Miso-Glazed Eggplant with Toasted Sesame Dust
Broiled eggplant slices glazed with savory miso and topped with a toasted sesame and sea salt dust for a smoky, nutty finish. This japanese-inspired vegetarian ready in about 22 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 180 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.
Ingredients
- 1 large, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds eggplant
- 3 tbsp white miso paste
- 2 tbsp mirin
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1/2 tsp sea salt flakes
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your broiler on high and lightly brush 1 large sliced eggplant rounds with 1 tbsp vegetable oil on both sides.
- Step 2: Arrange the eggplant slices on a foil-lined baking sheet and broil for 4-5 minutes until the edges begin to soften and brown.
- Step 3: Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp white miso paste, 2 tbsp mirin, and 1 tbsp soy sauce until smooth.
- Step 4: Flip the eggplant slices and spread a thin layer of the miso glaze evenly over the cut side of each slice.
- Step 5: Return the eggplant to the broiler and cook for another 5-6 minutes until the glaze bubbles and caramelizes.
- Step 6: While the eggplant broils, toast 2 tbsp sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and golden, then mix with 1/2 tsp sea salt flakes to create the sesame dust.
- Step 7: Remove the broiled eggplant from the oven, sprinkle the toasted sesame dust generously over the glazed tops, and serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Miso-Glazed Eggplant with Toasted Sesame Dust take to make?
Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 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 Toasted Sesame Dust?
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 with Toasted Sesame Dust?
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 Toasted Sesame Dust 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.
What goes well with Miso-Glazed Eggplant with Toasted Sesame Dust?
Japanese vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
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