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    Home » Diet » Vegan » Easy Vegan Unagi Don (Eggplant Unadon) うなぎ丼

    Easy Vegan Unagi Don (Eggplant Unadon) うなぎ丼

    Jun 1, 2022 · 120 Comments

    Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe
    vegan unagi don eggplant kabayaki うなぎ丼
    vegan unagi don eggplant kabayaki うなぎ丼

    The sweet caramelized silkiness of a Homemade Vegan Unagi Don (Eggplant Kabayaki) うなぎ丼 is irresistible with a sticky, savory sauce. This easy plant-based Japanese grilled eel rice bowl will melt and explode in your mouth with umami flavours in just 15 minutes! Dust it with green onions, sesame seeds, and nori flakes to make it look like the real deal!

    vegan unagi don eggplant kabayaki うなぎ丼
    Jump to:
    • What is Unagi Donburi?
    • Is Unagi Sauce Vegan?
    • What Is Kabayaki Sauce?
    • Difference between Teriyaki Sauce and Kabayaki Sauce
    • The Secret Seasoning: Sansho Pepper
    • How To Make Vegan Eggplant Unagi Kabayaki?
    • What Type of Eggplants to Use?
    • Eggplant Benefits
    • Vegan Unagi Don Recipe Ingredients and Substitutions
    • How To Cook Eggplants for Japanese-Style Vegan Unagi
    • Prepare The Vegan Unagi Sauce
    • How To Glaze Eggplant Unagi
    • What To Serve With Vegan Unagi Rice Bowls
    • Easy Vegan Unagi Don (Eggplant Unadon) うなぎ丼

    What is Unagi Donburi?

    The Japanese grilled eel rice bowl is called Unagi Donburi, Unagi Don, or Unadon, and it is prevalent in Japan. It is one of my favourite dishes to order at Japanese restaurants. 

    Sometimes, when the unagi is served in a fancy lacquered square box, jubako (重箱), it is called Unaju (鰻重).

    Since the Edo period, Unagi no Kabayaki (蒲焼) aka grilled eel, has been a popular way to cook seafood (1603 - 1868). The ingredient is first gutted, split, boned and butterflied before marinating in a sweet kabayaki sauce.

    Unagi no kabayaki is served over freshly steamed sushi rice. If you serve the grilled Japanese eel separately, it is called nagayaki.

    Is Unagi Sauce Vegan?

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    Fortunately, the traditional eel sauce is vegan and can be made with household pantry staples. 

    It is called "eel sauce because it is often used to glaze Japanese freshwater eel.

    What Is Kabayaki Sauce?

    Kabayaki sauce is a sweet soy sauce glaze used to coat fish. The unagi sauce is vibrant, sweet, savory and sticky. When cooked, it is subtly caramelized. 

    The homemade unagi sauce is easy to make with just four ingredients: dark soy sauce, mirin, sake or rice wine and brown sugar.

    Typically the golden ratio is 1:1:1:1 for each component. Feel free to adjust the ratios to your own desire. Personally, I prefer the sauce to be less salty and would use a ½ ratio.

    Traditional kabayaki sauce may also include eel bones and eel skin.

    Difference between Teriyaki Sauce and Kabayaki Sauce

    The two Japanese sauces are basically the same. They are both made with soy sauce, sake, sugar and mirin. 

    However, the "tare sauce" is reserved for ingredients like chicken, yellowtail hamachi, or tuna in Japanese cooking. While the Kabayaki may include eel, sanma saury fish, iwashi sardines.

    vegan unagi don eggplant kabayaki うなぎ丼

    The Secret Seasoning: Sansho Pepper

    To add an extra kick to your grilled unagi, sprinkle ground Japanese sansho pepper on top of the eggplant. 

    Sansho peppers are similar in taste to Sichuan peppercorns but lighter and have a hint of lemony flavour that is addictive. 

