Sometimes don’t you just want to eat something satisfying that also happens to be healthy and delicious? I was craving Sweet Unagi (eel) over rice but didn’t have the eel, so I made this Vegan Unagi Don, where eggplant transforms into a silky, smoky, eel-like delight. 🍆✨

Eggplant is a total glow-up ingredient—it soaks up all the rich teriyaki goodness while keeping things light and packed with fiber. Plus, it’s an easy way to get those deep umami flavors without the heavy oils or processed ingredients. Whether you’re vegan, plant-curious, or just love experimenting in the kitchen, this dish is a must-try.

And the best part? It comes together in minutes.

Let’s get cooking!

Vegan Unagi Don Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 eggplants
• 1 bowl of rice
• 2 spoons of teriyaki sauce (or swap with 1 spoon soy sauce + 1 spoon sugar)

Instructions:

 

1. Pour a small amount of water over the eggplants.

2. Wrap them in plastic wrap and microwave for 3 minutes and 30 seconds—this softens them perfectly.

3. Once steamed, remove the skin and gently spread the eggplant out.

4. Try to flatten it as much as possible—this is where the eel illusion happens! (but make it vegan 😉)

5. Heat a pan with a little oil and fry the eggplant until slightly crispy.

6. Generously brush on the teriyaki sauce. Let it soak in and caramelize. 🤤

7. The smell? Absolutely unreal. The visuals? Low-key convincing.

8. Place your “eel” over a steaming bowl of rice and admire your masterpiece.

9. Take a bite and prepare to be amazed—it’s even more delicious than it looks! ♥️🍆♥️

 

Why You’ll Love This Dish

✅ Simple & quick – minimal ingredients, big flavor!
✅ Healthy & satisfying – fiber-rich, low in calories, and packed with umami.
✅ Meal-prep friendly – make extra eggplant and enjoy later.
✅ Freaky food illusion – impress your friends with “eel” magic.

Trust me, once you try this, you’ll wonder why you weren’t making eggplant this way sooner. If you give it a go, tag me—I wanna see your creations! 🍚✨

📲 Recipe reel: Vegan Unagi don