Miso-Glazed Eggplant Rice Bowl with Scallions and Sesame

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

Tender slices of eggplant brushed with a savory miso glaze, served over steamed rice and topped with scallions and toasted sesame seeds. This japanese-inspired rice & grains (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs Japanese 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 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.

★ 4.1 (15 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Japanese cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp white miso paste, 2 tbsp mirin, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tbsp sugar until smooth and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 medium Japanese eggplants sliced lengthwise into 1/2-inch strips and cook for 4 minutes on each side until tender and golden.
  3. Step 3: Brush both sides of the cooked eggplant strips generously with the miso glaze, then cook for an additional 1-2 minutes per side until the glaze is caramelized and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Divide 4 cups cooked white rice among 4 bowls. Arrange glazed eggplant slices on top, drizzle with 1 tsp sesame oil, then garnish with 3 thinly sliced scallions and 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Miso-Glazed Eggplant Rice Bowl with Scallions and Sesame take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Rice Bowl with Scallions and 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 japanese eggplants from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Miso-Glazed Eggplant Rice Bowl with Scallions and 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 Rice Bowl with Scallions and Sesame 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 Rice Bowl with Scallions and 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.

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