Miso-Glazed Eggplant Donburi with Sesame and Scallion

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

Roasted eggplant slices glazed with a savory miso sauce, served over steamed rice and topped with toasted sesame seeds and fresh scallions for a comforting Japanese-inspired bowl. This japanese-inspired rice & grains (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs eggplants, white miso paste, mirin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 3, 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.

★ 4.1 (13 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 3 Japanese cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange 2 medium eggplants cut into 1/2-inch thick slices on the sheet.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp white miso paste, 2 tbsp mirin, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 tbsp sesame oil until smooth.
  3. Step 3: Brush the miso glaze generously over both sides of the eggplant slices. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the eggplant is tender and caramelized at the edges.
  4. Step 4: Divide 3 cups cooked short-grain rice into serving bowls. Top each bowl with the roasted miso-glazed eggplant slices.
  5. Step 5: Garnish with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and 3 thinly sliced scallions to finish. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

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

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 eggplants from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Miso-Glazed Eggplant Donburi with Sesame and Scallion?

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 Sesame and Scallion for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Sesame and Scallion 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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