For vegetarians, enjoying some sushi can be a challenge – but what’s the verdict on eel sauce? With an increasing demand for vegan options, many are questioning if eel sauce makes the cut. In this article, we explore the answer to the question of ‘Is eel sauce an option for vegans?’ and find out all the facts you need to know.
1. Exploring the Elusive World of Eel Sauce
Have you ever wondered what lies at the heart of this mysterious condiment? Eel sauce, otherwise known as unagi no tare, is a popular soy sauce-based dipping sauce. It is often used to accompany Japanese dishes like sushi rolls or rice balls. In today’s post, we are going to explore some of the key characteristics that make up this flavorful concoction.
Eel sauce typically possesses a dark brown color. Its sweetness comes from a combination of sugar and mirin, a sweet type of rice wine. Additionally, the sauce contains bits of finely chopped eel, hence its name. Aside from its base ingredients, different brands may add other ingredients to the mix such as sake, honey, and garlic.
When exploring this elusive world of eel sauce, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, eel sauce should be used in moderation and sparingly. It is no secret that the ingredients within it are high in sodium, so it is best to exercise caution when deciding how much to use. Furthermore, a thorough inventory of the ingredients should be taken to ensure all the components are of good quality.
Finally, the most important point about eel sauce is that exploring it can be a truly rewarding journey. Its subtle yet distinctive flavor can breathe life into all sorts of dishes, and learning how to use it correctly will take even the simplest meal up a whole notch.
- Dark brown color
- Sweetness from sugar and mirin
- Chopped eel
- Sake, honey or garlic for additional flavor
- Exercise caution – high in sodium
2. What is Eel Sauce and Where Does it Come From?
Eel sauce is a slightly sweet and savory condiment that is commonly used as a topping or dip for sushi. It is made from a combination of ingredients, including sake (Japanese rice wine), soy sauce, rice vinegar and sugar. The exact composition of the sauce can vary between types and brands. Traditionally, the sauce is used in sushi dishes such as eel rolls and nigiri, but it can also be found on other dishes such as teriyaki and tempura.
Eel sauce actually has Chinese origins and is believed to date back to the Ming dynasty (1368-1644). It was first used for marinating eel after it was grilled or steamed. Over the years, the recipe for the sauce has changed as it was introduced into Japan. Now, many traditional Japanese eel dishes use a version of the sauce to balance out its savory flavor with a hint of sweetness.
3. Investigating Whether or Not Eel Sauce Is Vegan
Eel sauce can be confusing when it comes to determining whether it is vegan-friendly or not; you’ll often find conflicting answers on the web. Also called unagi sauce in its native Japan, the main ingredients making up eel sauce are soy sauce, sugar, and rice vinegar. But is there something else in this seemingly vegan-safe combination?
The answer isn’t so easy; while some brands of eel sauce may very well be vegan, typically the true culprit behind why eel sauce is not vegan is the fish extract. Consisting of fish pieces and flavors, it gives eel sauce that classic umami taste. You also have some brands releasing a “vegan eel sauce,” with its fish extract replaced by either a seaweed-based extract or artificial flavors. The struggle is living with the fact that each manufacturer will use different ingredients and that you can never be sure of what you’re getting until you put it to the test.
- Soy sauce, sugar, and rice vinegar are vegan-friendly
- The fish extract is often the true culprit behind why eel sauce is not vegan
- Some brands offer “vegan eel sauce,” typically with a seaweed-based extract or artificial flavors
- Chicken – Give grilled chicken an extra kick by brushing it with eel sauce before and after it’s cooked.
- Fish – Whether you bake it, sauté it, or grill it, fish fillets and steaks taste great with a coating of eel sauce.
- Salads – Drizzle eel sauce over salads of spinach, arugula, and bok choy for a unique Japanese-style dressing.
- Soy Sauce
- Water
- Sugar
- Wine
- Vinegar
- Salt
- Monosodium Glutamate
- Banoffee: Does the pie really require evaporated milk or can it be made with sweetened condensed milk?
- Guacamole: Should lime juice or lemon juice be used as the citrus component?
