Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsTuna Poke 2Unagi - Grilled Fresh Water Eel Nigiri Recipe

Unagi - Grilled Fresh Water Eel Nigiri Recipe

Inspired by Tuna Poke 2
Time1h
Serves4

Make Unagi - Grilled Fresh Water Eel Nigiri Recipe in just 1h . Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Sushi Rice

Grilled Eel

To Serve

Method

Prepare Sushi Rice

  1. 1

    Rinse the Rice

    Rinse 2 cups of sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch.

  2. 2

    Cook the Rice

    Combine the rinsed rice and 2.5 cups of water in a rice cooker and cook according to the appliance instructions.

  3. 3

    Season the Rice

    In a small saucepan, combine 4 tbsp rice vinegar, 2 tbsp sugar, and 1 tsp salt. Heat until dissolved, then fold into the cooked rice once it has cooled slightly. Let the rice cool to room temperature.

Grill the Eel

  1. 4

    Prepare the Eel

    Clean the fresh water eel thoroughly. Cut it open and remove the innards, if necessary. Rinse well.

  2. 5

    Marinate the Eel

    In a bowl, mix 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp mirin, 1 tbsp sake, and 1 tbsp sugar. Brush this marinade over the eel.

  3. 6

    Grill the Eel

    Preheat your grill or broiler. Grill the eel for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until it is cooked through and slightly charred. Baste occasionally with the remaining marinade.

  4. 7

    Slice the Eel

    Once grilled, allow the eel to rest for a few minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.

Assemble the Nigiri

  1. 8

    Shape the Rice

    Wet your hands with water to prevent sticking. Take a small amount of sushi rice (about 1-2 tablespoons) and shape it into an oval.

  2. 9

    Top with Eel

    Place a piece of the grilled eel on top of each rice oval. Gently press to secure.

  3. 10

    Serve

    Serve the nigiri with a small amount of wasabi and pickled ginger on the side. Optionally, you can serve it on nori sheets.

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