    Sansho is an essential ingredient for those who crave authentic Japanese cooking. The extra spice adds brightness and reduces the richness of oily eels.

    vegan unagi don eggplant kabayaki うなぎ丼

    How To Make Vegan Eggplant Unagi Kabayaki?

    Traditionally, eels are inexpensive and an everyday meal. However, due to the eel population becoming endangered and shortages, eels are becoming more expensive and non-sustainable. 

    Alternatively, other dietary choices prevent them from eating fish. 

    So whether your preference is to consume plant-based only foods or are simply a fan of eggplant, you will know that this nightshade vegetable is the perfect plant-based fish alternative. 

    Eggplants are fantastic eel substitutes for a vegan version of unagi don because of their silky and creamy texture. Glazed and grilled eggplants with unagi Kabayaki sauce, it shockingly resembles so much the real thing!

    Some people also use firm tofu as an eggplant variation, but it doesn't nearly come as close as peeled eggplant.

    What Type of Eggplants to Use?

    What is the difference between Japanese eggplant and regular eggplant? Choose long, dark purple eggplants for this vegan unagi don (eggplant kabayaki) recipe. 

    However, if you do not see this at the Chinese grocery stores and local Asian market, opt for Japanese eggplants that are slightly smaller and stubbier. 

    Both eggplant varieties are excellent for grilling, braising and stir-fry.

    American eggplants are also known as globe eggplants. They are darker and wider with my girth.

    Just choose one that is fresh and readily available. This vegan unagi don eggplant kabayaki is an easy recipe that is super forgiving!

    Eggplant Benefits

    Is eggplant a superfood? Eggplants are considered a superfood because of their low calorie and sodium profile. This purple vegetable is an excellent source of antioxidants and minerals, flavonoids (Vitamin P), dietary fibre, potassium, and B vitamins.

    vegan unagi don eggplant kabayaki うなぎ丼

    Vegan Unagi Don Recipe Ingredients and Substitutions

    • Eggplants
    • Dark Soy Sauce
    • Sake or Rice Wine
    • Brown Sugar
    • Mirin
    • Ground Sansho Pepper (optional) 
    • Sesame Seeds for garnish (optional)
    • Furikake seasoning for garnish (optional)
    • Finely Chopped Green Onions for garnish (optional)
    • Sesame Oil (optional but I find it adds a nice smokiness to the profile)
    vegan unagi don eggplant kabayaki うなぎ丼

    How To Cook Eggplants for Japanese-Style Vegan Unagi

    There are a few ways to prepare the eggplants. You may want to cook the eggplant in a microwave or oven.

    Microwave Method:

    Eggplant usually takes a long time to cook or uses a large amount of oil. Cooking eggplants in the microwave is an excellent shortcut to softening eggplant quickly, leaving them tender and creamy. This classic preparation is ready in just 8 minutes to use today's recipe.

    Rinse and cut in half lengthwise. Cut the eggplants into 5" chunks if it doesn't fit in the dish.

    With a fork or toothpick, poke a few holes all around the eggplant. 

    Place the eggplants in a microwave-safe dish (I like using the Anyday dish and cover with the lid and knob lifted)!

    Cook in the microwave for 8 minutes or until eggplant is tender.

    Steam Method:

    Place eggplants in a steamer and steam for 5 to 6 minutes or until tender, flipping halfway.

    Oven Method:

    Alternatively, you may want to roast the whole eggplant on a baking sheet in the oven at 400 degrees F for 30 minutes or until the eggplant is tender.

    Pro Tip: Peel the eggplant after being cooked and cooled down. Gently split, butterflied and peel the eggplant skin back. Score the eggplant unagi a few times.

    Alternatively, some prefer to cut off the stem of the eggplant and peel the skin with a vegetable peeler.

    Stovetop Method:

    Heat oil in a nonstick skillet at medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, place the eggplants with the seed side down. Sear the eggplants for 6 minutes or until golden brown, flipping halfway.

    Cooking eggplants on the stovetop adds a nice malty, smoky flavor but requires a little bit more oil from time to time to prevent burning. You can also use a butane kitchen torch. 

