Charcoal-Grilled Miso-Glazed Eggplant with Sesame Seeds

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

Tender eggplant slices brushed with a savory miso glaze, grilled over charcoal for a smoky finish and sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds. This japanese-inspired grilling (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes pairs white miso paste, mirin, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 120 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: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Japanese cuisine 120 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp white miso paste, 1 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 with a hot zone and a cooler zone for indirect cooking.
  3. Step 3: Brush both sides of 1 large eggplant sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds generously with the miso glaze.
  4. Step 4: Place the eggplant slices on the grill over direct medium heat and cook for 4 minutes per side, basting with extra glaze halfway through, until the eggplant is tender and caramelized.
  5. Step 5: Remove from grill and sprinkle 2 tsp toasted sesame seeds and 2 tbsp sliced green onions over the top before serving warm.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 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 with Sesame Seeds?

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 white miso paste from drying out.

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

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 with Sesame Seeds 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 with Sesame Seeds 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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