Grilled Miso-Glazed Eggplant
Indulge in the rich flavors of Grilled Miso-Glazed Eggplant, a popular Japanese dish known as Nasu Dengaku. This recipe features tender Japanese eggplants coated in a savory-sweet miso sauce made with dashi, mirin, and sugar, then grilled to perfection. Ideal for summer barbecues or a comforting dinner at home, this dish is not only delicious but also rich in umami flavor, making it a fantastic vegetarian option. Serve it alongside rice for a complete meal, and enjoy the delightful contrast of the smoky grilled eggplant with a luscious miso glaze.
4
Servings
75
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dashi
1 cup (prepared)
Sugar
2 tablespoons (granulated)
Mirin
2 tablespoons (sweet rice wine)
Miso
1/2 cup (1/4 cup red miso and 1/4 cup white miso)
Cornstarch
2 teaspoons (for thickening)
White pepper
1/4 teaspoon (optional)
Japanese eggplants
4 small (cut in half lengthwise (or 2 Chinese or Italian eggplants))
Vegetable oil
as needed (for brushing)
Sesame seeds
to garnish (for topping)
Instructions
1
Prepare the Miso Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the dashi, sugar, mirin, miso, and cornstarch. Pour the mixture into a saucepan and heat over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sauce comes to a gentle simmer and thickens. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before whisking in the yuzu (or lemon) for a citrusy kick.
2
Prepare the Eggplants: Slice the Japanese eggplants in half lengthwise. Using a sharp knife, make a criss-cross pattern on the cut sides to help the sauce soak in. Brush both sides of the eggplants lightly with vegetable oil.
3
Grill the Eggplants: Preheat your grill or broiler to high heat. Place the eggplants cut side down on the grill or broiler rack. Grill them for about 4-5 minutes until the skins are charred and the eggplants start to soften. Flip them over and brush the cooked side generously with the miso sauce.
4
Caramelize the Sauce: Return the eggplants to the grill or broiler, miso side up. Broil for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning. The miso sauce should become bubbly and caramelized.
5
Serve: Once caramelized, remove the eggplants from the grill. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve immediately alongside freshly steamed rice.
Nutrition Information
2.5
Fat
10.5
Carbs
2.5
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Grilled Miso-Glazed Eggplant?
It is a popular Japanese dish known as Nasu Dengaku, featuring tender eggplants coated in a savory-sweet miso sauce and grilled.
What type of eggplant is best for this recipe?
Japanese eggplants are ideal, but you can also use small Chinese or Italian eggplants.
What are the main ingredients in the miso glaze?
The glaze is made from dashi, sugar, mirin, miso, and cornstarch for thickening.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 75 calories.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it is described as a fantastic vegetarian option rich in umami flavor.
What type of miso should I use?
The recipe calls for a combination of 1/4 cup red miso and 1/4 cup white miso.
Why should I score the eggplant before grilling?
A criss-cross pattern is made on the cut sides to help the miso sauce soak into the eggplant.
How do I thicken the miso sauce?
Whisk the ingredients with cornstarch and heat the mixture in a saucepan until it reaches a gentle simmer.
What is the purpose of dashi in this recipe?
Dashi serves as the base for the miso sauce, providing deep savory flavor.
Can I use a broiler instead of a grill?
Yes, the instructions allow for using either a grill or a broiler on high heat.
How long does the initial grilling take?
The eggplant should be grilled cut side down for about 4 to 5 minutes until the skins are charred.
How long should I caramelize the sauce?
After brushing with sauce, broil for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the glaze is bubbly.
What is the recommended garnish?
The dish is finished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What can I serve with Grilled Miso-Glazed Eggplant?
It is traditionally served alongside freshly steamed rice for a complete meal.
How do I add a citrusy kick to the sauce?
Whisk in yuzu or lemon juice after the sauce has thickened and cooled slightly.
Is there any fat used in the cooking process?
Yes, the eggplant is lightly brushed with vegetable oil before grilling.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
Each serving contains about 10.5 grams of carbohydrates.
What is the protein content of this dish?
There are 2.5 grams of protein per serving.
Can I add pepper to this recipe?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of white pepper is an optional ingredient for added flavor.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 2.5 grams of fat per serving.
What is mirin?
Mirin is a sweet rice wine used in Japanese cooking to add sweetness and shine to sauces.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients listed for this dish.
How do I know when the eggplant is cooked through?
The eggplant should be grilled until the skins are charred and the flesh starts to soften.
Does the sauce require constant stirring?
Yes, you should stir constantly while heating the sauce to ensure a smooth, thickened consistency.
What is the primary flavor profile of Nasu Dengaku?
It features a smoky grilled taste combined with a luscious, savory-sweet umami glaze.
What is the first step in preparing the eggplant?
The first step is to slice the Japanese eggplants in half lengthwise.
Is sugar necessary for the glaze?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar are used to balance the salty miso.
Should the sauce be applied before or after the first grill?
The eggplant is grilled plain first, then the sauce is brushed on for the final caramelization step.
What is the total preparation time for the sauce?
The sauce is heated until it simmers and thickens, which typically takes a few minutes over medium heat.