Miso-Glazed Eggplant Donburi with Tofu and Scallions
Japanese-inspired donburi bowl featuring caramelized eggplant glazed with rich miso, crispy tofu, and fresh scallions for umami depth. This japanese-inspired rice & grains (gluten free, vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs miso paste (red or white), mirin, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.
Ingredients
- 2 medium eggplant (sliced into 1/2-inch rounds)
- 3 tbsp miso paste (red or white)
- 2 tbsp mirin
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 8 oz tofu (firm, cubed)
- 3 cups rice (cooked)
- 1/4 cup scallions (sliced)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: Whisk miso, mirin, soy sauce, and 1 tbsp water in a bowl. Set aside.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add eggplant and sauté 5 minutes per side until caramelized. Brush with miso glaze and cook 2 minutes more.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, cook tofu in remaining oil until golden (4-5 minutes). Add to bowl with rice. Top with eggplant, scallions, and remaining glaze. Sprinkle sesame seeds.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Miso-Glazed Eggplant Donburi with Tofu and Scallions take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (25 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-Glazed Eggplant Donburi with Tofu and Scallions?
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 miso paste (red or white) from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Miso-Glazed Eggplant Donburi with Tofu and Scallions?
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 Tofu and Scallions 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 Tofu and Scallions gluten free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free, vegetarian, keto friendly based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.