Japanese eel rice, also known as unagi donburi, is a popular and beloved dish in Japan. This delectable rice bowl is made with tender slices of grilled eel, served on top of a bed of steaming white rice. The rich and savory flavor of the eel, combined with the fluffy rice and sweet sauce, makes this dish a must-try for any food lover. In this article, we will share with you a traditional Japanese eel rice recipe that is easy to make and bursting with delicious flavors. So, put on your apron and get ready to cook up a taste of Japan in your own kitchen.
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Ingredients:
Fish and Sauce:
1 pound of fresh eel
1/4 cup of soy sauce
1/4 cup of mirin
1/4 cup of sake
1 tablespoon of sugar
1 clove of garlic, minced
1 teaspoon of grated ginger
1 teaspoon of cornstarch
1 tablespoon of water
Rice and Toppings:
2 cups of short-grain Japanese rice
2 1/2 cups of water
1 tablespoon of rice vinegar
1 teaspoon of sugar
1/2 teaspoon of salt
2 tablespoons of toasted sesame seeds
1 sheet of nori seaweed, cut into thin strips
Instructions:
1. Preparing the Eel:
Begin by cleaning and gutting the eel. Then, cut it into small bite-sized pieces and set aside.
2. Making the Sauce:
In a small saucepan, mix together the soy sauce, mirin, sake, sugar, garlic, and ginger. Simmer the mixture over low heat for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to blend together. In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until smooth. Add it to the sauce and stir until it thickens. Set aside.
3. Preparing the Rice:
Wash the rice in a strainer until the water runs clear. Then, add it to a rice cooker or pot with the water and let it soak for 30 minutes. Cook the rice according to the instructions, and once it's done, let it cool for 10 minutes.
4. Seasoning the Rice:
In a small bowl, mix together the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Spread the mixture over the cooked rice and gently fold it in using a rice paddle. This will give the rice a sweet and tangy flavor.
5. Grilling the Eel:
Heat a grill or grill pan over medium heat. Place the eel pieces on the grill, skin-side down, and brush them with the sauce. Cook for about 3 minutes, then flip and brush the other side with sauce. Cook for an additional 3 minutes until the eel is soft and cooked through.
6. Assembling the Eel Rice Bowl:
In a large bowl, add a generous amount of rice and top it with the grilled eel pieces. Drizzle more sauce over the eel and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and nori strips. Serve hot and enjoy!
Conclusion:
With this easy and delicious Japanese eel rice recipe, you can now enjoy the flavors of Japan in the comfort of your own home. Impress your friends and family with this traditional dish or simply treat yourself to a taste of Japanese cuisine. Don't be afraid to get creative and add your own twist to this recipe, making it your own. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and start cooking up a bowl of deliciousness!
