Spicy Grilled Miso-Glazed Eggplant
Eggplant slices brushed with a rich miso glaze and grilled until tender with a smoky, spicy edge. This japanese-inspired grilling (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs medium Japanese eggplants, white miso paste, mirin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 140 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 Japanese eggplants
- 3 tbsp white miso paste
- 2 tbsp mirin
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp sriracha
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp chopped scallions
Instructions
- Step 1: Slice 2 medium Japanese eggplants lengthwise into 1/2-inch thick pieces and set aside.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp white miso paste, 2 tbsp mirin, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp honey, and 1 tsp sriracha until smooth and glossy.
- Step 3: Preheat the grill to medium heat, about 375°F. Brush both sides of the eggplant slices generously with the miso glaze.
- Step 4: Arrange the eggplant on the grill, cooking for 5-6 minutes per side, basting with remaining glaze halfway through, until the eggplant is tender and caramelized with grill marks.
- Step 5: Transfer to a platter and sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and 2 tbsp chopped scallions over the top before serving warm.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spicy Grilled Miso-Glazed 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 Spicy Grilled 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 medium japanese eggplants from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Grilled 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 Spicy Grilled 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.
Is Spicy Grilled Miso-Glazed Eggplant 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.
