Quick Japanese Miso-Glazed Eggplant
Tender eggplant slices brushed with a savory-sweet miso glaze, broiled until caramelized and delicious. This Japanese-inspired vegetarian recipe, ready in about 20 minutes, pairs Japanese eggplant, white miso paste, mirin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 150 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, sliced lengthwise into 1/2-inch thick pieces Japanese eggplant
- 3 tbsp white miso paste
- 1 tbsp mirin
- 1 tbsp sake
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp, for garnish toasted sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp, for garnish chopped scallions
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat broiler to high and line a baking sheet with foil. Arrange 2 medium Japanese eggplants sliced lengthwise (1/2-inch thick) in a single layer.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp white miso paste, 1 tbsp mirin, 1 tbsp sake, 1 tsp sugar, and 1 tsp sesame oil until smooth.
- Step 3: Brush the miso glaze generously over the cut sides of the eggplant slices.
- Step 4: Broil the eggplants for 6-8 minutes until the glaze bubbles and caramelizes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Step 5: Remove from oven and sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and 2 tbsp chopped scallions over the top. Serve immediately as a side or light main.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Quick Japanese Miso-Glazed Eggplant take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 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 Quick Japanese Miso-Glazed Eggplant?
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 eggplant from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Quick Japanese Miso-Glazed Eggplant?
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 Quick Japanese Miso-Glazed Eggplant 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 Quick Japanese Miso-Glazed Eggplant 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.
