How to use Unagi Sauce for grilled eel？
I. Classic Japanese Application
This is the most authentic and fundamental way to use the eel sauce.
1.Grilled Eel with Ponzu Sauce
This is the "prime" application of ponzu sauce. When the commercially available frozen grilled eel is brushed with ponzu sauce and then grilled, its flavor is immediately enhanced.
Key steps: Place the eel in the oven or on a pan for grilling. During the process, brush the eel sauce 2-3 times to allow the sauce to penetrate layer by layer. The best result is achieved when the surface of the eel is slightly charred and bubbles are popping.
2. Braised Eel Rice (Eel Bowl/Eel Platter)
This is a classic Japanese rice bowl dish. There are two ways to prepare it: one is to first pour a little sauce over the hot rice, mix it well, then place the grilled braised eel on top, and finally pour another layer of sauce; the other is to cook the fried chicken or pork with the eel sauce until the sauce thickens, making it into a "braised bowl". Adding Sichuan pepper powder can help reduce the greasiness and enhance the flavor.
3. Eel Sushi (Hand Roll/Sandwich Roll)
Brush a layer of eel sauce directly on the surface of the rolled eel sushi to enhance its luster and flavor. For an advanced method, mix the eel sauce with mayonnaise in a 1:1 ratio and spray it with a hot gun to grill until slightly charred. This will give you an excellent grilled flavor.
I. "Universal Teriyaki Sauce" Application
The eel sauce is essentially a balanced sweet and salty teriyaki sauce with thick, sticky consistency. It can definitely go beyond the "eel" limitation.
Marinate all kinds of meats with teriyaki sauce.
Teriyaki Chicken Cutlets/Chicken Legs: After frying the chicken legs until both sides are golden brown, pour in the eel sauce and simmer over low heat until the sauce thickens. The sauce will tightly coat the chicken.
Teriyaki Pork Neck/Flank Meat: After cooking the pork flank meat, add 20% of the amount of eel sauce to it and stir-fry. It goes well with "pork kimchi rice" as well.
2. Grilled Seafood with Teriyaki Sauce
Teriyaki Salmon/Buffalo Cod: The fish pieces are fried until golden brown, then coated with eel sauce. The cooking method is similar to that of teriyaki chicken. The sweet sauce can well balance the fat content of the fish.
Teriyaki Scallops/Shrimp: After quick stir-frying or quick frying, simply coat with eel sauce and serve immediately.
3. Japanese-style fried rice / fried udon noodles
Seafood Fried Rice: After the ingredients are well stir-fried, add 20% of the total weight of the eel sauce and stir-fry evenly.
Japanese-style stir-fried udon noodles: Replace regular soy sauce with eel sauce when cooking udon noodles. It has a unique flavor. The ratio of the sauce to water can be adjusted to 1:9 to make the udon noodle soup.
II. Chinese Creative Applications
1.The salty-sweet flavor of eel sauce is well-suited for many Chinese braised dishes and can be used as a kind of multi-purpose seasoning.
The "secret ingredient" for Chinese braised dishes
When making braised pork or braised pork ribs, adding a spoonful of eel sauce instead of some sugar and soy sauce can make the final product have a brighter red color and a more complex flavor.
2. Pickling and Barbecue Sauces
Universal Marinade: Mix eel sauce, minced garlic, and a little rice wine to marinate meat (such as beef chunks, chicken wings). This helps remove the fishy smell and adds flavor, resulting in a dish with a teriyaki flavor.
Barbecue brush sauce: Brush a thin layer on the grilled skewers and vegetables (such as eggplant, corn) when they are almost done. It is salty, sweet, crispy and has an excellent flavor.
3. Salad/Condiment Base
Mix the eel sauce with vinegar, chili oil, minced garlic, and sesame oil. This can be used as the sauce for stir-fried black fungus and okra, or as a dipping sauce for braised pork.
