Grilled Miso-Glazed Eggplant with Sesame-Cilantro Topping
Elevate your summer gatherings with this delightful recipe for Grilled Miso-Glazed Eggplant, a true celebration of the season’s bounty. Tender, sweet purple eggplants are halved and brushed with a rich miso and honey glaze, then oven-roasted to achieve a beautifully caramelized finish. The final touch comes from a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and fresh cilantro, creating a vibrant and flavorful dish that is sure to impress your guests. This simple yet elegant side dish pairs perfectly with grilled meats or can stand alone as a vegetarian delight. With minimal ingredients and maximum taste, it’s an effortless addition to your repertoire. Enjoy the luscious umami flavors in every bite while entertaining your loved ones this summer!
4
Servings
70
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Purple eggplants
2 (halved and scored)
Sesame seeds
1 tablespoon (toasted)
Cilantro
1 small bunch (chopped)
Olive oil
1 tablespoon (none)
Sesame oil
1 teaspoon (none)
Miso paste
1 tablespoon (none)
Honey
2 teaspoons (none)
Black pepper
1 pinch (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2
Carefully cut the eggplants in half lengthwise. Using a sharp knife, score the flesh of each half in a crosshatch pattern, being careful not to cut through the skin.
3
In a small bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, olive oil, honey, and miso paste until well combined. This will create a smooth glaze.
4
Generously brush or drizzle the miso glaze over the scored flesh of the eggplant halves, ensuring that the glaze seeps into the cuts.
5
Sprinkle a pinch of black pepper over the glazed eggplant for an added flavor kick.
6
Place the prepared eggplant halves cut-side up on a lined baking sheet and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the flesh is golden brown and tender.
7
While the eggplant is baking, toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds, or until they are fragrant and lightly browned.
8
Once the eggplant is finished baking, remove it from the oven and immediately top with the toasted sesame seeds and chopped cilantro for a fresh finish.
9
Serve warm and enjoy your beautifully grilled Miso-Glazed Eggplant with Sesame-Cilantro Topping!
Nutrition Information
4g
Fat
8.5g
Carbs
1g
Protein
2g
Fiber
2.5g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main ingredient of this recipe?
The main ingredient is purple eggplant.
Is Grilled Miso-Glazed Eggplant vegetarian?
Yes, this dish is vegetarian as it contains no meat products.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains 70 calories.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 425°F (220°C).
How long does it take to bake the eggplant?
The eggplant takes approximately 15 minutes to bake.
What ingredients are in the miso glaze?
The glaze is made from sesame oil, olive oil, honey, and miso paste.
What is the suggested way to prepare the eggplant?
The eggplant should be halved lengthwise and scored in a crosshatch pattern.
Why should I score the eggplant?
Scoring the flesh allows the miso glaze to seep deep into the cuts for better flavor.
How do I toast the sesame seeds?
Toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
What is used for the topping?
The dish is topped with toasted sesame seeds and fresh chopped cilantro.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 4 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 8.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in a serving?
Each serving provides 1 gram of protein.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
Yes, there are 2 grams of fiber per serving.
How much sugar is in the eggplant dish?
There are 2.5 grams of sugar per serving.
Can I use a different type of eggplant?
While the recipe calls for purple eggplant, other varieties can be used, though cooking times may vary.
Is this recipe suitable for a summer gathering?
Yes, it is specifically described as a celebration of summer's bounty and a great addition to summer menus.
What kind of flavor can I expect?
The dish offers a rich umami flavor with a caramelized finish.
Is there any cholesterol in this recipe?
No, the cholesterol value is listed as null or zero.
How many total ingredients are needed?
There are 8 ingredients in total: eggplant, sesame seeds, cilantro, olive oil, sesame oil, miso paste, honey, and black pepper.
What if I don't have cilantro?
You can omit it or substitute it with green onions or parsley for a different fresh finish.
Should the eggplant be served warm or cold?
It is recommended to serve the dish warm.
Can this be served as a main dish?
It is primarily a side dish but can stand alone as a light vegetarian meal.
What does the crosshatch pattern look like?
It consists of diagonal lines cut into the flesh that intersect to form diamond shapes.
How much miso paste is required?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of miso paste.
How much honey is used?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of honey.
Is this dish gluten-free?
It depends on the miso paste used; check the label to ensure it is not made with barley or other gluten-containing grains.
What size of cilantro bunch should I buy?
A small bunch of cilantro is sufficient for the topping.
How do I know the eggplant is done?
The flesh should be golden brown and tender to the touch.