    Prepare The Vegan Unagi Sauce

    While the eggplants are cooking, prepare the vegan unagi kabayaki sauce ingredients (sake or rice wine, mirin, dark soy sauce and brown sugar0) together in a small bowl. Set aside.

    Once the eggplants are cooked and skins removed, it is time to glaze the vegan unagi eggplant stripes.

    vegan unagi don eggplant kabayaki うなぎ丼

    How To Glaze Eggplant Unagi

    In a nonstick frying pan, heat vegetable oil at medium high heat. 

    Add peeled eggplants (seed side down) and gentle sear until golden brown. Skip this step if the eggplants was cooked using the stove top method.

    Add in vegan unagi sauce and evenly coat the eggplant strips. Reduce the sauce to desired consistency. Basting the eggplants frequently. 

    Serve and enjoy over a bead of rice freshly cooked from the rice cooker. 

    Garnish and sprinkle ground sansho pepper, sesame seeds, Furikake seasoning, nori flakes or finely chopped green onions for the ultimate unagi bowls to impress your vegan friend. 

    Alternatively, you may want to serve the grilled Japanese vegan eel separately with a bowl of white rice and nori side dishes. It is one of the best way to entertain with easy recipes like this!

    What To Serve With Vegan Unagi Rice Bowls

    Okonomiyaki Cauliflower Bites

    Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Tofu 氣炸鍋椒鹽豆腐

    Homemade Vegan Egg Drop Soup 蛋花湯

    Easy Vegan Fried Rice with Mushrooms 生炒牛肉飯 (素食)

    If you enjoyed ike this vegetarian unagi recipe, add this family-style recipe to your easy weeknight meal menu! Also, check out our Chinese Braised Eggplant 紅燒茄子! I'd love to see how you went with my recipes! Leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram @INSTANOMSS #INSTANOMSS.

    Print

    Easy Vegan Unagi Don (Eggplant Unadon) うなぎ丼

    vegan unagi don eggplant kabayaki うなぎ丼
    Print Recipe
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    ★★★★★

    5 from 101 reviews

    The sweet caramelized silkiness of a homemade vegan unagi don (eggplant kabayak) うなぎ丼 is irresistible with a sticky, savory sauce. This easy plant-based Japanese grilled eel rice bowl will melt and explode in your mouth with umami flavours in just 15 minutes! Dust it with green onions, sesame seeds, and nori flakes to make it look like the real deal!

    • Author: Nancy
    • Prep Time: 8
    • Cook Time: 10
    • Total Time: 18 minutes
    • Yield: 2 people 1x
    • Category: Main Dishes
    • Method: Pan Fry
    • Cuisine: Japanese
    • Diet: Vegan

    Ingredients

    Scale
    • 2 medium eggplant
    • 2 tbsp Dark Soy Sauce
    • 2 tbsp Sake or Rice Wine
    • 2 tbsp Brown Sugar
    • 2 tbsp Mirin

    To Serve (optional)

    • Freshly steamed bowl of rice
    • Ground Sansho Pepper
    • Sesame Seeds for garnish
    • Furikake seasoning for garnish
    • Finely Chopped Green Onions for garnish

