Unagi Nigiri
Unagi Nigiri is a classic Japanese sushi dish consisting of a small, hand-pressed mound of vinegared rice topped with a tender, grilled freshwater eel fillet, typically glazed with a sweet and savory soy-based sauce called 'tare'. It is a staple of Edomae-style sushi, originating in the Tokyo region of Japan.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is a good source of protein and healthy fats, particularly omega-3 fatty acids from the eel, while the rice provides carbohydrates for energy. A single piece typically contains around 100-150 calories.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 170 kcal |
| Protein | 9 g |
| Carbs | 18 g |
| Fat | 6 g |
| Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 320 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 2.5 mcg |
| Vitamin D | 1.2 mcg |
| Phosphorus | 120 mg |
| Selenium | 15 mcg |
| Niacin (B3) | 3 mg |
| Riboflavin (B2) | 0.15 mg |
| Iron | 0.8 mg |
| Omega-3 (EPA+DHA) | 400 mg |
Per 1 piece (approx. 70 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, unagi is traditionally eaten during the 'Day of the Ox' in summer, believed to provide stamina to endure the heat. Nutritionally, it is one of the few common sushi toppings rich in vitamin D, which is relatively rare in foods.
