Soy-Glazed Snow Monkey-Style Grilled Miso Eggplant

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

Tender eggplant glazed with a savory miso and soy sauce blend, grilled to smoky perfection, inspired by the Japanese macaque's native flavors. This japanese-inspired vegetarian (vegan-friendly) ready in about 30 minutes pairs medium 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Japanese cuisine 150 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Slice 3 medium Japanese eggplants in half lengthwise, then score the flesh in a diamond pattern about 1/2 inch deep.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp white miso paste, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp mirin, 1 tbsp sake, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp honey, and 1 tsp grated ginger until smooth.
  3. Step 3: Brush the miso glaze generously over the cut sides of the eggplants, letting some seep into the scored flesh.
  4. Step 4: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat to about 400°F. Place the eggplants cut side down and grill for 5 minutes until marked and smoky.
  5. Step 5: Flip the eggplants and grill flesh side up for another 7-8 minutes, basting with leftover glaze occasionally, until the eggplants are tender and caramelized.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat, sprinkle with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and 2 tbsp chopped scallions before serving warm.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Soy-Glazed Snow Monkey-Style Grilled Miso Eggplant take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Soy-Glazed Snow Monkey-Style Grilled Miso 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 medium japanese eggplants from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Soy-Glazed Snow Monkey-Style Grilled Miso 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 Soy-Glazed Snow Monkey-Style Grilled Miso 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.

Is Soy-Glazed Snow Monkey-Style Grilled Miso Eggplant vegan-friendly?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan-friendly based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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