    Instructions

    1. Wash and dry eggplants with a kitchen towel. With a fork or toothpick, poke holes into the eggplant. You may want to keep the skin on and peel it after it has been cooked, or remove the skin with a vegetable peeler ahead of time.
    2. Microwave Method: Cut eggplants in half lengthwise. Cut the eggplants into 5" chunks if it doesn't fit in the dish. Place the eggplants in a microwave-safe dish (I like using the Anyday dish and cover with the lid and knob lifted)! Cook in the microwave for 8 minutes or until eggplant is tender.
    3. Steam Method: Place eggplants in a steamer and steam for 5 to 6 minutes or until tender, flipping halfway.
    4. Oven Method: Roast whole eggplants on a baking sheet in the oven at 400 degrees F for 30 minutes or until the eggplant is tender.
    5. Stovetop Method: Heat oil in a nonstick skillet at medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, place the eggplants with the seed side down. Sear the eggplants for 6 minutes or until golden brown, flipping halfway.
    6. While the eggplants are cooking, prepare the vegan unagi kabayaki sauce ingredients (sake or rice wine, mirin, dark soy sauce and brown sugar0) together in a small bowl. Set aside.
    7. Once the eggplants are cooked and skins removed, it is time to glaze the vegan unagi eggplant stripes.
    8. In a nonstick frying pan, heat vegetable oil at medium-high heat.
    9. Add peeled eggplants (seed side down) and gentle sear until golden brown. Skip this step if the eggplants was cooked using the stove top method.
    10. Add vegan unagi sauce into the nonstick pan with the seared eggplants. Evenly coat the eggplant strips.
    11. Reduce the sauce to desired consistency. Basting the eggplants frequently.
    12. Serve and enjoy over a bead of rice freshly cooked from the rice cooker.
    13. Torch the eggplant with a butane kitchen torch to add an extra caramelized smoky flavor if desired
    14. Garnish and sprinkle ground sansho pepper, sesame seeds, Furikake seasoning, nori flakes or finely chopped green onions for the ultimate unagi bowls to impress your vegan friend.

    Equipment

    ground sansho pepper

    ground sansho pepper

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    butane kitchen torch

    butane kitchen torch

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    vegetable peeler.

    vegetable peeler

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    nori-komi-furikake https://amzn.to/2GAtUKe

    nori komi furikake

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    furikake seasoning

    furikake

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    https://amzn.to/3984zmF non-stick pan

    non-stick pan

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    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1 plate
    • Calories: 224
    • Sugar: 40.1 g
    • Sodium: 1504.6 mg
    • Fat: 0.2 g
    • Carbohydrates: 45.6 g
    • Fiber: 2.6 g
    • Protein: 2.2 g
    • Cholesterol: 0 mg

    Keywords: Vegan, eggplant, unagi, grilled eel, Japanese, rice bowls, Kabayaki , recipes

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @instanomss on Instagram and hashtag it #instanomss

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    I'm sharing this recipe for Summer Party Recipes with Tin and Thyme for #CookBlogShare.

    vegan unagi don eggplant kabayaki うなぎ丼

    Pin the above image to your Vegan Recipe Pinterest Board to bookmark this page. We are so excited to share our recipes with you!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Priya says

      December 21, 2022 at 5:59 am

      Love this recipe! It's easy and yummy!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Nancy says

        December 29, 2022 at 6:06 pm

        This one is super flavourful!

        Reply
    2. Swathi says

      December 20, 2022 at 12:24 pm

      This vegan unagi don looks delicious I would love to try a taste test.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Nancy says

        December 29, 2022 at 6:08 pm

        I would love to see you do a mukbang of the taste test too!

        Reply
    3. Dee Broughton says

      December 20, 2022 at 11:17 am

      What a great vegan take on unagi. And thank you for the thorough instructions! Bookmarking.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Nancy says

        December 29, 2022 at 6:09 pm

        Hi five to team vegan unagi!

        Reply
    4. Natalia says

      December 20, 2022 at 10:33 am

      My family could eat Asian food every day, it's total comfort food for us and easy to make too. I haven't tried to make Unagi Don before, so it will be a surprise for them!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Nancy says

        December 29, 2022 at 6:11 pm

        I can't wait to hear what your family thinks about this vegan unagi don!

        Reply
    5. Mandy Applegate says

      December 20, 2022 at 1:44 am

      I’d never tried this before and it was delicious - eggplant Ugandan is now on my menu!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Nancy says

        December 29, 2022 at 6:13 pm

        Awesome!!! I can't wait to see you make this! Don't forget to tag us #instanomss!

        Reply
    6. Andrea says

      December 19, 2022 at 9:06 pm

      such a yummy eggplant dish!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Nancy says

        December 29, 2022 at 6:56 pm

        Thanks so much Andrea!

