Crisped Miso Eggplant with Sesame and Scallions
Eggplant slices pan-seared until golden and topped with a savory miso glaze, toasted sesame seeds, and fresh scallions for an umami-packed vegetarian dish. This japanese-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 25 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 150 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.
Ingredients
- 2 medium (about 12 oz each) Japanese eggplant
- 3 tbsp white miso paste
- 2 tbsp mirin
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2, thinly sliced scallions
Instructions
- Step 1: Slice 2 medium Japanese eggplants into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp white miso paste, 2 tbsp mirin, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tsp sugar until smooth.
- Step 3: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add eggplant slices in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and tender.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to low and brush each eggplant slice generously with the miso glaze. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until glaze is heated through and slightly thickened.
- Step 5: Transfer eggplant to a serving plate and sprinkle with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and 2 thinly sliced scallions before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Crisped Miso Eggplant with Sesame and Scallions 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 Crisped Miso Eggplant with Sesame and Scallions?
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 Crisped Miso Eggplant with Sesame and Scallions?
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 Crisped Miso Eggplant with Sesame and Scallions 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 Crisped Miso Eggplant with Sesame and Scallions 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.