Dairy-Free Unagi Don
Savor the deliciously innovative twist on a Japanese classic with our Dairy-Free Unagi Don! This plant-based recipe transforms eggplant into a mouthwatering eel alternative by scoring, pan-frying, and brushing it with a rich, umami-packed soy sauce-based glaze. Perfectly caramelized eggplant strips are served atop fluffy white rice, garnished with green onions, nori, and sesame seeds for an authentic touch. With just 40 minutes from start to finish, this easy and flavorful dish is ideal for those seeking a dairy-free, pescatarian-friendly option that doesn't compromise on taste or tradition.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 medium-sized Eggplant
- 3 tablespoons Soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons Mirin
- 2 tablespoons Brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Sesame oil
- 1 sheet Nori seaweed sheets
- 3 cups Cooked white rice
- 2 stalks Green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon Sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
Instructions
Slice the eggplants lengthwise into thick strips, about 1/2 inch wide, to mimic the shape of unagi (eel).
Using a sharp knife, lightly score the surface of the eggplant strips in a crisscross pattern to help them absorb the sauce better.
Heat the vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook the eggplant strips for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until softened and golden brown. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Heat over medium-low, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely and the sauce slightly thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
Brush the cooked eggplant strips generously with the prepared sauce on both sides.
Return the eggplant strips to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, allowing the sauce to caramelize and coat the eggplant.
Cut the nori sheet into thin strips and set aside.
To assemble, divide the cooked white rice evenly into two bowls.
Arrange the caramelized eggplant strips over the rice in each bowl.
Garnish each bowl with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and a sprinkle of nori strips.
Serve immediately for a warm and comforting dairy-free meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1489 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 48.4 g | 62% | |
| Saturated Fat | 7.2 g | 36% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 25.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 4131 mg | 180% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 243.0 g | 88% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 33.8 g | 121% | |
| Total Sugars | 70.4 g | ||
| Protein | 30.3 g | 61% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 215 mg | 17% | |
| Iron | 10.6 mg | 59% | |
| Potassium | 2853 mg | 61% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
