Go Back
unagi sushi recipe

Unagi Sushi (eel sushi roll recipe)

Learn how to make the famous unagi sushi recipe with a few and simple steps and the best results.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 24 pieces (3 rolls)
Calories 39 kcal

Ingredients
  

Sushi rice

  • 1 cup of sushi rice
  • 1 cup of water
  • 1 ½ tablespoon of sushi vinegar (optional) (Made by mixing 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1/2 tablespoon sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt)

For the Unagi filling

  • 4 oz unagi (you can use canned unagi)
  • ½ cucumber cut into ½-inch slices
  • 2 nori sheets
  • 2 green onions
  • Toasted sesame seeds

Instructions
 

Sushi rice

  • Wash the rice well with cold water many times until the water is clear enough to remove all the excess rice starch. Proceed by adding the washed rice with the water in the rice maker and cook according to the instructions.
  • Spread the cooked rice in a plate or a large bowl to cool slightly, but not completely, then mix in the sushi vinegar prepared from the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Leave them aside and start preparing the sushi rolls.

Making the Unagi

  • In the case of raw unagi from the package, then it needs to be baked at 360F for 10-12 minutes and cut into 1/2 –inch strips. Alternatively, you can use canned ones.

Unagi sushi roll

  • Start making your sushi rolls by Spreading your rolling mat with a plastic wrap on top to easily clean up after.
  • Separate each nori sheet into two halves using a pair of scissors. Lay each half on the rolling mat.
  • On the nori sheet, put ¾ cup of the cooked rice. Wet your fingertips with tezu water before you start rolling the sheet. Make sure the rice form a thin sheet. Don’t compress the rice with your fingers. Sprinkle some sesame seeds on the rice.
  • Flip the nori sheet so that it’s facing you and the rice is facing the bamboo mat.
  • Spread the fillings made of unagi, cucumber, avocado, and green onion slices on top.
  • With your thumbs beneath the rolling mat, lift the edge above the fillings and start rolling it away from you, all while gently yet firmly pressing on the roll.
  • Remove your bamboo mat. Cut the roll into bite-sized pieces, and drizzle some unagi sauce on top. Enjoy!