Miso Glazed Eggplant

Miso Glazed Eggplant, or Nasu Dengaku, is a classic Japanese dish that transforms the humble vegetable into a succulent, umami-rich masterpiece. Tender Japanese eggplant halves are roasted until silky, then brushed with a sweet-savory miso glaze and broiled to caramelized perfection. Whether served as a side or a light main dish, this recipe offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors.

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The secret to this dish lies in the crosshatch scoring, which allows the rich glaze made from white miso, mirin, and sake to penetrate deep into the flesh. As the eggplant broils, the sugars in the glaze caramelize, creating a beautiful glossy finish that is as visually stunning as it is delicious.

Ingredients

• Eggplant: 2 medium Japanese eggplants
• Miso Glaze: 3 tbsp white miso paste, 1 tbsp mirin, 1 tbsp sake, 1 tbsp sugar, 1 tbsp sesame oil
• Garnish: 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, 2 green onions, thinly sliced

Instructions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2

Slice eggplants in half lengthwise. Score the flesh in a crosshatch pattern, being careful not to pierce the skin.

Step 3

Brush cut sides with a little sesame oil and place cut-side up on the baking sheet.

Step 4

Roast for 20–25 minutes, until the flesh is tender and golden.

Step 5

Meanwhile, whisk together the miso paste, mirin, sake, sugar, and remaining sesame oil in a small bowl until smooth.

Step 6

Remove eggplants from the oven. Spread a generous layer of miso glaze evenly over the cut sides.

Step 7

Set oven to broil. Broil eggplants for 2–3 minutes, until the glaze bubbles and caramelizes (watch closely to prevent burning).

Step 8

Remove from oven and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and green onions. Serve warm.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

When scoring the eggplant, use a sharp knife and be careful not to cut through the purple skin. This ensures the eggplant holds its boat-like shape during roasting and broiling. Using a small mixing bowl to whisk the glaze until perfectly smooth will help you achieve an even, glossy coating on every piece.

Varianten und Anpassungen

You can substitute honey or maple syrup for the sugar if you prefer a different sweetness profile. For a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free miso and double-check your sake and mirin labels for any hidden gluten. This dish contains soy and sesame, so always verify ingredient labels for allergen safety.

Serviervorschläge

This Miso Glazed Eggplant is delicious served with a side of steamed rice to soak up any extra glaze. It also works wonderfully as part of a larger Japanese-inspired meal featuring grilled fish or a simple cucumber salad.

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With only 110 calories per serving, this dish is a light yet incredibly satisfying addition to your rotation. It provides 4g of total fat, 17g of carbohydrates, and 3g of protein per portion, making it a nutritious way to enjoy the deep flavors of Japanese cuisine at home.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of eggplant works best?

Japanese or Chinese eggplants are ideal because their thinner skin and fewer seeds make them naturally sweeter and more tender. Regular globe eggplants can be used but may require longer roasting to achieve the same silky texture.

→ Can I make the glaze in advance?

Absolutely. Whisk the miso paste, mirin, sake, sugar, and sesame oil together and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. The flavors actually meld and improve over time.

→ Why score the eggplant flesh?

Scoring creates more surface area for the glaze to penetrate and helps heat circulate more evenly during roasting. This technique ensures the flesh becomes tender throughout while absorbing maximum flavor from the miso coating.

→ How do I prevent the glaze from burning under the broiler?

Watch closely during the final 2-3 minutes. The sugar in the glaze can go from perfectly caramelized to burnt quickly. Position your rack about 6 inches from the heating element and check every minute after the first minute of broiling.

→ What should I serve this with?

Pair with steamed white or brown rice for a simple vegetarian main, or serve alongside grilled fish, tofu, or chicken. It also works beautifully as part of a larger Japanese-inspired spread with pickled vegetables and miso soup.

→ Is this dish vegan-friendly?

Yes, when made with vegan-certified miso paste. Traditional white miso is typically vegan, but some brands add fish-based bonito flakes or other animal products. Always check the label if dietary restrictions are a concern.