        Reply
    7. Mitch says

      December 19, 2022 at 6:24 pm

      I love how simple-yet-delicious this recipe was! Definitely will be making it again. Thank you!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Nancy says

        December 29, 2022 at 6:56 pm

        Thanks Mitch! I'd so glad it was a hit!

        Reply
    8. Helen at the Lazy Gastronome says

      December 19, 2022 at 2:42 pm

      My family really enjoyed this dish, even my husband who doesn’t usually like eggplant.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Nancy says

        December 29, 2022 at 7:09 pm

        This recipe totally doesn't taste like typical eggplants. I'm so glad it pleased your hubby!

        Reply
    9. Andréa Janssen says

      December 19, 2022 at 12:38 pm

      What a delicious Recipe! Thank you for sharing it!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Nancy says

        December 29, 2022 at 7:09 pm

        THanks Andrea - so happy that you are a fan!

        Reply
    10. Stine Mari says

      December 19, 2022 at 12:28 pm

      I can never say no to a savory, sticky sauce!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Nancy says

        December 30, 2022 at 4:43 pm

        I don't blame you! It's pretty addicting!

        Reply
    11. Erin says

      December 19, 2022 at 10:27 am

      This Easy Vegan Unagi Don recipe was so interesting and delicious! Thanks for the great recipe!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Nancy says

        December 30, 2022 at 4:43 pm

        Enjoy!

        Reply
    12. Katie says

      August 12, 2022 at 9:12 am

      Love this vegan unagi don so much! It's full of flavor and the perfect meatless recipe!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Nancy says

        August 22, 2022 at 2:13 pm

        THanks!! glad your enjoyed this easy recipe!

        Reply
    13. Jacqui says

      August 09, 2022 at 2:34 am

      Such a great recipe - really brings me back to japan!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Nancy says

        August 09, 2022 at 9:23 am

        Hopefully you can to go to Japan soon again!

        Reply
    14. Katie says

      August 07, 2022 at 4:52 am

      this vegan unagi is incredible!! Love all the different methods for making it!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Nancy says

        August 07, 2022 at 2:39 pm

        I tastes just like the real deal!

        Reply
    15. Andrea says

      August 06, 2022 at 6:33 pm

      love a good eggplant dish! turned out so good!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Nancy says

        August 07, 2022 at 2:39 pm

        Thanks so much Andrea

        Reply
    16. Tina says

      August 06, 2022 at 12:08 pm

      What a great way to use eggplant! This sauce truly is irresistible.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Nancy says

        August 07, 2022 at 2:40 pm

        Thanks Tina~ I'm so glad you loved it!

        Reply
    17. Michelle says

      August 06, 2022 at 9:32 am

      Wow, this is such a creative recipe! Loved it!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Nancy says

        August 07, 2022 at 2:40 pm

        It's a great plant based vegan option to traditional Japanese rice bowls!

        Reply
    18. Lucas says

      June 21, 2022 at 10:59 am

      This recipe looks incredible! Can't wait to try this tomorrow.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    19. Katie says

      June 21, 2022 at 7:07 am

      This unagi looks incredible!! Can't wait to make this vegan recipe!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    20. Kyleigh says

      June 20, 2022 at 5:08 pm

      Such a great way to use eggplant!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    21. Marcellina says

      June 20, 2022 at 2:57 pm

      Eggplant is one of my fav vegetables and I can't wait to try this recipe. Looks amazing and the flavor combination is so appealing! Thanks for all the tips.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    22. Andrea says

      June 20, 2022 at 2:35 pm

      this eggplant dish turned out incredible! so so good!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    23. Ana says

      June 20, 2022 at 9:08 am

      I love this vegan take on unagi. It's the perfect replacement!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    24. Pam says

      June 20, 2022 at 8:23 am

      This is our favorite way to eat eggplant!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    25. Andréa Janssen says

      June 20, 2022 at 6:25 am

      This recipe looks so delicious. Thank you for sharing.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    26. Sue says

