Miso Glazed Japanese Eggplant

Miso Glazed Japanese Eggplant

A deliciously savory and sweet dish featuring tender Japanese eggplant glazed with a rich miso sauce, perfect as a side or main dish.

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Course: Main Dish, Side Dish

Cuisine: Japanese

Keyword: eggplant, miso, vegetarian

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 20

Total Time: 35

Servings: servings

Calories: 150kcal

Ingredients

For the Eggplant

2 medium Japanese eggplants sliced in half lengthwise
1 tablespoon olive oil for brushing
1/4 teaspoon salt to taste

For the Miso Glaze

3 tablespoons white miso paste for a milder flavor
1 tablespoon mirin Japanese sweet rice wine
1 tablespoon soy sauce for umami flavor
1 teaspoon sesame oil for a nutty aroma
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup for vegan option
1 teaspoon rice vinegar to balance flavors

For Garnish

1 tablespoon sesame seeds toasted, for topping
2 stalks green onions thinly sliced, for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Eggplant

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures even cooking and helps the eggplant become tender.
Slice the Japanese eggplants in half lengthwise. This allows the glaze to penetrate the flesh and cook evenly.
Brush the cut sides of the eggplants with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. The oil helps to caramelize the eggplant and adds flavor.
Place the eggplants cut-side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Make the Miso Glaze

In a mixing bowl, combine the white miso paste, mirin, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, and rice vinegar.
Whisk the ingredients together until smooth. This creates a cohesive glaze that will coat the eggplant.

Bake the Eggplant

Spoon the miso glaze generously over the cut sides of the eggplants. Make sure to cover them well for maximum flavor.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the eggplants are tender and the glaze is bubbling. The high heat caramelizes the sugars in the glaze, creating a delicious crust.

Serve

Once cooked, remove the eggplants from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish. This adds texture and freshness.
Serve warm as a side dish or over rice for a complete meal.

Notes

For a spicier version, add a teaspoon of chili paste to the miso glaze. Adjust the sweetness by modifying the amount of honey or maple syrup to your taste.

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