Nutmeg Free Gluten Free Eel Sauce
That deep, glossy drizzle you get at a sushi restaurant is surprisingly easy to recreate at home, and this version uses just four pantry ingredients to nail it. Tamari keeps it gluten free without sacrificing any of that rich, savory depth, while mirin and sake bring a gentle sweetness and subtle complexity that make the sauce taste far more sophisticated than the effort involved. A little granulated sugar rounds everything out and helps the sauce reduce into that signature lacquered finish. The key is patience at the stove — a slow simmer lets the liquid concentrate into something silky and spoonable, and pulling it off the heat at the right moment means it thickens beautifully as it cools. Drizzle it over rice bowls, grilled fish, roasted vegetables, or anything that could use a hit of umami-forward sweetness. Store it in a jar and it keeps well, so making a batch ahead is absolutely worth it.
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!