20 Japanese Smoked Eel Recipe Experience Flavor Like Never Before!
Published on: Mar 26, 2024
The Japanese have long been known for their culinary prowess, and their smoked eel recipe is no exception. This delicacy, also known as "unagi", has been enjoyed for centuries and is a staple in Japanese cuisine. The rich and smoky flavor of the eel, combined with the sweet and savory sauce, is a treat for the taste buds. In this article, we will delve into the history and preparation of this traditional dish, and provide you with a simple yet authentic Japanese smoked eel recipe to recreate in your own kitchen.
Main Ingredients: Smoked Eel, Potatoes, Egg Yolks, Chopped Fresh Chives
Eel can be a versatile and delicious ingredient in any dish, and these cornflake eel nuggets are no exception. The crispy outer coating pairs perfectly with the tender and flavorful eel on the inside. Serve them as an appetizer or as a main dish for a unique twist on classic chicken nuggets.
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Unagi Don (Unadon)
Main Ingredients: Unagi, Sake, Steamed Rice, Soy Sauce, Mirin, Sugar
Unagi don, also known as unadon, is a popular Japanese dish that features grilled eel served over a bed of rice. The eel is glazed with a sweet and savory sauce, making it the star of the dish. This simple yet flavorful meal is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
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Caterpillar Roll
Main Ingredients: Sushi Rice, Soy Sauce, Sake, Sugar, Unagi, Avocados
The caterpillar roll is a sushi roll that features eel, cucumber, and avocado. The eel adds a rich and smoky flavor to the roll, while the cucumber and avocado provide a refreshing balance. Top it off with a drizzle of eel sauce for a delicious and visually appealing dish.
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Beetroot and Apple Tartare, Smoked Eel and Horseradish...
Main Ingredients: Smoked Eel, Tarragon, Eating Apple, Rapeseed Oil, Apple
For a unique and elegant appetizer, try this beetroot and apple tartare with smoked eel and horseradish cream. The flavors of the earthy beetroot and sweet apple complement the smoky eel and spicy horseradish for a perfect balance of flavors. Serve it as a starter at your next dinner party for a memorable dish.
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Eel Jelly Triangle
Main Ingredients: Smoked Eel, Cucumber, Lemon, Cherry Tomatoes, Dill
This eel jelly triangle is a traditional Japanese dish that is as beautiful as it is delicious. The eel is cooked in a gelatin mixture and then cut into a triangular shape. The result is a delicate and flavorful dish that is sure to impress your guests.
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Unagi Kamameshi
Main Ingredients: Rice, Bamboo, Dashi, Mirin, Sugar, Soy Sauce, Mitsuba
Unagi kamameshi is a traditional Japanese rice dish that features eel and vegetables cooked in a clay pot. The eel is cooked in a savory broth, infusing the rice with its rich flavor. This hearty and comforting dish is perfect for a chilly evening.
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Cold Ramen Noodles With Grilled Unagi
Main Ingredients: Soy Sauce, Mirin, Granulated Sugar, Ramen Noodles
For a refreshing and light meal, try these cold ramen noodles with grilled unagi. The noodles are tossed in a soy sauce and sesame oil dressing and topped with grilled eel, cucumbers, and green onions. This dish is perfect for a hot summer day.
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Unagi Sushi Rice Bowl
Main Ingredients: Unagi, Large Egg, Cucumber, Avocado, Nori, White Sesame
For a quick and easy way to enjoy eel, try this unagi sushi rice bowl. The eel is glazed with a sweet sauce and served over a bed of sushi rice. Add your favorite toppings, such as avocado, cucumber, or sesame seeds, for a personalized and delicious meal.
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Aburi-Style Smoked Salmon Oshi Sushi
Main Ingredients: Sushi Rice, Rice Vinegar, Granulated Sugar, Smoked
This aburi-style smoked salmon oshi sushi takes the classic sushi roll to a whole new level. The salmon is smoked and then seared, giving it a melt-in-your-mouth texture. The eel sauce adds a touch of sweetness, making this dish a crowd-pleaser.
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Whole Roasted Eel
Main Ingredients: Eel, Salt, Oil
If you're feeling adventurous, try roasting a whole eel for a show-stopping dish. The eel is marinated in a flavorful sauce and then roasted until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Serve it as a main dish for a special occasion or as a centerpiece for a dinner party.
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Scattered Sushi (Chirashi Sushi)
Main Ingredients: Sushi Rice, Fresh Prawns, Shiitake Mushrooms, Large
Chirashi sushi, also known as scattered sushi, is a colorful and delicious dish featuring a variety of ingredients, including eel. The eel is cooked in a sweet and savory sauce and served on top of a bed of sushi rice. Add your favorite toppings, such as thinly sliced egg, avocado, and pickled vegetables, for a visually appealing and tasty meal.
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Fried California Sushi Roll
Main Ingredients: Sushi Rice, Nori, Imitation Crab, Avocado, Cucumber
Put a twist on the classic California sushi roll by adding fried eel. The crispy eel adds a satisfying crunch to the roll, while the avocado, cucumber, and crab provide a creamy and flavorful filling. Serve it with a side of eel sauce for dipping.