      June 20, 2022 at 5:03 am

      Easy, fast and delicious - this is the best kind of meal!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    27. Cindy says

      June 20, 2022 at 12:40 am

      I love this idea and will be making it with friends

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    28. Alexandra says

      June 19, 2022 at 11:37 pm

      Such a delicious recipe that I could make over and over!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    29. Emily says

      June 19, 2022 at 9:01 pm

      This was so delicious, we loved the umami flavors and how the flavors came together!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    30. Holly says

      June 19, 2022 at 5:24 pm

      Love this creative recipe! This would pair well with rice.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    31. Carrie says

      June 19, 2022 at 2:07 pm

      I am not a fan of eels so I love this eggplant version! Lots of flavour but a nice simple recipe.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    32. Jo Keohane says

      June 19, 2022 at 3:31 am

      I love anything Eggplant and always up for trying something new. Delicious flavors here, thanks for posting.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    33. Cat | Curly's Cooking says

      June 17, 2022 at 3:29 am

      I've recently discovered a love for eel sauce and am very happy that it doesn't actually include fish because I don't like most fish. This recipe is absolutely perfect for me and looks so delicious.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    34. Rebecca Smith - Glutarama says

      June 16, 2022 at 8:31 am

      great recipe idea to add to my collection, I often get aubergine in my veggie boxes and never know what to do with them as I find them so bland, this is a great way to add flavour.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    35. Kate - Gluten Free Alchemist says

      June 15, 2022 at 5:30 am

      This sounds delicious. I love aubergine and it's always great to find a new recipe. Unique and delicious x

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    36. Lesley says

      June 14, 2022 at 10:26 am

      I love eggplant so I'm going to have to give this simple recipe a try. It sounds fresh and delicious.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    37. Janice says

      June 14, 2022 at 8:26 am

      What a great way to really add flavour to eggplant.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    38. Terri says

      June 13, 2022 at 8:10 pm

      We love Japanese food and cannot wait to try this! I love that it's so exotic, but I can make it at home!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    39. nancy says

      June 10, 2022 at 2:15 pm

      i love eggplants but this recipe is next level! I can't believe you made this fake unagi so real ! It's super tasty and the texture is great!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    40. Asha says

      June 10, 2022 at 6:50 am

      Eggplant and unagi sauce is such a great flavour bomb combo! Delicious rice dish, would make again.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    41. Addie says

      June 09, 2022 at 8:09 pm

      So hearty and flavorful.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    42. Sabrina says

      June 09, 2022 at 7:27 pm

      So so good! I’ll definitely make this eggplant recipe again!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    43. Swathi says

      June 08, 2022 at 4:59 pm

      This eggplant sounds yum. I would love to give it a try I have all the ingredients in my hand and eggplant also.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    44. Danielle says

      June 08, 2022 at 12:12 am

      Ive been wanting to make this for so long and I happened on your recipe. I am so looking forward to making it tomorrow, buying the ingredients tonight.

      Reply
    45. Jen says

      June 07, 2022 at 9:45 pm

      I sub a light soy sauce because I ran out of dark and it is still good. It is a delicious vegan meal. I plan to make it again and make sure I have dark soy sauce for this vegan unagi.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    46. Michelle says

      June 07, 2022 at 9:42 pm

      I wish someone would make this for me all the time, it's soooo good!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    47. Vanessa says

      June 07, 2022 at 4:01 pm

      I love this eggplant version! I sometimes struggle trying to figure out what to make with eggplant so I'm so happy to now have this recipe in my arsenal.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    48. Colleen says

      June 07, 2022 at 3:46 pm

      Just came back to say I made this recipe again, and it was just as delicious as the first time.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    49. Joss says

      June 07, 2022 at 2:04 pm

      The eggplant in this recipe is such a good vegan alternative to the eel, especially where sustainability is concerned. The sauce is lovely, thank you!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    50. Keri says

