Charcoal-Grilled Miso-Glazed Eggplant

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Sliced eggplants brushed with a savory-sweet miso glaze and charred over hot coals for a smoky umami-packed vegetarian delight. This japanese-inspired grilling (vegetarian) ready in about 27 minutes pairs medium eggplants, white miso paste, mirin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 140 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Japanese cuisine 140 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Slice 2 medium eggplants lengthwise into 1/2-inch thick slabs and set aside. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp white miso paste, 2 tbsp mirin, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 tsp sesame oil until smooth and glossy.
  2. Step 2: Preheat a charcoal grill to medium heat, about 375°F, with coals spread evenly.
  3. Step 3: Brush both sides of the eggplant slices generously with the miso glaze. Place the slices directly on the grill grates and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, basting with more glaze halfway through and turning when the edges start to soften and char.
  4. Step 4: Remove the eggplants from the grill and sprinkle with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and 2 tbsp thinly sliced scallions before serving warm.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Charcoal-Grilled Miso-Glazed Eggplant take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Charcoal-Grilled Miso-Glazed Eggplant?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep medium eggplants from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Charcoal-Grilled Miso-Glazed Eggplant?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Charcoal-Grilled Miso-Glazed Eggplant for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Charcoal-Grilled Miso-Glazed Eggplant vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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