Miso-Glazed Eggplant Donburi with Sesame-Scented Rice

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

Tender roasted eggplant coated in a savory-sweet miso glaze served over fluffy sesame rice for a satisfying Japanese-inspired bowl. This japanese-inspired rice & grains (vegetarian) ready in about 50 minutes pairs white miso paste, mirin, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Japanese cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Score the cut sides of 2 halved Japanese eggplants with a crisscross pattern, then brush with 2 tbsp vegetable oil. Place on a baking sheet cut side up.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp white miso paste, 2 tbsp mirin, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tbsp sugar until smooth. Brush this glaze evenly over the eggplant halves.
  3. Step 3: Roast eggplants for 25-30 minutes until tender and caramelized on top.
  4. Step 4: While eggplants roast, rinse 1 1/2 cups short-grain white rice under cold water until water runs clear. Combine rice with 2 cups water in a pot, bring to a boil, then cover and simmer on low for 18 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 10 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Fluff rice with a fork and stir in 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil and 2 tsp toasted sesame seeds.
  6. Step 6: Divide sesame rice between bowls, top with roasted miso-glazed eggplant halves, garnish with 2 thinly sliced scallions and optional 2 tbsp pickled ginger.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Miso-Glazed Eggplant Donburi with Sesame-Scented Rice take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (10 min prep + 40 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-Scented Rice?

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 Sesame-Scented Rice?

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-Scented Rice 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 Sesame-Scented Rice 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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