Does Unagi Sauce Have Gluten?

Unagi sauce is a popular condiment in Japan. It is a sweet and savory sauce made from soy sauce, sake, mirin, and sugar. It is often used to top grilled eel, but it can also be used as a dipping sauce or marinade. Many people wonder if unagi sauce contains gluten, as gluten can be found in many sauces and other food products.

Ingredients

The ingredients used in unagi sauce are soy sauce, sake, mirin, and sugar. Soy sauce is usually made with wheat, which is a common source of gluten. Mirin is a type of rice wine that contains no gluten, while sake is also made from rice, but it does contain gluten. Sugar does not contain any gluten.

Instructions

Unagi sauce is easy to make at home. Start by combining the soy sauce, sake, mirin, and sugar in a small saucepan. Place the pan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Simmer the mixture for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once the sauce has thickened, remove it from the heat and let it cool. The sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Gluten Content

Since soy sauce and sake both contain gluten, unagi sauce does have a certain amount of gluten. However, the amount of gluten in unagi sauce is usually very low. The amount of gluten in unagi sauce is usually not enough to cause any problems for people with gluten sensitivities or allergies.

Other Considerations

If you are looking for a gluten-free unagi sauce, you can make your own. Simply substitute the soy sauce for a gluten-free version, such as tamari or coconut aminos. You can also use gluten-free sake and mirin. This will ensure that your unagi sauce is completely gluten-free.

Nutrition

Unagi sauce is high in sodium and sugar. One tablespoon of unagi sauce contains approximately 90 calories, 2 grams of fat, 7 grams of carbohydrates, and 1 gram of protein. It also contains 8 grams of sugar and 890 milligrams of sodium. Therefore, it should be consumed in moderation.

Overall, unagi sauce does contain gluten, but the amount is usually very low. If you are looking for a gluten-free version, you can make your own using gluten-free ingredients. Unagi sauce is high in sodium and sugar, so it should be consumed in moderation.