Miso-Glazed Japanese Eggplant
Elevate your vegetable dish with this delightful Miso-Glazed Japanese Eggplant recipe! Juicy, tender eggplants are marinated in a savory-sweet miso concoction and then grilled to perfection. With toasted sesame seeds providing a rich crunch, and fresh green onions for a pop of color, this dish is both visually stunning and full of umami flavor. Perfect as a side dish or a main vegetarian option, it's a simple yet satisfying meal that you can easily prepare and share with family and friends.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Miso (red or white)
50 g (Measure out the miso paste.)
Sugar
1 tablespoon (Measure out the sugar.)
Mirin
1 tablespoon (Measure out the mirin.)
Sake
1 tablespoon (Measure out the sake.)
Egg yolk
1 (Separate the egg yolk from the white.)
Eggplants
2 (Wash and slice lengthwise.)
Salt
to taste (For salting the eggplants.)
White sesame seeds
2 tablespoons (Toast the sesame seeds.)
Japanese chilli five-spice powder
1 teaspoon (Optional for spicy flavor.)
Vegetable oil
2 tablespoons (For brushing on eggplants.)
Green onions
4 (Julienne for garnishing.)
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, whisk together the miso paste, sugar, mirin, sake, and egg yolk until smooth and well combined. Set aside.
2
Rinse the eggplants under cold water, then slice them lengthwise into 1 cm thick pieces. Sprinkle salt generously on both sides and let them rest for about 30 minutes. This will draw out excess moisture and bitterness.
3
After 30 minutes, rinse the eggplant slices under cold water again to remove excess salt. Pat them dry with paper towels and brush both sides lightly with vegetable oil.
4
Preheat your grill, BBQ, or non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the eggplant slices and cook until they become soft and slightly charred, about 3-5 minutes per side.
5
Once cooked, remove the eggplant from heat and spread a generous amount of the miso mixture on the browned side of each slice. Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the top and return the eggplant to the grill or skillet.
6
Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the miso glaze is bubbly and slightly caramelized.
7
Serve warm, garnished with julienned green onions for a fresh and colorful presentation.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Miso-Glazed Japanese Eggplant?
It is a savory-sweet vegetable dish where tender eggplants are marinated in a miso mixture and grilled until caramelized.
What type of miso should I use?
You can use either red or white miso depending on your flavor preference.
What are the ingredients for the glaze?
The glaze consists of miso paste, sugar, mirin, sake, and an egg yolk.
How should I slice the eggplant?
Slice the Japanese eggplants lengthwise into pieces that are approximately 1 cm thick.
Why do I need to salt the eggplant?
Salting helps draw out excess moisture and removes any potential bitterness from the vegetable.
How long should the eggplant rest with salt?
Allow the salted eggplant slices to rest for about 30 minutes.
Do I need to rinse the eggplant after salting?
Yes, rinse them under cold water to remove the salt and then pat them dry with paper towels.
What type of oil is best for brushing?
Vegetable oil is recommended for brushing the eggplant before grilling.
What heat setting should I use for the grill?
Preheat your grill, BBQ, or skillet to medium heat.
How long is the initial grilling time?
Cook the slices for 3 to 5 minutes per side until they are soft and slightly charred.
When do I apply the miso glaze?
Apply a generous amount of the miso mixture to the browned side of the eggplant after the initial grilling.
How long does it cook after glazing?
Return the glazed eggplant to the heat for another 2 to 3 minutes until the glaze is bubbly.
What are the suggested garnishes?
Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and julienned green onions.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes, you can add Japanese chilli five-spice powder for a spicy kick.
Is this recipe vegan?
As written it contains egg yolk, but it can be made vegan by omitting the egg.
What is the purpose of the egg yolk in the glaze?
The egg yolk adds richness and helps the glaze achieve a smooth, thick consistency.
Can I use a non-stick skillet?
Yes, a non-stick skillet is a great alternative to a grill or BBQ.
How do I prepare the sesame seeds?
The recipe calls for toasting the white sesame seeds to provide a rich crunch.
What does 'julienne' mean for the green onions?
It means to cut the green onions into long, thin strips like matchsticks.
Is this dish a main or a side?
It is versatile and works perfectly as either a side dish or a vegetarian main option.
Can I substitute mirin?
If you do not have mirin, a mixture of white wine or rice vinegar with a bit of sugar can work.
What flavor does sake add?
Sake adds a subtle depth and umami flavor to the miso glaze.
How many eggplants do I need?
This recipe specifically calls for 2 Japanese eggplants.
Is the skin of the eggplant edible?
Yes, the skin of Japanese eggplants is thin and tender when cooked.
Can I prepare the glaze in advance?
Yes, you can whisk the glaze ingredients together ahead of time and keep it in the fridge.
How do I know when the eggplant is fully cooked?
The eggplant should be very soft to the touch and the glaze should be slightly caramelized.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The eggplant becomes juicy and tender, while the glaze is sticky and rich.
Can I use regular sugar?
Yes, standard granulated sugar is used to balance the saltiness of the miso.
Does this recipe require a BBQ?
No, while a BBQ adds a smoky flavor, a regular indoor grill or skillet works well.
How do I serve this dish?
Serve it warm, garnished with the seeds and onions for the best presentation.