How to clean and cook American eel

eel

🥗Healthier: tofu

💰Cheaper: catfish

Tofu provides a plant-based option while catfish is more affordable.

soy sauce

🥗Healthier: tamari

💰Cheaper: liquid aminos

Tamari is gluten-free, and liquid aminos is often less expensive.

mirin

🥗Healthier: rice vinegar + sugar

💰Cheaper: white wine + sugar

Rice vinegar and sugar mimic mirin's sweetness and acidity.

sake

🥗Healthier: dry white wine

💰Cheaper: cooking sherry

Dry white wine offers a similar flavor profile, while cooking sherry is budget-friendly.

Prepare the eel by cleaning and filleting it.

Mix soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and sake in a bowl to create the marinade.

Add ginger and scallions to the marinade, stirring to combine.

Place the eel fillets in the marinade and let them soak for at least 30 minutes.

Preheat the grill to medium heat.

Remove the eel from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off.

Place the eel on the grill, skin side down, and cook for 5-7 minutes until it begins to char.

Flip the eel and brush with remaining marinade, grilling for another 5-7 minutes.

Check for doneness; the eel should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.

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

Slice the grilled eel into bite-sized pieces and sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens