Korean Grilled Eel with Soy Glaze

Introduction

Delight your senses with this authentic Korean Grilled Eel with Soy Glaze. The eel is seared to perfection on the Arteflame grill, locking in all the juices and flavor, then finished on the flat cooktop until tender and rich. The sweet soy glaze caramelizes beautifully, creating an irresistible coating. Let’s get started!

Ingredients

• 2 fresh eel fillets
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp mirin
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
• 2 green onions, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them in the grill.
2. Stack firewood over the napkins and light the paper.
3. Wait about 20 minutes for the grill to heat up.

Step 2: Prepare the Soy Glaze

1. On the Arteflame flat cooktop, melt 1 tbsp butter.
2. Add soy sauce, honey, mirin, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil.
3. Simmer the sauce until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes.

Step 3: Sear the Eel

1. Brush the eel fillets with a little butter.
2. Place the eel skin-side down on the center grill grate and sear for 30-40 seconds.
3. Flip and sear the flesh side for another 30 seconds.

Step 4: Finish Cooking on the Flat Cooktop

1. Move the eel fillets to the flat cooktop near the center for direct heat.
2. Brush with the soy glaze and cook for 3-4 minutes, flipping occasionally.
3. Remove the eel when it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (it will continue cooking off the grill).

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Sprinkle sesame seeds and green onions over the eel.
2. Serve immediately with steamed rice or grilled vegetables.

Tips

• Always remove the eel from the grill 15°F before the target temperature.
• Use high-quality soy sauce for the best flavor.
• Searing on the center grate locks in the juices, so don’t skip this step!
• Use butter instead of oil for a richer taste.

Variations

1. Spicy Korean Eel: Add 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste) to the glaze for a spicy kick.
2. Garlic Butter Eel: Mix minced garlic into melted butter before brushing the eel.
3. Citrus Glazed Eel: Add 1 tbsp fresh orange juice and zest to the glaze for a tangy twist.
4. Teriyaki Eel: Substitute the soy glaze with teriyaki sauce for a sweeter taste.
5. Smoky BBQ Eel: Use a Korean BBQ marinade instead of soy glaze.

Best Pairings

• Steamed jasmine rice
• Grilled bok choy
• Kimchi
• Korean-style potato pancakes
• Cold sake or Korean soju

Conclusion

Cooking Korean Grilled Eel on the Arteflame grill ensures a perfectly seared, flavorful, and juicy dish. The sweet soy glaze caramelizes beautifully over the flames, making this an unforgettable meal. Try different variations to find your favorite, and enjoy!