Savory Miso-Glazed Grilled Eggplant with Mint
Experience the umami-packed delight of Miso-Glazed Grilled Eggplant, a delectable dish inspired by Bobby Flay's culinary mastery. This recipe has been thoughtfully adjusted to enhance the flavors and presentation. The sweet and salty miso glaze perfectly complements the tender, smoky eggplant, while the vibrant mint garnish adds a refreshing contrast. Perfect for summer barbecues or as a stunning side dish for any meal, this recipe serves 6 and brings a touch of Japanese-inspired flair to your table. Embrace the rich flavors and simplicity of this grilled vegetable delight!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
white miso
1/2 cup (smooth and creamy)
sake (or mirin, sherry, or rice wine vinegar)
1/4 cup (liquid)
honey (or sugar)
2 tablespoons (liquid)
Japanese eggplants
6 (halved lengthwise)
canola oil
1/4 cup (for brushing)
sea salt
to taste (as needed)
fresh ground black pepper
to taste (as needed)
fresh mint
as garnish (chopped)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by preheating your charcoal grill for direct grilling over high heat, or set your broiler to high if using an oven.
2
2. In a bowl, whisk together the white miso, sake (or preferred alternative), honey, and 2 tablespoons of water until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
3
3. Prepare the eggplants by brushing the cut sides lightly with canola oil, then season generously with sea salt and fresh ground black pepper.
4
4. Place the eggplants cut-side down on the grill and grill for about 4 minutes, or until they achieve a beautiful golden brown color.
5
5. Flip the eggplants over carefully, brush the grilled sides generously with the miso glaze, and continue grilling for another 2 minutes.
6
6. For a rich caramelized finish, brush additional glaze on the cut sides, flip again, and grill until the surface is caramelized and has grill marks, about another 4 minutes.
7
7. Once cooked, remove the eggplants from the grill and place them cut-side up on a serving platter. Finish off by sprinkling chopped fresh mint over the top for added flavor and presentation.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Miso-Glazed Grilled Eggplant?
It is a Japanese-inspired dish featuring tender, smoky eggplant coated in a sweet and salty white miso glaze.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is entirely vegetarian-friendly.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to provide 6 servings.
What type of eggplant is best for this recipe?
Japanese eggplants are recommended because they are slender and have thin skins that grill well.
Can I use regular globe eggplant instead?
Yes, but you may need to adjust the cooking time as thicker eggplants take longer to soften.
What are the main ingredients in the miso glaze?
The glaze is made from white miso, sake, honey, and water.
What can I substitute for sake?
You can use mirin, dry sherry, or rice wine vinegar as a substitute for sake.
Can I use sugar instead of honey?
Yes, sugar is a perfectly acceptable alternative to honey in the glaze.
What kind of miso is used?
White miso is used for its mild and slightly sweet flavor profile.
How do I prepare the eggplants for grilling?
Halve the eggplants lengthwise, brush the cut sides with canola oil, and season with salt and pepper.
What type of oil is recommended for brushing?
Canola oil is recommended due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor.
How hot should the grill be?
The grill should be preheated for direct grilling over high heat.
Can I make this recipe without a grill?
Yes, you can use your oven's broiler set to high heat.
How long do I grill the eggplant initially?
Grill the cut-side down for about 4 minutes until they reach a golden brown color.
When do I apply the miso glaze?
Flip the eggplant after the first 4 minutes and brush the grilled side with the glaze.
How long is the total grilling time?
The total grilling time is approximately 10 minutes across several stages of flipping and glazing.
How do I achieve a caramelized finish?
Brush additional glaze on the cut side and flip it back down for a final 4 minutes of grilling.
What garnish is used for this dish?
Chopped fresh mint is used as a garnish to add a refreshing contrast.
Who inspired this specific recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the culinary style of Bobby Flay.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Miso and sake can contain gluten depending on the brand; check labels to ensure they meet gluten-free requirements.
What is 'umami' in relation to this dish?
Umami refers to the savory, deep flavor provided by the fermented miso paste.
How should I serve the grilled eggplant?
Place them cut-side up on a platter and sprinkle with fresh mint before serving.
Can I use red miso instead of white?
You can, but red miso is much stronger and saltier, so the flavor profile will change significantly.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 8 ingredients required: miso, sake, honey, eggplant, canola oil, salt, pepper, and mint.
Is the eggplant skin edible?
Yes, the skin of Japanese eggplants is thin and becomes tender when grilled.
Can I make the glaze in advance?
Yes, the glaze can be whisked together ahead of time and stored until you are ready to grill.
Is this a healthy side dish?
Yes, it is a vegetable-based dish that is grilled rather than fried, making it a healthy option.
What does the mint contribute to the recipe?
The mint adds a bright, fresh note that cuts through the richness of the miso glaze.
How do I know the eggplant is cooked through?
The eggplant should be tender and have visible grill marks with a caramelized surface.
Can I use this recipe for a barbecue?
Yes, it is specifically described as perfect for summer barbecues.