Miso-Marinated Baked Eggplant with Sesame
Eggplant slices marinated in a savory miso glaze and baked until golden, then sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds for a nutty finish. This japanese-inspired one pot (gluten-free) ready in about 45 minutes pairs tablespoons white miso paste, tablespoons rice vinegar, tablespoon sesame oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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 large, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds eggplant
- 3 tablespoons white miso paste
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1/2 cup sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon (for brushing) neutral oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Place 2 large eggplant slices in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons white miso paste, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1 tablespoon honey, and 1 teaspoon grated ginger until smooth.
- Step 3: Brush the miso mixture evenly over both sides of the eggplant slices, then sprinkle 1/2 cup sesame seeds over the top.
- Step 4: Bake for 25-30 minutes until the eggplant is tender and the edges are golden, flipping halfway through and brushing with any remaining miso sauce.
- Step 5: Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Miso-Marinated Baked Eggplant with Sesame take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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-Marinated Baked Eggplant with 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 tablespoons white miso paste from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Miso-Marinated Baked Eggplant with 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-Marinated Baked Eggplant with 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-Marinated Baked Eggplant with Sesame gluten-free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged 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
- ★★★★★
This was a hit at my family dinner! The miso and sesame gave such a nice depth.
- ★★★★★
Perfect for a quick weeknight meal. My kids loved the sesame crunch!
- ★★★★☆
The flavors were good, but I found it slightly bland. Maybe I should have doubled the miso.