Japanese Miso-Glazed Eggplant with Sesame and Scallions

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Roasted eggplant halves brushed with a savory miso glaze, topped with toasted sesame seeds and fresh scallions for a simple umami-packed side dish. This japanese-inspired comfort food (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs medium Japanese eggplants, white miso paste, mirin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 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.

★ 4.1 (15 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Japanese cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. Cut 2 medium Japanese eggplants in half lengthwise and score the flesh in a crisscross pattern about 1/4-inch deep. Brush each half with 1 tbsp vegetable oil and place cut-side up on a baking sheet.
  2. Step 2: Roast the eggplants for 20 minutes until tender and edges start to brown.
  3. Step 3: While eggplants roast, whisk together 3 tbsp white miso paste, 2 tbsp mirin, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tbsp sugar until smooth and glossy.
  4. Step 4: Remove eggplants from oven and brush the miso glaze evenly over the cut sides. Return to oven and broil for 3-4 minutes until the glaze bubbles and caramelizes.
  5. Step 5: Sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and 2 thinly sliced scallion stalks over the glazed eggplants. Serve warm as a flavorful side dish.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 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 medium japanese eggplants from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Japanese Miso-Glazed 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 Japanese Miso-Glazed 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 Japanese Miso-Glazed 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.

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