      June 07, 2022 at 12:38 am

      Thanks so much for this vegan version of unagi don. Really delicious and satisfying, plus super easy to make.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    51. Agnieszka says

      June 06, 2022 at 7:39 pm

      Loved this recipe! Such great flavors.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    52. Melanie says

      June 06, 2022 at 7:06 pm

      Love the sweet and savory umami flavors - thank you for a lovely recipe!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    53. Jacqui says

      June 06, 2022 at 4:16 pm

      More than a decade ago I visited Japan and had some unagi, since then I turned fully vegan and never had the chance to have it again, so this recipe truly excited me! It’s of course eggplant and not eel, but it’s still SO SO good and definitely fixed my unagi don cravings I had for years. Thank you so so sooo much for sharing this!!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    54. Jessica says

      June 06, 2022 at 2:47 pm

      This was spectacularly delicious!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    55. Colleen says

      June 06, 2022 at 1:45 pm

      My husband normally isn't a fan of eggplant, but he loved this recipe. Thanks for sharing!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    56. Anaiah says

      June 06, 2022 at 12:52 pm

      Such a creative way to use eggplant. I'm all for it! Definitely satisfies those unagi cravings.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    57. Choclette says

      June 06, 2022 at 7:05 am

      Can't wait to try your unagi don. I'm always looking for new aubergine recipes and I've never had this before.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    58. Katie says

      June 06, 2022 at 4:35 am

      This is so delicious! Love how simple and delicious it is!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    59. Marina says

      June 06, 2022 at 1:44 am

      I learn so much from you and your recipes. Thank you for delicious meal!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    60. Rebecca says

      June 05, 2022 at 11:51 pm

      Delish! We all love eggplant and this is a great way to use it. Thanks for the recipe.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    61. Nora says

      June 05, 2022 at 11:37 pm

      Looks so delicious! Will definitely try it out soon!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    62. Alexandra says

      June 05, 2022 at 11:24 pm

      A fantastic way to prepare eggplant!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    63. Jan says

      June 05, 2022 at 11:03 pm

      I love eggplant anything and this was so much yum!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    64. Freya says

      June 05, 2022 at 10:13 pm

      I made just the sauce to have with rice and some steamed veg and it was sooooo good!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    65. Andrea says

      June 05, 2022 at 9:21 pm

      Yum! Looks so good!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    66. Kyleigh says

      June 05, 2022 at 7:39 pm

      This was absolutely delicious!!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    67. Andy says

      June 05, 2022 at 5:22 pm

      this eggplant dish turned out delicious! so tasty and everyone loved it!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    68. Sunrita says

      June 05, 2022 at 7:35 am

      I have learned so much from your post . Thank you for explaining the sauces in detail.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    69. Leah says

      June 05, 2022 at 5:40 am

      This recipe is so delicious! My non vegan family even loved it!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    70. Gina Abernathy says

      June 05, 2022 at 5:11 am

      Sounds amazing and I can't wait to try this with my family.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    71. Shilpa says

      June 05, 2022 at 4:14 am

      This looks so delicious and flavourful. Will make it soon!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    72. Julia says

      June 04, 2022 at 11:32 pm

      This is such a genius vegan recipe, love it!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    73. Jen says

      June 04, 2022 at 8:40 pm

      The best way to eat and enjoy eggplants 🙂

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    74. bobbie says

      June 04, 2022 at 6:33 pm

      I love that you give multiple cooking methods! It really helps someone that is short on time and needs the quickest option!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    75. Bianca says

      June 04, 2022 at 3:36 pm

      Seriously the best way to eat egg plant! Sooo delicious

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    76. Andrea says

      June 04, 2022 at 3:28 pm

      love this vegan version so much! it was delicious!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    77. Genevieve says

      June 04, 2022 at 2:31 pm

      I've always wanted to know how to make Unagi, my hubby loves it! Now I know, thanks for the recipe, it looks delicious!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    78. Kat says

      June 04, 2022 at 1:26 pm

      Eggplant never tasted so good!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    79. Sue says