- Carbonara: Should cream, or some other dairy product, be added to the pasta dish?
- Tiramisu: Is raw egg safe to consume in the famous Italian dessert, or should egg whites be folded in instead?
- Tahini – a rich nut butter, with a slightly nutty, savoury taste is ideal for replacing animal-derived sauces.
- Garlic and Onion – blend garlic and onion together with a little olive oil to create a powerful flavour every bit as tantalising as eel sauce.
- Miso Paste – a quintessential umami flavour, use miso paste as it is, or make a smooth paste by combining it with other ingredients such as tahini, tomato paste, garlic and onion.
- Coconut Aminos – popularly used as a soy-free alternative to soy sauce, coconut amino’s light and sweet flavour can be used to create umami sauces.
- Tomato Paste – a rich, concentrated flavour from ripe tomatoes can be used to add depth to a vegan-friendly version of eel sauce.
- Nutritional Yeast – when combined with onion, garlic and tamari (use a wheat-free version for a gluten-free option), the cheesy umami flavour of nutritional yeast is ideal for vegan sauces.
- Yuzu Kosho – combining yuzu citrus juice and pepper provides a citric-heat flavour used widely in Japanese cuisine. It’s both surprisingly sweet and savoury, giving vegan sauces a unique twist.
- Carrot Juice – rich in naturally sweet and savoury flavours, carrot juice is ideal as a vegan eel sauce alternative.
- Ingredients
- 1/3 cup tamari
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup vegan mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons vegan Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- Instructions
- In a blender or food processor, combine tamari, extra virgin olive oil, vegan mayonnaise, vegan Worcestershire sauce, maple syrup, garlic, dijon mustard, ground ginger, and black pepper. Blend until smooth.
- Heat sesame oil in a small skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add blended ingredients and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring often.
- Remove eel sauce from heat and pour into a bowl or bottle. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- A great addition to vegan stir-fry’s, soups, and noodle dishes
- Eel sauce can give vegan dishes a new level of depth
- Excellent alternative to fish sauce for those on vegan diets
- Can be used for a variety of dishes such as fried rice and salads
- Mix of sweet and tangy flavors that can add deliciousness to any vegan dish
4. Accompanying Dishes for Enjoying Eel Sauce
Eel sauce is a popular accompaniment to sushi dishes, adding a sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavor. But eel sauce is also great for dressing up a variety of different dishes. Consider some of these creative ways to use eel sauce for a delicious meal.
The possibilities are endless with eel sauce, so don’t be afraid to experiment on your own. Try tossing it in stir-frys, drizzling it over barbecue sandwiches, or glazing it over bacon-wrapped scallops. These combinations make for an exciting twist on your favorite recipes.
5. Miscellaneous Uses for Eel Sauce
Marinate and Glaze
Eel sauce can be an excellent marinade or glaze when used on meat and fish. Its umami-rich flavor pairs deliciously with beef, pork, chicken, and almost any type of fish. For best results, marinate in the sauce for at least an hour, or glaze on top of the dish right before it goes into the oven. It adds a beautiful glistening coat and adds an extra flavor dimension.
Enhance & Condiment
Eel sauce can be an easy way to bump up the flavor of dishes, making it a great choice for the at-home chef. Add it in small doses to soups, casseroles, sauces, and stews for deeper, umami goodness. It can also be used as a condiment to dip everything from fried chicken to french fries for an added layer of excitement.
6. Is Store-Bought Eel Sauce Vegan?
If you love sushi, you can probably appreciate how a luscious smattering of eel sauce amps up the classic sushi experience. That’s why it’s common to find people asking, ‘’, since as a vegan, this is an important factor to consider when eating out or stocking up on sauces.
The good news is that store-bought eel sauce can be found vegan, however, some brands may contain seafood-based ingredients. To ensure you’re choosing a vegan-friendly eel sauce, take a look at the ingredients list on the label. Here are some common ingredients you’ll see in vegan eel sauces:
When shopping for eel sauce, make sure to read the labels and check for animal-derived ingredients like anchovies or fish stock. Depending on the brand or region you’re from, you may even find gluten-free and sugar-free vegan eel sauce options.
