Japanese Miso-Glazed Eggplant with Scallions and Sesame
Roasted eggplant halves coated with a savory miso glaze, topped with fresh scallions and toasted sesame seeds for a rich umami-packed side. This japanese-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 40 minutes pairs white miso paste, mirin, sake for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 120 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.
Ingredients
- 2 medium, halved lengthwise Japanese eggplants
- 3 tbsp white miso paste
- 2 tbsp mirin
- 1 tbsp sake
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2, thinly sliced scallions
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush 2 medium Japanese eggplants halved lengthwise with 1 tbsp vegetable oil and place cut side up on a baking sheet.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp white miso paste, 2 tbsp mirin, 1 tbsp sake, and 1 tsp sugar until smooth.
- Step 3: Spread the miso glaze evenly over the cut sides of the eggplants.
- Step 4: Roast the eggplants in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until tender and caramelized on top.
- Step 5: Remove from oven, sprinkle with 2 thinly sliced scallions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds. Serve warm as a flavorful side dish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Japanese Miso-Glazed Eggplant 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 Japanese Miso-Glazed Eggplant 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 white miso paste from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Japanese Miso-Glazed Eggplant 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 Japanese Miso-Glazed Eggplant 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 Japanese Miso-Glazed Eggplant 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
A new favorite. The eggplant was tender and the glaze was divine.
- ★★★★★
Authentic taste! The sesame and scallions really elevated it.
- ★★★★★
My wife and kids couldn't stop eating it. Will make again!