Miso-Glazed Eggplant Donburi with Scallions and Sesame Seeds

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

Tender eggplant glazed with a savory miso sauce served over steamed rice and topped with scallions and toasted sesame seeds. This japanese-inspired rice & grains (vegetarian, gluten free) ready in about 35 minutes pairs Japanese eggplants, halved lengthwise, white miso paste, mirin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 290 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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.

★ 4.2 (11 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Japanese cuisine 290 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Score 2 halved Japanese eggplants’ flesh in a diamond pattern about 1/4-inch deep. Brush both sides with 2 tbsp vegetable oil and place cut-side up on a baking sheet.
  2. Step 2: Bake eggplants for 20 minutes until tender and edges start to caramelize. Meanwhile, whisk together 3 tbsp white miso paste, 2 tbsp mirin, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sake, and 1 tsp sugar until smooth.
  3. Step 3: Remove eggplants from oven and brush the miso glaze generously over the cut surfaces. Broil on high for 3-5 minutes until the glaze bubbles and slightly chars.
  4. Step 4: Divide 4 cups steamed short-grain rice into 4 bowls, place glazed eggplant halves on top, and garnish with 3 sliced scallions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Miso-Glazed Eggplant Donburi with Scallions and Sesame Seeds 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 Miso-Glazed Eggplant Donburi with Scallions and Sesame Seeds?

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 Miso-Glazed Eggplant Donburi with Scallions and Sesame Seeds?

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-Glazed Eggplant Donburi with Scallions and Sesame Seeds 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 Miso-Glazed Eggplant Donburi with Scallions and Sesame Seeds vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, 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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