Use the oven to reheat the unagi with some sprinkles of sake. Take it on top of the rice and pour the sauce over it. You will find the precooked unagi in the store, and it is easier to prepare since all you have to do is reheat it.
Most grocery stores sell the version because unagi is a freshwater eel with blood, which is poisonous—Cook every time before eating. When you find a store that sells fresh unagi, you should be aware of the right ways of cooking it to avoid getting sick.
This article highlights the methods used to reheat unagi. These include using the oven, microwave, and stovetop. You still get the unagi flavor without being distorted. The stovetop and the microwave methods perform better if you do not have more time to space. Choose the heating method that you are most comfortable with when reheating.
Stovetop
When reheating unagi using the stovetop method, defrost frozen unagi at room temperature for almost 1 hour. Use a non-stick pan with non-stick cooking spray, then place it on a stove on medium heat. Place the unagi with the skin facing down into the heated pan. After defrosting, cut it into bite-size pieces for easy consumption.
The purpose of using a non-stick pan is that the unagi does not stick to the bottom of the pan. Take the unagi in a non-stick pan, then reheat it for one minute. If it still has not been reheated, you can place it back for 30 seconds.
Add two tablespoons of sake and steam for around 3 mins. When ready to plate, drizzle the unagi sauce on the rice and place the cooked unagi.
Drizzle the leftover unagi sauce on the cooked unagi for more flavor and serve. The method is easy, but it requires one to monitor the unagi so that it does not stick to the pan. Cut the aluminum foil to fit the oven grill to avoid sticking. Use a brush to apply the spray to the shiny side of the foil with vegetable oil, and preheat the grill. Put the eel on the oiled foil skin side down and grill with medium heat for 3 minutes until the oil on the surface of the eel starts to bubble up. It starts to smell nice.
Oven
Reheat unagi using an oven if you purchased the precooked version of unagi at your local store. First, defrost the unagi so that it reheats properly. When it has defrosted, cut it into four equal pieces so that they can reheat evenly.
Take the four pieces of unagi that you have cut out and place them on a baking sheet. Proceed by preheating the oven to 425F before adding the unagi. Sprinkle one tablespoon of sake on top of the unagi for flavor.
If you choose to grill, grill the eel with medium heat for 3 minutes until the oil on the surface bubbles up and the unagi starts to smell nice. Bake it in the oven for 6 to 8 minutes until reheated. When done, take it out of the oven, and place it on top of your rice. Sprinkle sauce on top of it. Turn it over, brush with the sauce, and serve.
Microwave
Reheat unagi in the microwave. Use this method if you bought a precooked unait can vent out steams.
The unagi bag does not melt when heat is introduced, do not be scared that it might melt. The bag has to be cut to allow the steam to escape. If you do not want to reheat the unagi in the bag, place it in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a wet cloth or paper towel. The cloth prevents the microwave from absorbing heat directly from the unagi.
The next step is to place the unagi in the microwave and reheat it at a high temperature. It needs another minute to reheat. When the time has passed, take it out and check if it is warm enough.
When the unagi is warm enough, you can cut it into smaller pieces and serve it with precooked rice. That is one of the most leisurely meals to make if you are in a hurry.
You can Reheat unagi in a microwave with rice, but this method only works if the rice is cooked. You can also buy precooked rice to go hand in hand with the unagi. That is the easiest method if you are in a hurry.
Air Fry unagi?
Place the unagi with the skin facing down into the air fryer. Set the heat to 200°C. Set the timing to 6 – 7 mins. Drizzle the leftover unagi sauce on top of the cooked unagi and serve.
Storage
You can store unagi in the refrigerator for three days or in the freezer for two weeks.
Safe Temperatures
Heat the oven to 425F (218C) before reheating your unagi.
FAQs
Does Unagi Need To Be Cooked?
The flesh of unagi is flaky, and it has to be cooked. It is hazardous to eat raw freshwater creatures. Never eat them raw. Do not eat Unagi raw because eel blood contains toxins that can kill all animals (Totalbeauty.com).
How Do You Reheat Frozen Unagi?
You can frost the unagi in the refrigerator or cold water for 30 minutes. Place the fish on a baking paper-lined baking sheet in the oven for 10 minutes at 180 C after the package.
Why is unagi so expensive?
Unagi is expensive to produce and not affordable to eat (Japantimes.co.jp). Most eel stocks are endangered and unsustainable. Providers have to scramble every year to secure the river fish in time for summer,
Is unagi healthy?
Unagi is packed with protein, omega-3, vitamin E, calcium, vitamin A and phosphorus, among other nutrients. It has the highest unsaturated fatty acids than any other sea creature. The acids and vitamin A reduce wrinkles and keep the skin supple.
Does unagi taste good?
Its taste has a resemblance to the catfish. Unagi tastes better when served with an accompanying sauce or seasoning. The combination is delicious.