Lactose 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 delivers the same sweet-savory punch with just four pantry ingredients. Tamari stands in for regular soy sauce, making this naturally free of gluten without any specialty swaps or complicated substitutions. The mirin and sake bring a gentle, complex sweetness, while the sugar caramelizes during the simmer to build that signature sticky, lacquered finish. The key is patience — letting the sauce reduce slowly until it just coats the back of a spoon is what separates a flat, thin liquid from something truly restaurant-worthy. Since every ingredient here is dairy-free by nature, there's no need to scrutinize labels or worry about hidden milk derivatives sneaking into your condiment. Use it over grilled salmon, drizzled on rice bowls, or as a dipping sauce for anything that needs a little umami magic. Store it in a jar in the fridge and you'll find yourself reaching for it constantly.
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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.
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