Sugar-Free Grilled Unagi (Japanese Eel)

Delight in the rich, smoky flavors of Sugar-Free Grilled Unagi, a healthier twist on the classic Japanese eel dish. This recipe swaps traditional sugary marinades for a perfectly balanced blend of tamari, mirin, rice vinegar, and a touch of stevia, creating a glaze that’s both flavorful and guilt-free. Enhanced with hints of garlic, ginger, and sesame oil, the tender eel fillets are grilled to perfection, delivering irresistibly caramelized edges and a flaky, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Garnished with vibrant scallions and toasted sesame seeds, this dish is not only gluten-free but also designed to satisfy your cravings for authentic Japanese cuisine without the added sugar. Serve it alongside steamed rice and pickled vegetables for a nutritious and restaurant-quality dining experience right at home.

Nutriscore Rating: 55/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 2

Ingredients

• 2 fillets Fresh unagi (eel)
• 0.25 cup Tamari (gluten-free soy sauce)
• 0.25 cup Mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)
• 2 tablespoons Rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Stevia
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon Sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons Scallions, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 teaspoon White sesame seeds (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Prepare the marinade by combining tamari, mirin, rice vinegar, stevia, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil in a shallow dish.

Step 2

Place the unagi fillets in the marinade and ensure they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes. For best results, marinate for up to 2 hours.

Step 3

Preheat your grill to medium heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.

Step 4

Remove the unagi fillets from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off, but do not discard the marinade.

Step 5

Transfer the reserved marinade to a small saucepan and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened, then set aside to use as a glaze.

Step 6

Place the unagi fillets skin-side down on the grill. Cook for 10 minutes, basting occasionally with the thickened marinade.

Step 7

Carefully flip the fillets and continue cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the eel is fully cooked and flakes easily with a fork.

Step 8

Remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes.

Step 9

Serve the grilled unagi fillets hot, garnished with chopped scallions and white sesame seeds.

Step 10

Enjoy your sugar-free grilled unagi with a side of steamed rice and pickled vegetables for a complete Japanese meal experience.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(385.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	689.1

Total Fat 39.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 7.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.8g
Cholesterol 252mg	0%
Sodium 3203.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 34.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 0.8g	0%
Total Sugars 26.5g
Protein 44.8g	0%

Vitamin D 1584IU	0%
Calcium 88.4mg	0%
Iron 2.5mg	0%
Potassium 795.2mg	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: 52.7%

Protein: 26.9%

Carbs: 20.4%