What Sauces Go With Smoked Eel?
Smoked eel is a delicacy known for its rich, velvety texture and subtle flavour. To balance its unique taste, whether you’re a chef, catering professional or simply an enthusiastic home cook, pairing it with the right sauce is essential.
Whether you opt for something sharp, like a parsley and horseradish cream, or a more robust option like a tomato-based sauce, there are endless ways to enhance its distinct and delicious flavour. Here are some classic sauces that work perfectly with smoked eel.
Parsley and horseradish cream with smoked eel
A sharp, mustardy combination of parsley, horseradish, and cream is the perfect complement to the beautiful, smoky taste of eel. Originating from Dutch cuisine, this sauce adds a refreshing bite that cuts through the smoky flavour profile. It’s also versatile enough to be enjoyed with other poached fish like salmon or trout, and even with lobster and crab. For a more garden-fresh touch, try swapping watercress for sorrel if it’s available.
Smoked eel with Green sauce with fresh herbs
A Belgian favourite, this herby green sauce is traditionally served with freshwater eel but works wonderfully with smoked eel too. The sauce is packed with flavour from fresh herbs like chervil, spinach, sorrel, parsley, and tarragon. There are various version of this traditional European sauce, but chervil is a must! With origins in farm kitchens, it reflects the use of herbs and greens growing by the riverside, making it a true taste of rustic Belgium.
Tomato sauce Italian-style with smoked eel
For those craving a heartier option, smoked eel pairs beautifully with a rich tomato sauce. The smoked eel releases a subtle, sweet flavour into the tomato base, keeping the sauce balanced without overpowering the fish. Paired with toasted bread and basil, it’s a delightful way to enjoy eel’s texture and flavour.
Classic tartare sauce
Sometimes the simplest options are the best. A traditional tartare sauce, with its combination of mayonnaise, capers, gherkins, and lemon juice, adds a tangy and creamy contrast to the smoky richness of eel. It’s a familiar, crowd-pleasing choice that works well whether you’re serving the eel on its own or as part of a larger dish.
How can we help?
Whether you’re leaning towards something sharp and herby, or rich and hearty, there’s no shortage of sauces to complement the unique flavour of smoked eel. These versatile sauces are perfect for enhancing your dish, whether its part of a restaurant dish or simply a home cook making the most of your smoked eel leftovers.
Try them out and discover new ways to enjoy smoked eel. If you’d like to find out more about our range of smoked eel products, then please do get in touch, or click the link below for all your wholesale enquiries.
Posted by Jessica on August 27th 2024
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