Authentic Japanese Eel Sauce Recipe

Name: Authentic Japanese Eel Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 16 servings
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 1 cup soy sauce (preferably low-sodium); 1 cup mirin; 1 cup sugar; 1/2 cup sake

25 min 16 servings Easy

All Recipes

Discover how to make a rich and savoury eel sauce that's perfect for sushi and grilled dishes.

Prep

5 min

Cook

20 min

Total

25 min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

Eel sauce, known as 'nitsume' in Japanese, is a sweet and savoury glaze traditionally used in sushi and grilled eel dishes. This versatile sauce can enhance the flavour of many dishes beyond sushi, adding a touch of umami to grilled meats or vegetables. Our recipe offers an authentic approach, capturing the balance of sweetness and saltiness that makes eel sauce so beloved. It's an easy recipe that delivers a taste of Japan to your home cooking.

Instructions

Combine Ingredients

In a medium saucepan, combine the soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and sake.

Pro tip: Stir well to dissolve the sugar.

Bring to a Simmer

Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Pro tip: Avoid boiling to prevent burning the sugar.

Reduce Heat

Reduce the heat to low and allow the sauce to simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Pro tip: The sauce should thicken slightly and become glossy.

Check Consistency

After 15 minutes, check the sauce's consistency. It should coat the back of a spoon.

Pro tip: If it's too thin, continue simmering until it thickens.

Cool the Sauce

Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the sauce cool to room temperature.

Pro tip: It will thicken more as it cools.

Store the Sauce

Transfer the cooled sauce to a clean jar or bottle and refrigerate.

Pro tip: Use within two weeks for best flavour.

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Tips & Tricks

Use low-sodium soy sauce to better control saltiness.
Simmer sauce gently to prevent burning.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is eel sauce?

Eel sauce, also known as nitsume, is a sweet and savoury Japanese sauce used in sushi and grilled dishes.

How do you make eel sauce?

Eel sauce is made by simmering soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and sake until thickened.

What does eel sauce taste like?

Eel sauce is sweet and savoury with a rich umami flavour, perfect for enhancing sushi and grilled dishes.

Is there eel in eel sauce?

Traditional eel sauce doesn't contain eel; it's named for its use on grilled eel.

How long does homemade eel sauce last?

Homemade eel sauce lasts up to two weeks in the fridge when stored in an airtight container.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this eel sauce drizzled over sushi rolls, grilled eel, or even as a glaze for chicken or pork. It pairs wonderfully with steamed rice and vegetables for a complete meal. Make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. It will thicken slightly as it cools, so warm it up slightly before serving to return it to a pourable consistency.

Nutrition per serving

Calories

Protein

Fat

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