Japanese cuisine features fresh ingredients, light sauces and pleasing arrangements. Perhaps because it is an island nation, Japanese use fish as a major source of protein in their diets. Cooked eel, known as unagi, is a special dish, simply prepared. The eel is cooked, then covered with a light, sweet sauce called kabayaki that crisps the skin. Accompany cooked eel, available at Japanese or other Oriental groceries, with an easy homemade Kabayaki sauce, or use the sauce on broiled salmon.

Place the Japanese soy sauce, mirin wine and sugar in a saucepan. Stir with a wooden spoon until well combined.

Put the pan on the stove, and heat over low heat until the mixture begins to bubble.

Simmer the mixture for two to five minutes until it begins to thicken, stirring continuously. Continue simmering for a minute or two more until the sauce is about the consistency of simple syrup.

Remove the saucepan from the heat, and let the sauce cool before using or storing it.