7. Unveiling the Hidden Ingredient Debates
Food-related debates have been around since antiquity; however, none are more heated than those surrounding the hidden ingredients in beloved dishes. A dash of salt here, extra spoonful of sugar there, and suddenly decades-long family recipes have transformed swaths of generations. Sorting out who did what and why is an impossible notion to answer definitively, and that’s the beauty of it!
The mere thought of tampered recipes inspires an array of reactions: some declare all tales of concealed components to be false, while others cherish and even revere them as family lore. Still, many are left confused by what may be truth or fiction. Some of the classic hidden ingredient debates include:
No matter which side of the argument one takes, everyone can agree that debates on the hidden ingredients in favourite recipes bring something exciting to the table: lively conversations, friendly rivalries, and a chance to revitalise forgotten family recipes!
8. Seeking Out Vegan Alternatives to Eel Sauce
Vegan eel sauce? What?! It may sound improbable but it is possible to recreate the unique and rich umami flavour of eel sauce without any animal origin ingredients. So, if you are avoiding seafood-based sauces in your cooking, here are 8 vegan alternatives to eel sauce.
Whether you’re looking for a simple soy sauce substitute or a complex blend of flavours, vegan alternatives to eel sauce provide all the taste without any seafood ingredients. From tangy yuzu kosho to rich garlic and onion combinations, there is an option for any taste and budget.
9. Creating Your Own Vegan Eel Sauce Recipe
Do you love vegan eel sauce, but want something different for your plate? With a few specific items and a few simple steps, you can make your own unique vegan eel sauce recipe. Here are the ingredients and instructions you’ll need to start crafting:
When the time comes, your vegan eel sauce recipe is ready to add an extra special kick to your dishes. Spoon it over noodles or put it to use in stir-fry. There are an endless array of ways to enjoy your very own homemade vegan eel sauce recipe!
10.Discovering the Joys of Eel Sauce for Vegans
One of the main draws of eel sauce is that you can use it to veganize just about any dish. It is an incredibly versatile condiment that has no animal ingredients, meaning it’s a great alternative for vegan diets. The Asian-style sauce made from sweet rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar is an excellent replacement for fish sauce in some fish dishes. It can be used to create a variety of vegan stir-fries, sushi, noodle dishes, and soups.
Eel sauce offers a tantalizing mix of sweet and tangy flavors that can add delicious depth to any vegan dish. It’s great for bringing a new level of Asian-inspired flavors to your vegan cooking. Try putting it in fried rice, zoodles, or salads. It can also be used as a dip for fried tofu and other vegan proteins. The possibilities are truly endless!
For vegans looking for a way to switch up their weekly meal plan, eel sauce is certainly one ingredient to keep in mind. Whether you like the distinct flavor of eel sauce or you’re looking to make a vegan friendly version, the possibilities are endless!
So, the next time you’re preparing a vegan meal, don’t forget to take a second look at that bottle of eel sauce on the grocery shelf. That’s right—eel sauce, vegan friendly and full of flavor. It just might provide the perfect finishing touch to your dish.
Hi, my name is Luke Mitchell and I am a travel blogger based in Brisbane, Australia. I am the owner and creator of Arfra.org, the best blog about everything related to traveling in Australia. I have always had a passion for exploring new places and cultures and I decided to turn that passion into a career. I started Arfra.org to share my experiences and help others plan their own adventures in Australia.
I have traveled extensively throughout Australia and have a wealth of knowledge and tips to share. From the rugged outback to the beautiful beaches, I have been there and done that. I am also always on the lookout for the latest and greatest in the travel industry, so my readers can always expect to find the latest information on everything from hotels and resorts to tours and activities.
In my blog, I cover a wide range of topics including budget travel, luxury travel, family travel, and solo travel. I also share information on the best places to eat, drink, and shop, as well as the best outdoor activities and attractions.
When I am not traveling, you can find me in Brisbane where I call home. I love the city’s laid-back atmosphere and the great food and coffee scene. I also enjoy spending time with my friends and family, and taking my dog for long walks along the river.