      June 04, 2022 at 12:42 pm

      This sauce gives eggplant a whole different flavor!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    80. Cindy Mom the Lunch Lady says

      June 04, 2022 at 10:51 am

      I've never been brave enough to try eel when we go out to an Asian restaurant. I could definitely enjoy this vegan version!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    81. Jess says

      June 04, 2022 at 9:59 am

      Such a delicious recipe!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    82. Melinda says

      June 03, 2022 at 8:31 pm

      A great balance of sweet and savory. Thanks for sharing!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    83. amanda says

      June 03, 2022 at 1:43 pm

      This eggplant was delicious, such good flavor. Thank you for the recipe!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    84. Angela says

      June 03, 2022 at 11:36 am

      Great flavor!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    85. Lizet says

      June 03, 2022 at 11:26 am

      I found sansho pepper and furikake. All the extra things made it even more delicious!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    86. Lilly says

      June 03, 2022 at 10:14 am

      I'm loving the flavors of this recipe! The eggplant was so tender!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    87. Jerika says

      June 03, 2022 at 9:37 am

      I love eggplant!:) I'm so excited to try this recipe. Yum! What I love about this Homemade Vegan Unagi Don is that it's ready in just 15 minutes.:) Can't wait to dig in on my rice with this. Thanks!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Nancy says

        June 05, 2022 at 2:20 pm

        The sweet sticky sauce is excellent with rice!

        Reply
    88. Katie says

      June 03, 2022 at 5:53 am

      The flavor of this recipe is incredible! Perfectly sweet and savory!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    89. Lucy says

      June 03, 2022 at 2:38 am

      This vegan unagi don is another of your recipes which is so quick and easy to make yet so delicious and packed full of flavour.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    90. Grace Tejero says

      June 02, 2022 at 10:42 pm

      This is an awesome recipe! Never thought that eggplants can be used like this. Thanks!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    91. Ruth says

      June 02, 2022 at 7:04 pm

      Delicious and so easy to make. Even my kids loved this recipe!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    92. Agnieszka says

      June 02, 2022 at 6:06 pm

      What a great way to use eggplant! We loved this vegan rice bowl!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    93. Alexandra says

      June 02, 2022 at 5:41 pm

      I absolutely love eggplant, and this recipe was delicious. A wonderful, flavoursome dish.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    94. Jan says

      June 02, 2022 at 3:44 pm

      thank you for a simple and easy to follow recipe. It was so flavoursome

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    95. Jessie says

      June 02, 2022 at 3:37 pm

      My husband and I loved the rounded flavors of this eggplant! This veggie sometimes gets overlooked, but not in this delish recipe!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    96. Kayla DiMaggio says

      June 02, 2022 at 8:20 am

      yum! This was so delicious! Pre vegan I loved unagi and this was the perfect replacement!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    97. Peter says

      June 02, 2022 at 7:05 am

      The unagi kabayaki sauce was so simple and delicious! And I already had all the ingredients in my pantry!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    98. Katie says

      June 02, 2022 at 6:45 am

      This recipe is delicious!! I've been looking for more eggplant recipes recently, and this was perfect!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    99. Natalie says

      June 02, 2022 at 4:05 am

      I didn't know all the benefits of eggplants. Love your healthy and delicious recipes!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    100. Jean says

      June 02, 2022 at 1:57 am

      I like that I can enjoy a vegan version of unagi, it goes well with rice too.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    101. Grace Tejero says

      June 02, 2022 at 1:16 am

      I can't wait to make this! Thank you for the idea! Great way to use eggplant 🙂

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    102. Christina says

      June 01, 2022 at 5:50 pm

      This looks amazing! I never thought to use eggplant like this!

      ★★★★★

      Reply

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    Hi, I'm Nancy!

    I'm a finance professional and a Mommy to a toddler girl based Vancouver, BC, Canada.

    I love modern Chinese cooking, Asian inspired recipes and healthy vegan / vegetarian / plant-based substitutes focused on healthy family, wellness and sustainability.

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