Eel sauce substitutes
Eel sauce substitutes — 6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Teriyaki sauce
Same amount as the eel sauce
Sweet Japanese sauce with similar flavor and texture.
The best substitutes for eel sauce are teriyaki sauce, sweet soy sauce, or a homemade blend of soy sauce, mirin, and sugar.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- sushi
Updated 19 Aug 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of eel sauce | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Teriyaki saucesushi | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 2 | Sweet soy saucesushi | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 3 | Homemade eel saucesushi | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 4 | Hoisin saucesushi | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Oyster saucesushi | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 6 | Soy sauce + sugarsushi | Same amountWith 1 tbsp sugar per ¼ cup soy sauceYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
Teriyaki sauce
similar taste and texture
Sweet Japanese sauce with similar flavor and texture.
- Best for
- sushi, grilled meats, stir-fries, marinades
Very similar to eel sauce. Use in equal amounts.
Sweet soy sauce
similar taste and texture
Sweetened soy sauce with similar flavor and texture.
- Best for
- sushi, grilled meats, stir-fries, marinades
Similar flavor and texture to eel sauce. Good for most applications.
Homemade eel sauce
similar taste and texture
Make your own with soy sauce, mirin, and sugar.
- Best for
- sushi, grilled meats, stir-fries, marinades
Mix ¼ cup soy sauce, ¼ cup mirin, and 2 tbsp sugar. Simmer until thickened.
Hoisin sauce
different taste, similar texture
Sweet, thick Chinese sauce with similar flavor and texture.
- Best for
- sushi, grilled meats, stir-fries, marinades
Similar flavor and texture to eel sauce. Good for most applications.
Oyster sauce
different taste, similar texture
Thick, sweet sauce with similar flavor and texture.
- Best for
- sushi, grilled meats, stir-fries, marinades
Similar flavor and texture to eel sauce. Contains shellfish.
Soy sauce + sugar
different taste and texture
Mix soy sauce with sugar for similar flavor.
- Best for
- sushi, grilled meats, stir-fries, emergency substitution
Mix soy sauce with sugar. Simmer until sugar dissolves.
Questions
4 questionsWhat's the difference between eel sauce and teriyaki sauce?
Eel sauce and teriyaki sauce are very similar - both are sweet, thick sauces made from soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. They can be used interchangeably in most recipes.
Can I use hoisin sauce instead of eel sauce?
Yes, hoisin sauce works as a substitute, though it has a different flavor profile. It's good for most applications where sweetness and thickness are needed.
Is eel sauce the same as unagi sauce?
Yes, eel sauce and unagi sauce are the same thing. Both are sweet, thick sauces used on grilled eel and sushi.
Can I make eel sauce at home?
Yes, mix ¼ cup soy sauce, ¼ cup mirin, and 2 tablespoons sugar. Simmer until thickened and reduced by half.
Tips for substituting eel sauce
8 tips- Eel sauce is good for drizzling on sushi and grilled eel
- Great for making teriyaki-style dishes
- Use in marinades for meats and fish
- Eel sauce adds sweetness and depth to stir-fries
- Store in the refrigerator after opening
- Eel sauce pairs well with sesame seeds and green onions
- Good for making unagi donburi and other rice bowls
- Great for adding flavor to grilled vegetables