Grilled Eel Rice Bowl

Grilled eel rice bowl, also known as "Unagi Don" or "Unagi Donburi" in Japanese, is a popular dish commonly found in Japanese restaurants and some modern Asian fusion restaurants in the USA. Let's dive into the details of this delightful dish!

What is Grilled Eel Rice Bowl?

Grilled eel rice bowl is a traditional Japanese dish that consists of a bed of Japanese short-grain rice topped with grilled eel fillet, glazed with a sweet soy-based sauce. The dish is often garnished with sesame seeds, thinly sliced green onions, and sometimes pickled ginger.

Eel Fillet (Unagi)

The star of the dish is the grilled eel fillet, which is typically made from Japanese eel (Anguilla japonica). The eel is first marinated in a sweet soy-based sauce, then grilled to perfection, giving it a caramelized exterior and a tender, flaky interior. The eel is usually filleted before grilling, making it easier to slice into thin pieces for serving.

Rice (Gohan)

Japanese short-grain rice is used as the base of the dish. The rice is cooked with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt to give it a unique flavor profile. The rice is usually prepared with a combination of Japanese short-grain rice and Japanese rice vinegar (seasoned with sugar and salt) to create a balanced flavor.

Glaze (Tare)

The grilled eel is glazed with a sweet soy-based sauce called "tare" in Japanese. The tare is made from a combination of soy sauce, sake, mirin (sweet Japanese cooking wine), and sugar. The glaze is brushed onto the eel during the last stages of grilling, giving it a sweet and savory flavor.

Garnishes

The dish is often garnished with:

1. Sesame seeds: Added for texture and nutty flavor.

2. Thinly sliced green onions: Add a pop of color and freshness.

3. Pickled ginger (Gari): Thin slices of pickled ginger are sometimes served on the side to cleanse the palate between bites.

Variations in the USA

In some Japanese restaurants in the USA, you may find variations of the grilled eel rice bowl, such as:

1. Modern twists: Some restaurants may add additional toppings like grilled vegetables, spicy mayo, or crispy tempura bits.

2. Fusion flavors: You might find variations with Korean chili flakes (gochugaru), Thai fish sauce, or Mexican mango salsa added to the dish.

3. Rice changes: Some restaurants might serve the dish with a different type of rice, such as jasmine or brown rice.

Tips for Ordering

When ordering a grilled eel rice bowl at a restaurant in the USA:

1. Check the menu description: Look for details on the type of eel used, the glaze, and any additional toppings.

2. Ask about spice level: If you're sensitive to spice, ask your server about the heat level of the dish.

3. Specify rice preferences: If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, inform your server about the type of rice you'd like.

Home Cooking Tips

If you want to try making grilled eel rice bowl at home:

1. Start with high-quality eel: Look for Japanese eel or imported eel from Japan.

2. Use the right type of rice: Japanese short-grain rice is essential for this dish.

3. Make your own tare: Experiment with different soy-based glazes to find your perfect balance of sweet and savory.

Now, go ahead and give grilled eel rice bowl a try! Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures in this beloved Japanese dish.