Frequently Asked Questions
What is Miso-Glazed Eggplant with Garlic and Sesame?
It is a Japanese-inspired dish featuring tender Japanese eggplant slices caramelized under a savory glaze of miso, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil.
What type of eggplant is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for four Japanese eggplants, which are thinner and have more delicate skin than traditional globe eggplants.
How should the eggplant be sliced?
The eggplant should be cut diagonally into 1/2-inch-thick slices to ensure even cooking and a beautiful presentation.
What are the main ingredients in the miso glaze?
The glaze is made from mirin, yellow miso, grated fresh ginger, dark sesame oil, crushed red pepper flakes, and minced garlic.
What type of miso is used?
The recipe uses yellow miso, which is a fermented soybean paste that provides a rich umami flavor.
Is this Miso-Glazed Eggplant recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this dish is vegetarian and is an excellent centerpiece for vegetarian diners.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as gluten-free, though you should always check your miso paste label to ensure it wasn't made with barley or wheat.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 67.5 calories.
How long does it take to cook the eggplant?
The eggplant is broiled for about 8 minutes, or until tender and the glaze is golden brown.
What oven setting should I use?
You should use the broiler setting on high.
Where should I place the oven rack?
Position the oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source for optimal broiling.
What is mirin?
Mirin is a sweet Japanese rice wine used to add a mild sweetness and shine to the glaze.
How much fat is in this dish?
The recipe contains 4.5 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are approximately 6.75 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content?
This dish provides 1.5 grams of protein per serving.
How many ingredients are needed in total?
There are 10 ingredients required for this recipe.
What can I use to prevent the eggplant from sticking to the pan?
Lightly coat the baking sheet with cooking spray before arranging the eggplant slices.
What should the texture of the finished eggplant be?
The eggplant should be tender on the inside with a caramelized, golden brown glaze on the outside.
How do I garnish this dish?
Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and 1/4 cup of thinly sliced green onions.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild kick from 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes, but you can adjust this amount to your preference.
How much garlic is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 minced garlic cloves.
Can I prepare the ginger in advance?
Yes, you should grate and peel 2 teaspoons of fresh ginger to whisk into the glaze.
What kind of sesame oil should I use?
The recipe specifies 1 teaspoon of dark sesame oil for its intense nutty aroma.
Can this be served as a side dish?
Yes, it works perfectly as an appetizer, side dish, or a vegetarian main course.
How do I ensure the glaze is smooth?
Whisk the mirin, miso, ginger, oil, pepper flakes, and garlic together in a medium bowl until well combined.
Should I watch the eggplant while it broils?
Yes, keep a close eye on it because the high heat of the broiler can cause the miso glaze to burn quickly.
How many eggplants are needed for one batch?
You will need 4 Japanese eggplants, totaling about one pound.
When should the sesame seeds be added?
Sprinkle the sesame seeds over the glaze-coated eggplant before putting the tray under the broiler.
Is this recipe considered quick and easy?
Yes, with only 8 minutes of cooking time and simple preparation, it is tagged as a quick and easy recipe.
What is the best way to apply the glaze?
Pour the glaze over the slices and spread it gently with a spatula to ensure each piece is well coated.