Citrus Free Gluten Free Eel Sauce
That deep, glossy drizzle you get at your favorite sushi spot is surprisingly simple to recreate at home, and this version keeps things completely free of citrus in any form. Many store-bought versions and restaurant preparations sneak in unexpected ingredients, so making it yourself means you know exactly what's going into the bottle. Just four pantry staples — tamari, mirin, sake, and sugar — come together in a single saucepan to build that signature sweet-savory depth. The key is a patient simmer that slowly reduces the sauce until it coats the back of a spoon with a thin, lacquered shine. A little patience near the end is worth it; the sugar can catch quickly, so keep an eye on it and you'll be rewarded with something genuinely restaurant-quality. Once cooled and transferred to a jar, it's ready to drizzle over grilled eel, sushi rolls, rice bowls, or really anything that could use a hit of umami richness.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
8 servings
- ½ cup tamari
- ½ cup mirin
- ¼ cup sake
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
Instructions
- 1
Combine the tamari, mirin, sake, and sugar in a small saucepan. Whisk over medium heat until the sugar is fully dissolved, about 1–2 minutes.
- 2
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has reduced by about one-third and coats the back of a spoon with a thin, glossy layer, 10–12 minutes. Watch closely toward the end — the sugar can scorch quickly.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!