Creamy Miso-Glazed Eggplant Donburi with Scallions and Sesame

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

Roasted eggplant glazed with a rich miso sauce served over steamed rice, garnished with scallions and toasted sesame seeds for a satisfying vegetarian bowl. This Japanese-inspired game-day recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 40 minutes, pairs eggplants, white miso paste, mirin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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: 30 min Serves 4 Japanese cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. Score 2 medium halved eggplants lengthwise in a crosshatch pattern, then brush each half with 2 tablespoons vegetable oil. Place cut side up on a baking sheet and roast for 25 minutes until tender and golden at edges.
  2. Step 2: While eggplants roast, whisk together 3 tablespoons white miso paste, 2 tablespoons mirin, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sake, and 1 teaspoon sugar in a bowl until smooth.
  3. Step 3: Remove eggplants from oven and brush the miso glaze generously over the cut surfaces. Return to the oven and broil for 3-4 minutes until the glaze bubbles and caramelizes slightly.
  4. Step 4: Divide 4 cups steamed white rice into serving bowls. Place one glazed eggplant half on top of each portion.
  5. Step 5: Garnish with 3 thinly sliced scallions and 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Creamy Miso-Glazed Eggplant Donburi with Scallions and Sesame take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 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 Creamy Miso-Glazed Eggplant Donburi with Scallions and 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 eggplants from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Creamy Miso-Glazed Eggplant Donburi with Scallions and 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 Creamy Miso-Glazed Eggplant Donburi with Scallions and Sesame 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 Creamy Miso-Glazed Eggplant Donburi with Scallions and 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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