Miso Glazed Eggplant: A Savory and Sweet Japanese Delight

 

Miso Glazed Eggplant: A Savory and Sweet Japanese Delight

Miso glazed eggplant is a vegetarian Japanese dish that's both simple to prepare and bursting with flavor. The sweet and savory miso glaze caramelizes beautifully on the tender eggplant slices, creating a dish that's perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or even a light vegetarian main course.

Ingredients:

• 2 large eggplants
• 2 tablespoons white miso paste
• 1 tablespoon mirin (sweet rice wine)
• 1 tablespoon sake (Japanese rice wine)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or honey)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 scallion, thinly sliced (for garnish)
• White sesame seeds (for garnish)
• Neutral oil (avocado, canola, vegetable)

Instructions:

1. Prep the Eggplant: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash the eggplants and cut them in half lengthwise. Using a sharp knife, score a diamond pattern on the flesh of each eggplant half, being careful not to pierce the skin. This helps the glaze penetrate and ensures even cooking.

2. Roast the Eggplant: Brush the cut sides of the eggplant with a thin layer of oil. Place the eggplant halves, cut-side down, on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the eggplant is tender when pierced with a fork.

3. Prepare the Miso Glaze: While the eggplant roasts, whisk together the miso paste, mirin, sake, soy sauce, maple syrup (or honey), rice vinegar, sesame oil, and minced garlic in a small bowl. The miso paste may not dissolve completely, but that's okay.

4. Glaze and Broil: Once the eggplant is roasted, remove the baking sheet from the oven and carefully flip the eggplant halves over. Brush each half generously with the miso glaze. Return the baking sheet to the oven and broil on high for 2-3 minutes, or until the glaze is bubbly and caramelized.

5. Serve and Garnish: Plate the glazed eggplant halves and sprinkle with sliced scallions and white sesame seeds for a beautiful presentation. Enjoy immediately!

Tips:

• Miso options: White miso paste is most commonly used for this recipe, but you can also experiment with yellow miso paste for a slightly sweeter and bolder flavor.
• No mirin? If you don't have mirin, you can substitute it with an equal amount of dry sherry or white wine.
• Honey alternative: If you don't have maple syrup, honey can be used as a substitute.
• Serving suggestions: Miso glazed eggplant pairs well with steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles. It can also be served alongside grilled fish or chicken for a complete meal.
• Leftovers: Store leftover miso glazed eggplant in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan with a little oil or in the oven until warmed through.

Miso glazed eggplant is a versatile and delicious dish that's sure to become a favorite. With its simple preparation and impressive taste, it's a wonderful way to explore the flavors of Japanese cuisine.

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