Seared Miso-Glazed Eggplant with Sesame and Scallions
Tender eggplant slices seared to golden perfection and brushed with a savory miso glaze, garnished with toasted sesame seeds and fresh scallions. This japanese-inspired father’s day (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs white miso paste, mirin, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 150 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.
Ingredients
- 2 medium, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds eggplant
- 3 tbsp white miso paste
- 2 tbsp mirin
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2, thinly sliced scallions
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp white miso paste, 2 tbsp mirin, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tsp sugar until smooth and set aside.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 sliced medium eggplants (1/2-inch thick rounds) in a single layer and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and tender.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to medium-low. Brush each eggplant slice generously with the miso glaze and cook for an additional 2 minutes per side until glaze is caramelized and sticky.
- Step 4: Transfer the glazed eggplant to a serving plate. Sprinkle with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and 2 thinly sliced scallions. Serve warm as a side or vegetarian main.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Seared Miso-Glazed Eggplant with Sesame and Scallions take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Seared Miso-Glazed Eggplant with Sesame and Scallions?
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 Seared Miso-Glazed Eggplant with Sesame and Scallions?
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 Seared Miso-Glazed Eggplant with Sesame and Scallions 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 Seared Miso-Glazed Eggplant with Sesame and Scallions 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Authentic and flavorful. My father loved it for Father's Day. The recipe is spot on.
- ★★★★★
Easy and delicious. My kids even asked for seconds. The sesame and scallions really elevated it.
- ★★★★★
This dish was a revelation! My husband loved it and the glaze was perfect. Will be making it for our anniversary.