Savory Miso-Glazed Japanese Eggplant Delight
Indulge in the rich flavors of Savory Miso-Glazed Japanese Eggplant Delight, a delightful dish inspired by the vibrant izakayas of Japan. This recipe features tender Japanese eggplants brushed with a sweet and umami-packed miso glaze, quickly broiled to perfection. Each bite is a harmonious blend of smoky, sweet, and savory notes, complemented by aromatic cilantro and toasted sesame seeds. Perfect as a light lunch or a satisfying snack, this dish brings the essence of Japanese comfort food to your table. Gather your friends and family for an unforgettable culinary experience!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
vegetable oil
3 tablespoons (for cooking)
Japanese eggplants
4 (cut in half lengthwise with flesh scored 1/4 inch deep)
yellow or red miso
1/3 cup (for glaze)
light brown sugar
2 tablespoons (packed for glaze)
sake or white wine
2 tablespoons (for glaze)
chili pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon (for glaze)
cilantro leaves
1/4 cup (fresh for garnish)
sesame seeds
1 teaspoon (toasted for garnish)
Instructions
1
Start by preheating your broiler with the oven rack set 4 inches from the heat source to ensure even cooking.
2
In an oven-safe frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over high heat until shimmering.
3
Carefully add the Japanese eggplants, placing them flesh side down. Cook the eggplants for about 4 minutes, or until the flesh begins to brown and soften.
4
Meanwhile, in a separate small bowl, whisk together the yellow or red miso, light brown sugar, sake or white wine, and chili pepper flakes until the mixture is smooth and combined.
5
Once the eggplants are browned, flip them over so the flesh side is facing up. Generously brush the miso glaze over the eggplant flesh, ensuring an even coating for maximum flavor.
6
Transfer the pan to the broiler and cook for an additional 3 minutes or until the glaze is bubbly and starting to brown slightly.
7
Remove the pan from the broiler and let cool for a moment. Before serving, sprinkle the miso-glazed eggplants with fresh cilantro leaves and toasted sesame seeds to add a burst of flavor and color.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Miso-Glazed Japanese Eggplant Delight?
It is a Japanese-inspired dish featuring tender eggplants brushed with a sweet and umami-packed miso glaze, then broiled to perfection.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields 4 servings.
What kind of eggplant is used for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 4 Japanese eggplants.
How should I prepare the Japanese eggplants before cooking?
You should cut them in half lengthwise and score the flesh 1/4 inch deep.
What ingredients are in the miso glaze?
The glaze is made from yellow or red miso, light brown sugar, sake or white wine, and chili pepper flakes.
Can I use red miso instead of yellow miso?
Yes, the recipe allows for the use of either yellow or red miso for the glaze.
What are the substitutes for sake in this recipe?
You can use white wine as a substitute for sake in the glaze mixture.
How much vegetable oil is needed for cooking?
You will need 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil for frying.
Where should the oven rack be positioned for broiling?
Set the oven rack 4 inches from the heat source for even cooking.
How long do I cook the eggplants on the stovetop?
Cook the eggplants flesh side down for approximately 4 minutes until they brown and soften.
At what point do I apply the miso glaze?
Apply the glaze generously over the eggplant flesh after the initial stovetop browning and once they have been flipped over.
How long should I broil the glazed eggplants?
Broil the eggplants for an additional 3 minutes or until the glaze is bubbly and slightly browned.
What is the recommended garnish for this dish?
The dish is garnished with 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro leaves and 1 teaspoon of toasted sesame seeds.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is categorized as vegetarian.
What style of Japanese cuisine inspired this recipe?
This dish is inspired by the vibrant flavors found in Japanese izakayas.
How much brown sugar is required?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of packed light brown sugar.
Is this dish considered spicy?
It contains a small amount (1/4 teaspoon) of chili pepper flakes, providing a mild spicy note.
Can I serve this as a snack?
Yes, it is described as being perfect as either a light lunch or a satisfying snack.
What temperature should the oil be for frying?
The vegetable oil should be heated over high heat until it is shimmering.
How many main ingredients are needed?
There are 8 main ingredients used in this recipe.
How deep should the scoring on the eggplant be?
The eggplant flesh should be scored approximately 1/4 inch deep.
What type of frying pan should be used?
An oven-safe frying pan is required so it can be moved from the stovetop to the broiler.
Should the cilantro be fresh or dried?
The recipe specifies using fresh cilantro leaves for garnish.
How do I know when the glaze is perfectly broiled?
The glaze should be bubbly and just beginning to brown.
What does shimmering oil look like?
Shimmering oil refers to oil that is hot and moving slightly in the pan but not yet smoking.
Is this dish served immediately?
It is recommended to let the pan cool for a moment before garnishing and serving.
How much miso is used for the glaze?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of miso.
Do the sesame seeds need to be prepared in any specific way?
The recipe calls for the sesame seeds to be toasted for garnish.
What texture should the eggplants have?
The eggplants should be tender and soft after cooking.
What is the total broiler time?
The total broiler time is approximately 3 minutes.