Gourmet Grilled Eel (Unagi) for Special Occasions
Make Your Special Days Even More Extraordinary: Delicious Grilled Eel, a Nourishing Treat for the Family, Enjoyed at Home
The health benefits of eel are well-known and undeniable. This grilled eel dish is perfect for family gatherings or when hosting guests on special occasions, bringing a touch of luxury to your home dining. Savor the rich nutrition and deep flavors of perfectly grilled eel.
Main Ingredients- 2kg cleaned and prepared eel
Marinade & Seasoning- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 onion (finely minced)
- 2 Tbsp minced garlic or 2 Tbsp black garlic extract
- 1 tsp fresh ginger (grated or finely minced)
- 3 Tbsp oyster sauce
- 3 Tbsp mirin (rice wine)
- 3 Tbsp oligosaccharide (or honey/corn syrup)
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 onion (finely minced)
- 2 Tbsp minced garlic or 2 Tbsp black garlic extract
- 1 tsp fresh ginger (grated or finely minced)
- 3 Tbsp oyster sauce
- 3 Tbsp mirin (rice wine)
- 3 Tbsp oligosaccharide (or honey/corn syrup)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
To eliminate any gamey odor and tenderize the eel, marinate the prepared eel pieces in mirin and ginger powder (or minced ginger) and refrigerate for at least half a day (about 6 hours). This crucial step significantly reduces the characteristic fishy smell of eel.
Step 2
Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F). Place the marinated eel pieces in the air fryer and cook for 20 minutes for an initial grilling. Flip the eel halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Step 3
While the eel is being pre-grilled, prepare the delicious sauce. In a bowl, combine soy sauce, mirin, oligosaccharide, oyster sauce, finely minced onion, minced garlic (or black garlic extract), and ginger powder (or minced ginger). Mix well. Gently simmer this mixture over low heat until it thickens into a glossy sauce. Stir constantly to prevent burning.
Step 4
Flip the eel pieces in the air fryer to grill the other side until it’s also golden brown. (This step can be optional, and you can proceed to brush with sauce directly after the initial grilling.)
Step 5
Generously brush the prepared sauce all over the golden-brown, initially grilled eel. Ensure an even coating so the flavors penetrate well.
Step 6
Return the sauced eel to the air fryer. Grill at approximately 180-200°C (350-400°F) for another 5-10 minutes, flipping occasionally, until it’s crispy and beautifully caramelized. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
Step 7
Once grilled to perfection, slice the eel into bite-sized pieces and arrange them artfully on a serving platter. For an enhanced presentation, garnish with thinly julienned ginger, sliced garlic, and colorful vegetable strips like bell peppers and onions.
Step 8
Serve this exquisite grilled eel with freshly cooked rice, pickled aged kimchi (mukimchi), and fresh perilla leaves. This impressive grilled eel feast is perfect for making any special occasion truly memorable for your family. Enjoy your meal!
