Unagi Don (Eel Rice Bowl)

I love going to Mitsuwa (Japanese supermarket). There are always new and interesting stuffs to look at, like weird sauces, many different kinds of fish cakes, fruits that I have never seen before, and tasty drinks. But, it is a dangerous place for Bryan and I. Whenever we were there, we came home with tons of candies and snacks. One time, I bought home 4 bags of green tea Kit Kat. Oops! Don’t worry. We didn’t eat them all. We gave most to Bryan’s boss, who loves green tea anything. He is so addicted that he can’t keep his hands off those green tea goodies.

Other than candies, there are a good selection of take out food. Sushi, sushi rice bowl, bento box, bibimbap, Onigiri (rice balls) etc. A few weeks ago, I saw a special item, the unagi don (eel rice bowl). I don’t eat eel often. It is a fish that I sometimes like and sometimes don’t. I sometimes have the problem with the bones. But it really depends on the piece of fish you got. Some bones are so tiny that they are unnoticeable. Some are just little bigger that may not be unpleasant to eat for certain people. It is a personal preference. Any way, that unagi don that I saw was so pretty. I couldn’t resist. I got it and really enjoyed it. I ended up making them at home. It is super easy and taste just the same.

Eel is a fish that you have to try. They are soft and flaky. The sweet unagi sauce definitely brought out the best of eel. Served the eel over rice. Add some salmon roe and green onion. The salmon roe is like some salty boba that explode in your mouth. Great compliment to the sweet eel. Green onion add some freshness. Most importantly, this eel bowl can be made in less than 20 minutes. It is a convenience meal for busy weekday dinner.

 

Unagi Don (Eel Rice Bowl) (Adapted from Just One Cookbook)

2 servings

Ingredients:

–   1 whole eel fillet (8 – 10 ounce)

–   vegetable oil

–   3 cups hot cooked rice

–   2 green onions (finely chopped)

–   ¼ cup salmon roe (optional)

Unagi Sauce:

–   ¼ cup soy sauce

–   ¼ cup mirin (Japanese rice wine)

–   2½ tablespoons sugar

–   1½ tablespoon sake

Directions:

1. In a small saucepan, combine mirin and sake. Bring to a boil. Stir in sugar and cook until completely dissolved. Add soy sauce. Bring to a boil and simmer for 20 minutes. Taste and adjust with more sugar or soy sauce if needed. Turn off the heat and allow to cool.
2. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly brush with oil.
3. Cut the eel into 2 or 3 parts to fit the serving bowls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet. Transfer to the middle rack of a cold oven. Turn the heat to the broil setting. Cook for 8 minutes. Brush a good layer of unagi sauce over the eel. Continue to cook for 1 – 2 minutes or until there are bubbles on top of the eel.
4. Place the cooked rice in the serving bowls. Brush with some unagi sauce on the rice. Place the eel on top of the rice. Brush with more sauce if necessary. Top with salmon roe and green onion. Serve immediately.

Tips:

1. The eel fillet can be bought from Japanese supermarket. They are pre-cooked. The only thing you need to do is reheating in oven.
2. If you want a fast meal, skip making your own unagi sauce. You can find them in Japanese supermarket too.

Source: Read