Japanese-style Grilled Eel Rice Bowl (Unagi Don)

By DishFrames
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Enjoy restaurant-quality unagi don at home with this simple recipe. Features succulent grilled eel, fluffy scrambled eggs, and fresh broccoli over steamed rice.

↓ The ingredients ↓ The steps

Unagi don is a classic Japanese comfort dish celebrated for its perfect balance of savory-sweet glazed eel and rich, fluffy eggs. This simplified version brings the authentic flavors of the traditional rice bowl into your kitchen, using accessible ingredients while maintaining that signature restaurant-style presentation.

A bowl of Japanese eel rice bowl featuring glazed grilled eel, fluffy scrambled eggs, and vibrant broccoli over fluffy white rice.
A bowl of Japanese eel rice bowl featuring glazed grilled eel, fluffy scrambled eggs, and vibrant broccoli over fluffy white rice.
Prep10 mins
Cook15 mins
Total25 mins
Yield1 serving
DifficultyEasy
Calories550 kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. 1Prepare the glaze
    A mixture of soy sauce and seasonings being stirred in a small, patterned bowl with a spoon.

    In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, light soy sauce, honey, water, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Stir the mixture thoroughly until the honey is fully dissolved and the sauce is well-combined.

    Tip: Adjust the ratio of soy sauce to honey if you prefer a more savory or sweeter glaze.
  2. 2Slice the grilled eel
    A pre-grilled eel fillet being cut into uniform, rectangular pieces on a dark cutting board.

    Take the pre-grilled eel fillet and carefully slice it into uniform, bite-sized rectangular pieces using a sharp knife. This ensures the eel is easy to eat and can be evenly glazed with the sauce in the next steps.

    Tip: Keep the knife clean between slices to ensure the delicate eel skin doesnt tear.
  3. 3Cook the eggs
    Beaten egg liquid being poured into a hot, dark-colored pan.

    Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Pour in the beaten eggs and gently move them with a spatula, cooking only until they are soft and half-set. This ensures a creamy texture for the base.

    Tip: Keep the heat medium to low to prevent the eggs from becoming rubbery.
  4. 4Glaze the eel
    Slices of grilled eel being glazed in a pan with a dark, rich sauce.

    Arrange the cut eel pieces in the pan. Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the eel and cook until the sauce bubbles and thickens, coating the eel in a glossy, flavorful glaze.

    Tip: Do not overcook the eel; just warm it through so it remains tender.
  5. 5Blanch the broccoli
    Broccoli florets boiling in a pan of water.

    Bring a pot of water to a boil with a pinch of salt and a few drops of oil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch for about one to two minutes until vibrant green and tender-crisp. Drain and set aside.

    Tip: Adding a drop of oil to the water keeps the broccoli bright and glossy.
  6. 6Assemble the rice base
    Scrambled eggs being arranged over a bed of white rice in a white bowl.

    Once your scrambled eggs are cooked to your preference, gently spoon them over a serving of fluffy, steamed white rice in a bowl. This creates a soft, flavorful foundation for the main component of the dish.

    Tip: Use warm rice to ensure the eggs and subsequent toppings remain at an appetizing temperature.
  7. 7Assemble the eel rice bowl
    Glazed eel pieces being carefully placed onto a bowl of rice and scrambled eggs using metal tongs.

    Using culinary tongs, carefully arrange the glazed eel pieces over the bed of scrambled eggs and rice. Ensure they are placed neatly to create an appealing presentation that mimics a professional Japanese restaurant serving.

    Tip: Work quickly to keep the eel and eggs warm while plating.

Storage & Serving

Refrigerator
1 day
Best consumed immediately. If storing, keep in an airtight container but note that the texture of the eel and eggs will degrade.
Reheating
2 min
Reheat gently in a pan over low heat or microwave for a short duration until just warm. Avoid overcooking, as the eel can become tough.

Burn It Off

Running
~60 minutes at an easy jog (~9 km/h).
Brisk Walking
~1 hour 50 minutes of steady walking (~5 km/h).
House Cleaning
~2 hours 10 minutes of active cleaning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, pre-grilled eel is widely available in many Asian grocery stores and is perfect for this recipe. Just ensure it is fully thawed before slicing and heating in the sauce.
Mirin is the traditional choice, but if you dont have it, a mixture of sugar and a splash of water or even a little maple syrup can work as a substitute to balance the saltiness of the soy sauce.
The secret is the small amount of oil in the boiling water and not overcooking. Blanching for just 60 to 90 seconds is sufficient to keep it tender-crisp and vibrant.
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