Considering that Eel is a (juicy, firm, and white-flesh) fish, it’s usually prepared in a soup or a braise. Grilling Eel adds a nice smokey element that makes it extremely umami. But no need to worry, I’ve provided a few traditional Japanese recipes from my friends at American Unagi.
Unlike any other, American Unagi eels are exclusively ethically sourced and sustainably raised in Maine. As a James Beard Smart Catch Leader, I highly recommend this product.
Yield: 4
Barbecued Eel w/ Fish Sauce Caramel [Cá Khô Lươn Nướng]
Vietnam has a long romance with Eel. It’s a staple ingredient in Vietnamese Cuisine. And is found scattered across legendary Vietnamese dining Institutions. [I.E., Miến Lươn (Eel Glass Noodle Soup), Lươn Xào Sả Ớt (Lemongrass Curry Eel Stir Fry)]. Considering that Eel is a (juicy, firm, and white-flesh) fish, it’s usually prepared in a soup or a braise. My favorite Eel preparation is Cá Khô Lươn Nướng, a similar preparation to Unagi Kabayaki. However, instead of shoyu and sugar, artisanal 2-year aged @sonfishsauce caramel is used. And grilling it adds a nice smokey element that makes it extremely umami.
Prep time: 15 MinCook time: 20 MinInactive time: 15 MinTotal time: 50 Min
Ingredients
Fish Sauce Caramel
Instructions
Unagi [Eel]
- 1 lb., Thawed Butterflied American Unagi
Fish Sauce Caramel
- In a heavy-bottomed medium saucepan, add 1/2 cup of coconut sugar and 1/4 cup of water.
- Bring saucepan to a boil.
- Allow it to boil, undisturbed on low heat until a deep amber caramel color forms, about 20 minutes.
- Take the pan off the heat.
- Gradually whisk in 1 cup of Fish Sauce
- Put the saucepan back on medium heat.
- Gradually whisk in 1/4 cup of water
- Add 1 tbsp of minced ginger, 1 tbsp of Rice Vinegar, and 1 tsp of coarsely cracked black pepper
- Bring the saucepan to a simmer.
- Take the pan off the heat. And allow cooling to ambient temperature.
Marinate Unagi [Eel] Skewers
- Cut the thawed Unagi into 2" square filets
- Skewer the Unagi filets in between the flesh and skin
- Dip the skewered Unagi into the Fish Sauce Caramel
- Drench the Fish Sauce Caramel on both sides of the filet.
- Allow the Unagi Skewers to marinate in the Fish Sauce Carmel.
Grill Unagi Skewers
- On a preheated charcoal grill [450 F] grill the Unagi skewers for 2 minutes on each side.
Notes:
Frozen Butterflied Eel Filets $35
Use ‘UNAGICHEFTU’ for an additional 10% off at check out.
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- Each fillet is 4-6oz.
- Each Pack is 1 lb.
- Each pack has 3-4 fillets.