Discover the secrets of Japanese eel - a masterpiece of Japanese cuisine. It combines rich flavor, perfect texture and packed with nutrients, this dish will provide you with a satisfying and balanced meal. Let's explore why this dish is so beloved with Unatoto Singapore!
The Iconic Grilled Eel of Japan and Its Health Benefits
Eels are classified as a type of vitamin Japanese food that provides a wealth of nutrients beneficial to health. Unagi (eel) is renowned for its high value and is widely used as an ingredient in many delicious eel-based dishes. Let's explore the information about the origins and nutritional benefits of this good Japanese food.
A Historical Taste: The Origins of Eating Eel in Japan
When ancient graves from the Stone Age are excavated, eel bones (Unagi) are often found. This leads researchers to believe that eels have been consumed since prehistoric times, which is one reason why the Japanese began eating eel.
The dish is first mentioned in an ancient report known as "Fudoki" (from 715 to 733). It is also referenced in "Manyoshu," a collection of poems that dates back to the "Reiwa" era.
Japanese Eel: A dish rich in nutrients that are beneficial for health
Eel provides protein, minerals, and is rich in collagen, which helps improve skin condition, making the skin look more youthful. Additionally, it offers calcium, as well as vitamins A, B, and E, supplying essential nutrients for the body.
Japanese eel is particularly high in Omega-3 fatty acids, which have become very popular due to their anti-aging effects (slowing down cellular aging). Omega-3s such as EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) cannot be produced by the body, so they typically need to be obtained from sources like flaxseed oil, perilla oil, mackerel, and sardines. However, studies have shown that Japanese eel contains a rich amount of Omega-3.
The fat found in eel consists of unsaturated fatty acids, which are only present in fish. Unlike animal fats from beef, pork, or chicken, it has a low melting point even at room temperature and, importantly, possesses non-solidifying properties.
Japanese eel is often overlooked by people on diets or those following a nutritious eating plan. However, in reality, it is an authentic Japanese food high in vitamin d with excellent nutritional value, helping to reduce fat while providing nourishment for the body.
Delicious Japanese Eel Dishes to Savor
Japanese cuisine offers a delightful array of eel dishes that are not only rich in flavor but also packed with nutritional benefits. From the smoky sweetness of grilled unagi to the delicate texture of kabayaki, these dishes showcase the versatility and culinary artistry of eel.
Whether enjoyed in a traditional setting or as part of modern fusion cuisine, each bite promises a unique experience that highlights the essence of Japanese cooking. Explore some of the most delicious eel dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more!
Kabayaki
Kabayaki (Grilled eel) is a Japanese fish preparation method that involves butterflying, gutting, deboning, and glazing the fish with sauce. Kabayaki is not a sauce; rather, it refers to a specific method of preparing seafood.
To cook fish in the kabayaki style, it must be sliced along the back or belly to allow for gutting and removal of all bones, a process known as “butterflying.” After the fish has been deboned, it is cut into square fillets, which are then skewered and coated in a sweet soy sauce-based marinade before being grilled.
The origin of the term Kabayaki traces back to the dish known as "grilled cattail" or Gama. During the Muromachi period, grilled cattail, also referred to as Gama no Hoyaki, was commonly eaten with salt, miso vinegar, and mustard vinegar.
Because the shape of eels resembled cattails, and the grilling method as well as the use of soy sauce, sake, and Sansho miso were similar to those of Gama, people began calling the grilled eel dish Kabayaki.
Unagi Don
Japanese eel rice, known as Unagi Don or Unadon is a famous traditional dish in Japan made from grilled eel served over white rice. The eel is prepared in the kabayaki style, which involves grilling it with a sauce made from soy sauce, mirin, and sugar, resulting in a sweet and savory flavor.
Unadon is typically served in a bowl of hot rice, with the grilled eel placed on top. To enhance the flavor, the dish can be garnished with chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or accompanied by pickled vegetables.
Unadon is not only a delicious meal but also an integral part of Japanese culinary culture, often enjoyed during hot summer days, as eel is believed to be nutritious and beneficial for health. Also, you can try Unagi Hitsumabushi, a Nagoya unagi don style.
Unagi Skewer
Eel skewers are a dish made from eel, typically cut into bite-sized pieces, marinated with spices, and then skewered onto bamboo or metal sticks before being grilled. This dish is usually cooked over charcoal or in an oven, ensuring that the eel is evenly cooked and develops a delicious, appealing flavor.
Eel skewers can be marinated with various spices, depending on the regional tastes, but they often include a combination of fish sauce, garlic, pepper, and other seasonings. This dish is commonly served with dipping sauce, fresh vegetables, and rice, creating a rich and enjoyable culinary experience. Unagi skewers are often found at izakaya restaurants menu and appear at parties or special occasions.
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Enjoy nutritious Japanese eel dishes at Unatoto Singapore
Unatoto Singapore is a Japanese restaurant that brings the authentic taste of unagi don, or grilled eel rice to the heart of Singapore. Known for its rich flavors and nourishing ingredients, Unatoto offers a delightful dining experience with its affordable unagi bowls starting from just S$9.
Located conveniently in Guoco Tower at Tanjong Pagar and Novena Square, Unatoto provides a cozy atmosphere perfect for both lunch and dinner, catering to office-goers and families alike. The restaurant prides itself on using traditional grilling techniques to prepare its eel, ensuring a smoky, savory aroma that enhances the dish's rich taste.
In addition to the classic Unagi Don, Unatoto features a diverse menu that includes options like unagi tempura don and gyodon, appealing to a wide range of palates. With its commitment to quality and quick service, Unatoto has quickly become a favorite among Japanese food lovers in Singapore, making it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an authentic Japanese dining experience.
Contact for Reservations:
Unatoto Guoco Tower
7 Wallich St, B1 - 03 Guoco Tower Singapore
Phone: +65 6015 0591
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Unatoto Novena Square
238 Thomson Rd, 01-84 Velocity@Novena Square, Singapore
Phone: +65 6909 7519
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