Best 2 Japanese Tsume And Tare Nitsume Or Thick Sweet Eel Sauce Recipes

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In Japanese cuisine, two essential sauces reign supreme: TSUME and TARE NITSUME. TSUME, a vibrant green sauce, tantalizes the palate with its refreshing citrusy and piquant flavors, making it the perfect complement to sashimi and grilled dishes. On the other hand, TARE NITSUME, also known as thick sweet eel sauce, embodies richness and umami, serving as an ideal glaze for grilled eel, chicken teriyaki, and various donburi bowls. This comprehensive guide delves into the intricacies of both sauces, providing detailed recipes for each, along with variations and serving suggestions. Whether you're a seasoned Japanese food enthusiast or a culinary adventurer seeking to expand your horizons, this exploration into the world of TSUME and TARE NITSUME promises to elevate your cooking skills and bring authentic Japanese flavors to your table.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

JAPANESE TSUME AND TARE - NITSUME OR THICK, SWEET EEL SAUCE



Japanese Tsume and Tare - Nitsume or Thick, Sweet Eel Sauce image

This recipe is for the dark sweet sauce served over many types of sushi in restaurants, especially seafood and fish. Tsume is traditionally made with the reduced stock of boiled conger eels (anago). This abbreviated recipe tastes great and takes much less cooking time than the traditional method of preparation. Dashi is a soup and cooking stock considered fundamental to Japanese cooking. Dashi forms the base for Miso Soup, clear broth soups, Japanese noodle broths, and many Japanese simmering liquids. Most people use granulated or liquid instant substitutes found in Asian Markets. A small pastry brush or rubber spatula will allow you to apply this sauce thinly and evenly over your sushi or other choices. American sushi chefs use Tsume to dress everything from avocado-based rolls to tamago. This recipe will keep in the refrigerator for several months. Heat to ambient temperature (or warmer) before use.

Provided by Lindas Busy Kitchen

Categories     Sauces

Time 3h5m

Yield 1 c.

Number Of Ingredients 4

1 cup dashi (cooking stock)
1/2 cup mirin (Japanese sweet cooking wine)
1/2 cup shoyu (soy sauce)
1/4 cup sugar

Steps:

  • Put all ingredients into a saucepan, and heat to boiling over medium heat.
  • Simmer the sauce for about 3-4 hours to thicken. Reduce the volume to the point that it threads or webs when picked up with hashi.

EEL SAUCE



Eel Sauce image

Also called Nitsume, Unagi or Kabayaki. It is a sweet and salty sauce that goes great over grilled fish or chicken and is a common drizzle over sushi. Traditionally it is used on Japanese grilled eel and eel rolls. I also use this sauce over fresh cooked noodles for a quick snack. 1/2 cup of dashi may be added to create a richer, more authentic flavor. (Dashi is a fish stock that must be made at home)

Provided by noogie01

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes     Sauce Recipes

Time 15m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 3

½ cup soy sauce
½ cup white sugar
½ cup mirin (Japanese sweet wine)

Steps:

  • Heat soy sauce, sugar, and mirin into a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook and stir until liquid is reduced to about 3/4 cup.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 120.6 calories, Carbohydrate 24.5 g, Fiber 0.2 g, Protein 1.4 g, Sodium 1202.6 mg, Sugar 23.3 g

Tips:

  • To make the perfect eel sauce, use a heavy-bottomed pot to prevent the sauce from burning.
  • Use a wooden spoon to stir the sauce, as a metal spoon can react with the ingredients and alter the flavor of the sauce.
  • Cook the sauce over low heat to allow the flavors to develop fully.
  • Taste the sauce as it cooks and adjust the seasonings as needed.
  • If the sauce is too thick, add a little water to thin it out.
  • If the sauce is too thin, cook it for a few minutes longer until it reaches the desired consistency.
  • Once the sauce is cooked, let it cool slightly before using it.
  • The sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Conclusion:

Making Japanese Tsume and Tare Nitsume, also known as thick sweet eel sauce, is an art form that takes time and dedication. However, the rewards are well worth the effort. This delicious sauce is the perfect accompaniment to grilled eel, sushi, and other Japanese dishes. With its rich, sweet, and savory flavor, it's sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more. So next time you're looking for a unique and flavorful sauce to add to your culinary repertoire, give Japanese Tsume and Tare Nitsume a try.

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