Spicy Miso-Glazed Grilled Eggplant with Sesame

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

Slices of eggplant brushed with a spicy miso glaze and grilled until tender and smoky, finished with toasted sesame seeds for a Polynesian-inspired twist. This asian fusion-inspired grilling ready in about 20 minutes pairs large (about 1 lb) eggplant, white miso paste, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 130 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: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Asian Fusion cuisine 130 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Slice 1 large eggplant into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Brush both sides with 2 tbsp olive oil and season lightly with salt.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp white miso paste, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp sriracha, and 1 tbsp sesame oil until a smooth glaze forms.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill eggplant slices for 3 minutes per side until grill marks appear and flesh softens.
  4. Step 4: During the last minute of grilling, brush both sides of eggplant slices generously with the miso glaze and grill until glaze is caramelized and sticky.
  5. Step 5: Remove from grill and sprinkle with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and 2 thinly sliced scallions. Serve warm as a flavorful vegan side or appetizer.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Miso-Glazed Grilled Eggplant with Sesame take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 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 Miso-Glazed Grilled Eggplant with 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 large (about 1 lb) eggplant from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Miso-Glazed Grilled Eggplant with 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 Spicy Miso-Glazed Grilled Eggplant with 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.

What goes well with Spicy Miso-Glazed Grilled Eggplant with Sesame?

Asian Fusion grilling 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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