Miso-Glazed Roasted Eggplant Donburi with Scallions and Sesame

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

Roasted eggplant glazed with a rich miso-sesame sauce, served over steamed rice and topped with fresh scallions and toasted sesame seeds for a comforting Japanese-inspired bowl. This Japanese-inspired vegetarian recipe, ready in about 45 minutes, pairs medium eggplants, halved lengthwise, 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Japanese cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Score 2 medium eggplants lengthwise in a crosshatch pattern, being careful not to cut through the skin.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp white miso paste, 2 tbsp mirin, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sake, 1 tbsp granulated sugar, and 1 tsp toasted sesame oil until smooth.
  3. Step 3: Place eggplant halves cut side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Brush the miso glaze generously over each eggplant half.
  4. Step 4: Roast eggplants for 30 minutes until tender and caramelized on top, basting with additional glaze halfway through.
  5. Step 5: Divide 4 cups cooked Japanese short-grain rice into four bowls. Top each with half an eggplant and spoon any pan glaze over the rice.
  6. Step 6: Garnish with 3 stalks thinly sliced scallions and sprinkle 2 tsp toasted sesame seeds over each bowl. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Miso-Glazed Roasted Eggplant Donburi with Scallions and Sesame take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (10 min prep + 35 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 Roasted Eggplant Donburi 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 white miso paste from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Miso-Glazed Roasted Eggplant Donburi 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 Roasted Eggplant Donburi 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 Roasted Eggplant Donburi 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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