Miso-Glazed Eggplant Donburi with Scallions and Toasted Sesame

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Roasted eggplant glazed with a savory miso sauce served over steamed rice, garnished with scallions and toasted sesame seeds for an umami-rich Japanese rice bowl. This japanese-inspired healthy bowls (vegetarian) ready in about 50 minutes pairs medium eggplants, white miso paste, mirin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.

★ 4.2 (14 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 2 Japanese cuisine 350 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI →

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup jasmine rice under cold water until clear. Combine with 1 1/4 cups water in a pot, bring to boil over high heat, reduce to low, cover and simmer for 15 minutes until tender.
  2. Step 2: Preheat oven to 425°F. Cut 2 medium eggplants in half lengthwise and score flesh in a diamond pattern, being careful not to pierce the skin.
  3. Step 3: Brush eggplant flesh with 2 tbsp vegetable oil and place cut side up on a baking sheet. Roast for 25 minutes until tender and golden around edges.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk 3 tbsp white miso paste, 2 tbsp mirin, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sake, and 1 tsp sugar until smooth.
  5. Step 5: Remove eggplants from oven and brush the miso glaze generously over the flesh. Return to oven for an additional 5 minutes until glaze is bubbling and caramelized.
  6. Step 6: To serve, place steamed jasmine rice in bowls, top with miso-glazed eggplant halves, and garnish with 3 tbsp thinly sliced scallions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 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 Toasted 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 medium eggplants from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Miso-Glazed Eggplant Donburi with Scallions and Toasted 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 Miso-Glazed Eggplant Donburi with Scallions and Toasted 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 Miso-Glazed Eggplant Donburi with Scallions and Toasted 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

Related recipes