Sake-Glazed Eggplant Donburi with Scallions and Sesame
Tender eggplant simmered in a sweet and savory sake glaze served over steamed white rice, topped with scallions and toasted sesame seeds for a comforting Japanese rice bowl. This Japanese-inspired rice and grain recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 30 minutes, pairs eggplant, vegetable oil, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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 medium, cut into 1-inch cubes eggplant
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 tbsp mirin
- 3 tbsp sake
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 4 cups steamed white rice
- 3 thinly sliced scallions
- 2 tsp toasted sesame seeds
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 medium eggplants cut into 1-inch cubes and sauté for 5-7 minutes until tender and edges begin to brown.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup soy sauce, 3 tbsp mirin, 3 tbsp sake, 1 tbsp granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup water until sugar dissolves.
- Step 3: Pour the glaze mixture over the eggplant in the skillet, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 8-10 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the eggplant.
- Step 4: Divide 4 cups steamed white rice among 4 bowls and spoon the sake-glazed eggplant over the top.
- Step 5: Garnish each bowl with 3 thinly sliced scallions and sprinkle 2 tsp toasted sesame seeds before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sake-Glazed Eggplant Donburi with Scallions and Sesame take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 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 Sake-Glazed 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 eggplant from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sake-Glazed 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 Sake-Glazed 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 Sake-Glazed 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.
