Soy-Glazed Miso Eggplant with Toasted Sesame
A savory Japanese side dish featuring tender eggplant broiled with a sweet and salty soy-miso glaze, finished with toasted sesame seeds for crunch. This japanese-inspired vegetarian ready in about 22 minutes pairs medium (about 1 lb) Japanese eggplants, white miso paste, 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 medium (about 1 lb) Japanese eggplants
- 3 tbsp white miso paste
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp mirin
- 1 tbsp sake
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp green onions, thinly sliced
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven broiler on high and line a baking sheet with foil. Cut 4 medium Japanese eggplants in half lengthwise and score the flesh in a crosshatch pattern about 1/4 inch deep.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp white miso paste, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp mirin, 1 tbsp sake, and 1 tbsp granulated sugar until smooth.
- Step 3: Brush the cut sides of the eggplant halves generously with 1 tbsp vegetable oil, then spread the miso glaze evenly over the flesh.
- Step 4: Place the eggplants cut side up on the prepared baking sheet and broil for 8-10 minutes until the glaze bubbles and caramelizes and the eggplant flesh is tender.
- Step 5: Remove from oven and sprinkle with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and 2 tbsp thinly sliced green onions. Serve warm as a flavorful side dish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Soy-Glazed Miso Eggplant with Toasted Sesame take to make?
Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 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 Soy-Glazed Miso Eggplant with Toasted 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 white miso paste from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Soy-Glazed Miso Eggplant with Toasted 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 Soy-Glazed Miso Eggplant with Toasted 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 Soy-Glazed Miso Eggplant with Toasted 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.
