Low Sodium Unagi Don

Delight in the savory elegance of Low Sodium Unagi Don, a healthier twist on the classic Japanese eel rice bowl. This dish stars tender, caramelized eel fillets brushed with a homemade, low-sodium unagi sauce made from a harmonious blend of low-sodium soy sauce, mirin, sugar, rice vinegar, and freshly grated ginger. Served over a bed of fluffy Japanese short-grain rice, this quick and easy recipe retains all the umami-rich flavors of the traditional dish without compromising on heart-healthiness. Garnished with nori strips and scallions for extra texture and color, this 30-minute meal is perfect for those craving delicious Japanese cuisine with a lower sodium count. Whether you're cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this Low Sodium Unagi Don is a satisfying way to enjoy authentic flavors guilt-free.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 2

Ingredients

• 2 pieces Fresh or frozen eel fillet (unagi)
• 2 tablespoons Low-sodium soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons Mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)
• 2 teaspoons Sugar (or natural sugar alternative)
• 1 teaspoon Rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Fresh ginger, grated
• 2 cups Cooked Japanese short-grain rice
• 2 tablespoons Nori (seaweed) strips (optional, for garnish)
• 2 tablespoons Chopped scallions (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

If using frozen eel, thaw it completely under refrigeration or by following the package instructions.

Step 2

In a small saucepan, combine the low-sodium soy sauce, mirin, sugar, rice vinegar, and grated ginger. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes or until slightly thickened, then remove from heat and set aside. This is the low-sodium unagi sauce.

Step 3

Preheat your oven's broiler or grill. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly grease it.

Step 4

Place the eel fillets on the prepared baking sheet with the skin side down. Using a pastry brush, generously coat the eel with the prepared sauce.

Step 5

Broil or grill the eel for 8-10 minutes, basting once or twice with more sauce, until the eel is cooked through and caramelized on top.

Step 6

While the eel is cooking, divide the cooked rice into two serving bowls.

Step 7

Once the eel is done, carefully place one fillet over the rice in each bowl. Drizzle any remaining sauce over the top of the eel and rice.

Step 8

Garnish with nori strips and chopped scallions, if desired, for added flavor and texture.

Step 9

Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious low sodium Unagi Don!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(706.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1060.2

Total Fat 24.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 5.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 252mg	0%
Sodium 1142.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 148.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 2.2g	0%
Total Sugars 29.0g
Protein 52.0g	0%

Vitamin D 1584IU	0%
Calcium 76.2mg	0%
Iron 3.4mg	0%
Potassium 783.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 21.5%

Protein: 20.4%

Carbs: 58.1%