How to Cook Eel Teriyaki

Eel teriyaki is a popular Japanese dish that showcases the delicate flavors of eel combined with the richness of teriyaki sauce. This exquisite seafood dish offers a perfect balance between sweet and savory, making it a favorite among Japanese cuisine enthusiasts. If you want to learn how to prepare this delectable eel teriyaki at home, follow this step-by-step guide. From selecting the right eel to marinating and grilling it to perfection, we will walk you through each stage of creating this mouthwatering dish.

Preparing the Eel

- Choosing the Right Eel:

For eel teriyaki, it's best to use fresh unagi (freshwater eel) or anago (saltwater eel). These eel varieties are known for their tender flesh and rich flavor. You can find them at your local Asian grocery stores or fish markets. If buying live eel, make sure it is processed correctly before cooking.

- Cleaning and Slicing the Eel:

Begin by rinsing the eel under cold water to remove any impurities. Pat it dry with paper towels. Next, carefully cut the eel into fillets, making thin slices along the backbone. Ensure that the slices are uniform in thickness to ensure even cooking.

 Marinating the Eel

- Preparing the Marinade:

In a bowl, combine 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons mirin (sweet rice wine), 2 tablespoons sake (Japanese rice wine), 2 tablespoons sugar, and 1 tablespoon grated ginger. Mix well until the sugar dissolves. This traditional teriyaki marinade adds a perfect blend of sweet and umami flavors to the eel.

- Marinating the Eel:

Place the eel fillets in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, making sure they are fully submerged. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the eel. For more intense flavor, you can marinate the eel for up to 2 hours.

Grilling the Eel

- Preparing the Grill:

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a charcoal grill, wait until the coals turn white before grilling. If using a gas grill, preheat it for about 10 minutes.

- Grilling the Eel:

Remove the eel fillets from the marinade and let any excess liquid drip off. Brush the grill grates lightly with oil to prevent sticking. Place the eel fillets skin-side down on the grill. Close the lid and cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the skin becomes crispy and slightly charred. Flip the fillets using a spatula and brush the top side generously with the remaining marinade. Close the lid again and grill for an additional 3-4 minutes until the eel is cooked through and caramelized.

 Serving the Eel Teriyaki

- Garnishing the Eel:

Carefully remove the eel fillets from the grill and transfer them to a cutting board. Cut the fillets into bite-sized pieces for easy serving.

- Plating the Eel Teriyaki:

Arrange the eel pieces on a plate and drizzle some of the remaining teriyaki marinade over them. This will add an extra burst of flavor to the dish. Garnish with thinly sliced scallions and sesame seeds for a touch of freshness and crunch.

Eel teriyaki is a delightful dish that brings together the natural flavors of eel with the sweet and savory notes of teriyaki sauce. By following this step-by-step guide, you can recreate this Japanese delicacy in the comfort of your own kitchen. From selecting the right eel to marinating it to perfection and grilling it to a caramelized finish, you'll be able to savor the flavors of eel teriyaki just like in your favorite Japanese restaurant. Serve it alongside a bowl of steamed rice and some pickled vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.