Unagi Don Recipe – Japanese Special
Unagi Don, also called Unadon, is a cherished Japanese rice bowl that highlights the delicate flavors of grilled eel. Glazed with a glossy tare sauce made from soy, mirin, sake, and sugar, the eel becomes tender, caramelized, and packed with umami flavor. This grilled eel recipe is not only comforting but also a luxurious taste of authentic Japanese cuisine. Served over warm steamed rice, Unagi Don is a dish that perfectly balances richness, sweetness, and savory depth in every bite.
- Prep Time15 min
- Cook Time25 min
- Total Time40 min
Unagi Don Ingredients:
- 2 fillets grilled unagi (eel), fresh or pre-cooked
- 2 bowls steamed Japanese short-grain rice
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp mirin
- 2 tbsp sake
- 1 ½ tbsp sugar
- Sansho pepper (optional, for garnish)
- Sliced spring onions or toasted sesame seeds (optional, garnish)
Unagi Don Instructions:
In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar; simmer until slightly thickened into a glossy sauce (tare).
If using pre-cooked unagi, warm it gently by grilling or broiling until heated through and slightly caramelized.
Brush unagi with prepared sauce while grilling for a shiny, flavorful glaze.
Divide freshly steamed rice into bowls.
Place glazed unagi fillets on top of the rice.
Drizzle additional sauce over the eel and rice.
Garnish with sansho pepper, spring onions, or sesame seeds if desired.
Recipe Notes :
Eel Preparation: For convenience, many cooks use pre-grilled eel—making this an easy unadon to prepare at home.
Homemade Tare: The sweet-savory glaze defines the dish; adjust your homemade tare to balance saltiness and sweetness.
Serving Suggestion: Pair this Japanese comfort food with miso soup, pickles, or a light salad for a well-rounded meal.
Nutrition Tip: This nutritious eel dish is rich in protein and omega fats, making it both satisfying and energizing.
Make Ahead: Extra tare can be stored in the fridge and used for other Japanese dishes.
