High-Protein Miso-Glazed Eggplant Donburi

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

Roasted eggplant glazed with savory miso sauce served over steamed rice and sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds and scallions. This japanese-inspired rice & grains (vegetarian, high protein) ready in about 45 minutes pairs halved lengthwise medium eggplants, tablespoons white miso paste, tablespoons mirin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 2 Japanese cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Score the cut side of 2 medium eggplants in a crisscross pattern without cutting through the skin. Brush the cut sides with 2 tablespoons vegetable oil and place cut side up on a baking sheet.
  2. Step 2: Roast the eggplants for 25 minutes until soft and golden, then remove from oven.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, rinse 1 cup short grain white rice under cold water until water runs clear. Combine rice with 1 1/4 cups water in a pot, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand covered for 10 minutes.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons white miso paste, 2 tablespoons mirin, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sake, and 1 teaspoon honey until smooth.
  5. Step 5: Brush the miso glaze generously over the roasted eggplant halves and return to the oven for 5 minutes to caramelize the glaze.
  6. Step 6: To serve, fluff the rice and divide into bowls. Place one glazed eggplant half on top of each bowl of rice, then sprinkle with 2 thinly sliced scallions and 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds.

Frequently asked questions

How long does High-Protein Miso-Glazed Eggplant Donburi take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 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 High-Protein Miso-Glazed Eggplant Donburi?

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 tablespoons white miso paste from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in High-Protein Miso-Glazed Eggplant Donburi?

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 High-Protein Miso-Glazed Eggplant Donburi 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 High-Protein Miso-Glazed Eggplant Donburi vegetarian?

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

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