Miso-Glazed Eggplant with Rice and Sesame Seeds
Eggplant slices caramelized in a savory miso glaze, served over rice with a nutty sesame finish for a deeply satisfying plant-based meal. This japanese-inspired one pot (vegan, gluten-free) ready in about 35 minutes pairs medium eggplant, white rice, miso paste for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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. 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
- 1 cup white rice
- 2 tbsp miso paste
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook 1 cup white rice according to package instructions. While rice cooks, cut 2 medium eggplants into 1/2-inch thick slices.
- Step 2: Whisk together 2 tbsp miso paste, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp sugar, and 1 tsp sesame oil in a small bowl until smooth.
- Step 3: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add eggplant slices in a single layer and cook for 4 minutes per side, brushing with miso glaze every 2 minutes until golden and tender.
- Step 4: Drizzle remaining miso glaze over eggplant and sprinkle with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately over cooked rice.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Miso-Glazed Eggplant with Rice and Sesame Seeds take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 with Rice and Sesame Seeds?
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 eggplant from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Miso-Glazed Eggplant with Rice and Sesame Seeds?
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 with Rice and Sesame Seeds 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 with Rice and Sesame Seeds vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan, gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My partner, who's usually picky, absolutely loved this.
- ★★★☆☆
Not bad. Would need significant modifications to make it a regular.
- ★☆☆☆☆
The proportions seem off. Way too much of some ingredients.