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Eel (Paling) baked with Mustard Sauce
Main Ingredients: Eel, Rusk, Lemon, Water, Salt, Margarine, Cornstarch
This Dutch-inspired dish features eel baked in a tangy mustard sauce. The eel is coated in the sauce and then baked until tender. Serve it with roasted potatoes and vegetables for a hearty and comforting meal.
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California Crunch Sushi Roll
Main Ingredients: Sushi Rice, Nori, Imitation Crab Meat, Avocado
This California crunch sushi roll is a combination of two popular sushi rolls, the California roll and the crunchy roll. The eel adds a unique and delicious element to this roll, while the crunchy tempura flakes add a satisfying crunch. Serve it with a side of eel sauce for dipping.
For a festive and flavorful dish, try this Halloween pumpkin soup with eel. The eel is blended into the soup, adding a subtle smoky flavor, while the pumpkin and spices provide a warm and comforting taste. Top it off with some crumbled eel for a spooky and delicious Halloween dish.
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Vegan Dragon Roll and Vegan Caterpillar Roll (Vegan...
Main Ingredients: White Rice, Rice Vinegar, Liquid Aminos, White Sugar
If you're looking for a plant-based option, try these vegan dragon roll and vegan caterpillar roll. The dragon roll features tempura sweet potato and avocado, while the caterpillar roll is made with marinated and grilled eggplant. Both rolls are topped with a vegan eel sauce for a delicious and satisfying meal.
For a unique and savory breakfast, try these Japanese-style pancakes with eel. The pancakes are made with a mixture of flour and dashi, and then topped with thinly sliced eel and a drizzle of eel sauce. Serve it with a side of scrambled eggs for a hearty and delicious meal.
Okonomiyaki is a savory Japanese pancake that can be filled with a variety of ingredients, including eel. The eel adds a delicious and smoky flavor to the pancake, while the cabbage and other vegetables provide a satisfying crunch. Top it off with a drizzle of eel sauce for the perfect finishing touch.
This Japanese-style cheesecake is light, fluffy, and absolutely delicious. The addition of eel adds a unique and savory element to this typically sweet dessert. Serve it with a drizzle of eel sauce for a surprising and delightful flavor combination.
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Japanese Cucumber Salad (Sunomono)
Main Ingredients: English Cucumber, Salt, Sugar, Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar
Sunomono is a refreshing and tangy Japanese cucumber salad that is perfect as a side dish or appetizer. The addition of eel adds a rich and smoky flavor to the dish, while the tangy dressing balances it out. Serve it as a side dish or as a refreshing appetizer before a sushi dinner.
History of Smoked Eel in Japan
The Origins
Smoked eel has been a popular dish in Japan for centuries, with its origins dating back to the Edo period (1603-1868). During this time, eel was considered a luxurious and expensive ingredient, reserved for special occasions and enjoyed by the upper class. However, as the popularity of eel grew, it became more accessible to the general population.
The Cultural Significance
In Japanese culture, eel holds a significant place in both culinary and religious traditions. It is believed that consuming eel provides strength and stamina, making it a popular choice for sumo wrestlers. Additionally, eel is often associated with the summer season and is traditionally eaten on the Day of the Ox, a midsummer festival in Japan.
Preparation of Smoked Eel
Choosing the Eel
Traditionally, Japanese smoked eel is made using the freshwater eel known as "unagi". This type of eel has a high fat content, making it perfect for smoking. When purchasing eel, look for ones that are plump, with a shiny and firm skin.
Cleaning and Filleting
Before smoking, the eel must be thoroughly cleaned and filleted. This can be a daunting task, but most fishmongers will do it for you upon request. However, if you prefer to do it yourself, watch tutorials online for the proper technique.
The Smoking Process
The smoking process for eel involves a combination of hot and cold smoking. The eel is first marinated in a sweet and savory sauce made from soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. Then, it is hot smoked over a charcoal grill, giving it a smoky flavor and crispy texture. Finally, it is cold smoked to preserve the eel and add more depth to the flavor.
Japanese Smoked Eel Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb unagi (freshwater eel)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup mirin
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1/4 cup sake
- 2 cups rice
- 2 cups water
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 sheets nori (dried seaweed)
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and sake. Heat over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved. Let cool.
2. In the meantime, rinse the eel and pat dry. Cut into 4-inch pieces.
3. Place the eel in a shallow dish and pour the cooled marinade over it. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
4. In a separate pot, cook the rice with water according to package instructions. Once cooked, stir in the rice vinegar and let cool.
5. Preheat a charcoal grill to medium-high heat. Place the eel on the grill and cook for about 5 minutes on each side, until crispy and browned.
6. In a smoker, add wood chips and cold smoke the eel for 15 minutes.
7. Serve the smoked eel on top of the rice, garnished with strips of nori.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Japanese smoked eel is a delicious and culturally significant dish that has stood the test of time. With its rich smoky flavor and tender texture, it is a must-try for any food lover. Follow our Japanese smoked eel recipe and impress your friends and family with this traditional delicacy.
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