce with your unagi sauce for added depth and a sticky finish.
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Spicy Kick: Mix in a bit of Sriracha into the unagi sauce, giving your sushi a spicy zing that will tantalize your taste buds.
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Flavorful Rice: Incorporate mirin or sesame oil into the sushi rice for an extra layer of flavor that beautifully enhances every mouthful.
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Herb Infusion: Toss in finely chopped chives or shiso leaves into your rice for a delightful burst of freshness that contrasts with the richness of the eel.
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Texture Twist: Fold in crushed toasted nuts or seeds for an extra crunch that will surprise and please every sushi lover at your table.
Explore these variations and tailor the unagi sushi to match your personal tastes or dietary preferences!
What to Serve with Eel Sushi?
Elevate your homemade sushi experience with delightful sides that perfectly complement its rich flavors and textures.
- Miso Soup: A warm and comforting soup that enhances the Japanese dining experience, providing a savory broth that pairs beautifully with eel sushi.
- Edamame: Lightly salted and steamed, these young soybeans add a satisfying crunch, offering a contrast to the tender textures of the sushi.
- Cucumber Salad: Fresh and crisp, a cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar adds a refreshing bite that balances the rich eel.
- Seaweed Salad: With its nutty flavor and chewy texture, seaweed salad brings an oceanic freshness that harmonizes with the sushi’s umami essence.
- Sake: A chilled or warm glass of sake complements the flavors of eel sushi beautifully, making for a splendid pairing that enhances the overall meal experience.
- Japanese Pickles: Adding a touch of sweetness and acidity, these pickles serve as a perfect palate cleanser that refreshes your taste buds between bites.
- Green Tea: The lightness of steamed green tea rounds out the meal, enhancing flavors while providing a soothing finish after the rich flavors of your eel sushi.
Eel Sushi Recipe FAQs
What type of eel should I use for eel sushi?
Absolutely! For the best results, use pre-cooked unagi (grilled eel) available at Asian grocery stores. This eel is usually glazed with a sweet unagi sauce, enhancing its flavor and texture.
How should I store leftover eel sushi?
Very importantly, store any leftover eel sushi in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day for optimal freshness. Sushi is best enjoyed fresh, so aim to consume it as soon as you can!
Can I freeze eel sushi?
Freezing eel sushi is not recommended, as it can lose its delightful texture and flavor. Sushi rice and eel don’t hold up well once frozen, making it best to enjoy this dish fresh.
What if my sushi rice is sticky?
If you’re struggling with sticky sushi rice, wet your hands before shaping the rice into nigiri. This will help manage the stickiness effectively. If the rice is overly sticky, it might not have been rinsed enough before cooking, so make sure to wash until the water runs clear next time.
Are there any dietary considerations for eel sushi?
Eel is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids and high in protein, making it a nutritious option. However, it’s essential to note that those with seafood allergies should avoid this dish. Additionally, pets should never consume eel sushi as it may contain ingredients harmful to them.
Delicious Eel Sushi: Master Unagi Nigiri at Home Today
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Rinse the sushi rice under cool water until the water runs clear. Cook it in a rice cooker and let it cool slightly once done.
- Mix the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until dissolved. Drizzle this mixture over the cooked rice and toss gently.
- Place the grilled unagi on an aluminum-lined baking tray. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (176°C) for 15 minutes.
- Slice the warm eel lengthwise and then diagonally into 3-inch by 1-inch pieces.
- Wet your hands and take about 1 tablespoon of the seasoned sushi rice, shape it into oval nuggets.
- Place a slice of eel on top of each rice nugget. Brush with unagi sauce and wrap a strip of nori around the base.
- Serve your eel sushi with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger on the side.