Japanese Miso-Glazed Eggplant with Scallion and Sesame
Roasted eggplant brushed with a rich miso glaze, topped with fresh scallions and toasted sesame for umami depth. This japanese-inspired game day (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs tablespoons miso paste, tablespoons mirin, tablespoon sake for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 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.
Ingredients
- 2 medium, halved lengthwise Japanese eggplants
- 3 tablespoons miso paste
- 2 tablespoons mirin
- 1 tablespoon sake
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 3 stalks, thinly sliced green onions
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly brush 2 halved Japanese eggplants with 1 tablespoon vegetable oil on the cut sides and place them cut side up on a baking sheet.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons miso paste, 2 tablespoons mirin, 1 tablespoon sake, and 1 teaspoon sugar. Mix well until smooth.
- Step 3: Spread the miso glaze evenly over the cut sides of the eggplants.
- Step 4: Roast in the oven for 20 minutes until the eggplants are tender and the glaze is bubbling and caramelized at the edges.
- Step 5: Remove from oven and sprinkle 3 thinly sliced green onions and 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds on top before serving warm.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Japanese Miso-Glazed Eggplant with Scallion and Sesame take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Japanese Miso-Glazed Eggplant with Scallion 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 tablespoons miso paste from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Japanese Miso-Glazed Eggplant with Scallion 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 Japanese Miso-Glazed Eggplant with Scallion and 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 Japanese Miso-Glazed Eggplant with Scallion 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Loved it! So simple and flavorful.
- ★★★★★
Perfect for game day! The sesame and scallion really elevated the dish.
- ★★★★★
This was amazing! My family loved the miso glaze on the eggplant. Will make again for dinner.