Charcoal-Grilled Miso-Glazed Eggplant with Toasted Sesame
Tender eggplant halves brushed with a savory-sweet miso glaze, grilled over charcoal until smoky and topped with crunchy toasted sesame seeds. This japanese-inspired grilling (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs whole small eggplants, white miso paste, mirin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 150 calories and feeds 2, 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.
Ingredients
- 2 whole small eggplants
- 3 tbsp white miso paste
- 2 tbsp mirin
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 tsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut 2 small eggplants in half lengthwise. Using a sharp knife, score the flesh in a diamond pattern about 1/4-inch deep to help the glaze absorb.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, mix 3 tbsp white miso paste, 2 tbsp mirin, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tbsp honey until smooth.
- Step 3: Brush the cut sides of the eggplants with 1 tbsp vegetable oil, then generously apply the miso glaze over the scored flesh.
- Step 4: Prepare your charcoal grill for medium heat, around 375°F. Place the eggplants cut side down directly over the coals. Grill for 7-8 minutes until the flesh is tender and marked with grill lines.
- Step 5: Flip the eggplants and grill flesh side up for 4-5 minutes more, basting with any leftover glaze.
- Step 6: Remove from the grill and sprinkle 2 tsp toasted sesame seeds evenly over the top before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Charcoal-Grilled Miso-Glazed Eggplant with Toasted Sesame take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Toasted Sesame?
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 whole small eggplants from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Charcoal-Grilled Miso-Glazed Eggplant with Toasted Sesame?
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 Toasted Sesame for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Toasted Sesame 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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