Miso-Caramelized Eggplant Medallions
Thinly sliced eggplant soaks up a savory-sweet miso glaze, creating tender, deeply flavorful bites that absorb every essence. This japanese-inspired vegetarian (gluten-free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs large Eggplant, White miso paste, Rice vinegar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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.
Ingredients
- 1 large Eggplant
- 2 tbsp White miso paste
- 1 tbsp Rice vinegar
- 1 tsp Soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Brown sugar
- 1 tsp Toasted sesame oil
- 1 tsp Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: Slice 1 large eggplant into 1/2-inch thick medallions, brushing both sides with 1 tsp toasted sesame oil and setting aside.
- Step 2: Whisk 2 tbsp white miso paste, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp soy sauce, and 1 tbsp brown sugar in a bowl until smooth; brush half the mixture onto the eggplant medallions.
- Step 3: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, add the eggplant, and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until deeply golden and the glaze has thickened and coated the slices.
- Step 4: Drizzle the remaining miso mixture over the top, sprinkle with 1 tsp sesame seeds, and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Miso-Caramelized Eggplant Medallions take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 Miso-Caramelized Eggplant Medallions?
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 large eggplant from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Miso-Caramelized Eggplant Medallions?
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 Miso-Caramelized Eggplant Medallions 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 Miso-Caramelized Eggplant Medallions gluten-free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.
- ★★★★★
Absolutely wonderful.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 10-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.