Easy Homemade Unagi Don (Eel Rice Bowl)
Enjoy restaurant-quality Unagi Don at home in just 5 minutes. This quick, savory eel rice bowl features tender glazed eel over fluffy white rice.
Unagi Don is a beloved Japanese classic, celebrated for the rich, smoky-sweet flavor of grilled freshwater eel. This simple home version uses pre-grilled eel to deliver a comforting, gourmet meal in minutes. It is a perfect choice for busy weeknights when you want something genuinely delicious without the long preparation time.
Ingredients
- 1 fillet grilled eel (unagi)
- 1 bowl steamed white rice
- 1 tsp cooking oil
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 tbsp water
- to taste dried shredded seaweed (nori)
Instructions
- 1Prepare the Pan

Add a small amount of cooking oil to your preheated frying pan. Ensure the oil coats the surface evenly to prevent the eel from sticking during cooking.
Tip: A non-stick pan works best for delicate eel fillets to keep them intact. - 2Place the eel in the pan

Place the pre-packaged grilled eel into a preheated frying pan. The pan should be hot enough to sear the eel slightly, enhancing its aroma and texture.
Tip: If the eel package comes with sauce, you can add it to the pan later to avoid burning. - 3Cut the eel

Use a spatula to gently cut the grilled eel into two equal segments directly in the pan. This makes it easier to manage and serve.
Tip: A silicone spatula is ideal to avoid scratching the surface of your non-stick pan. - 4Brown the eel

Flip the eel pieces over using tongs or a spatula to ensure both sides are evenly browned and heated through.
Tip: Flip gently to keep the delicate eel pieces intact. - 5Add the sauce

Pour the prepared sauce mixture, consisting of oyster sauce, light soy sauce, and a touch of sugar, over the eel in the pan to glaze it thoroughly.
Tip: Adjust the sweetness by adding a little more sugar if preferred. - 6Simmer the eel

Add a small splash of water to the pan, then cover it with a lid to let the eel simmer. This steams the eel, keeping it moist and allowing the sauce to absorb.
Tip: Simmering for about 1-2 minutes is usually sufficient to finish the dish.