Sake-Infused Grilled Salmon with Miso Glazed Eggplant

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

Succulent salmon fillets marinated in sake and soy, paired with tender eggplant glazed in a savory miso sauce for a balanced Japanese-inspired dinner. This japanese-inspired seafood ready in about 45 minutes pairs 6 oz each salmon fillets, sake, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 410 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: 30 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Japanese cuisine 410 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a shallow dish, whisk together 1/4 cup sake, 3 tbsp soy sauce, and 2 tbsp mirin. Add 4 salmon fillets and marinate for 20 minutes in the refrigerator.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium heat (about 375°F). Remove salmon from marinade and grill skin side down for 4-5 minutes until crisp. Flip and grill for another 3 minutes until cooked through but moist.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, combine 3 tbsp white miso paste and 1 tbsp brown sugar in a small bowl until smooth.
  4. Step 4: Brush both sides of 2 sliced medium eggplants with 2 tbsp sesame oil. Grill the eggplant slices for 3-4 minutes per side until tender with grill marks.
  5. Step 5: While still warm, spread the miso glaze evenly over one side of each eggplant slice and let it caramelize slightly on the grill for 1-2 minutes.
  6. Step 6: Plate the grilled salmon alongside the miso-glazed eggplant. Garnish with 2 sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds for a flavorful Japanese-inspired meal.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sake-Infused Grilled Salmon with Miso Glazed Eggplant take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (30 min prep + 15 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-Infused Grilled Salmon with 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 6 oz each salmon fillets from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sake-Infused Grilled Salmon with 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 Sake-Infused Grilled Salmon with Miso Glazed Eggplant 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.

What goes well with Sake-Infused Grilled Salmon with Miso Glazed Eggplant?

Japanese seafood 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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