Miso-glazed eggplant, or as I like to call it, the “umami bomb,” is a true delight for your tastebuds. This Japanese-inspired dish features tender eggplant coated in a rich, savory miso glaze that is both sweet and salty. It’s incredibly easy to make and perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or even a light main course. Today, I’m going to guide you through creating this flavor-packed dish that will have your family asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- 1 large eggplant, sliced into 1-inch thick rounds
- 2 tablespoons white miso paste
- 1 tablespoon mirin (sweet rice wine)
- 1 tablespoon sake (Japanese rice wine)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions, for garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
Equipment
- Small bowl
- Whisk
- Pastry brush
- Large skillet or frying pan
Instructions
- Prepare the eggplant: Rinse the eggplant and pat it dry. Slice it into 1-inch thick rounds. If you are concerned about bitterness, you can sprinkle the eggplant slices with salt and let them sit for 30 minutes before rinsing and drying them again.
- Make the miso glaze: In the small bowl, whisk together the miso paste, mirin, sake, sugar, and soy sauce until smooth.
- Cook the eggplant: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the eggplant slices and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and tender.
- Glaze and serve: Reduce the heat to low. Brush the miso glaze generously over the eggplant slices, cooking for an additional minute per side, allowing the glaze to thicken slightly and caramelize.
- Garnish and enjoy: Transfer the miso-glazed eggplant to a serving plate. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds (optional). Serve immediately with a side of rice and your favorite vegetables.
Miso-Glazed Eggplant
Tips and Notes
- For a richer flavor, try using red miso paste instead of white miso. Keep in mind that red miso is saltier, so you may want to adjust the amount of soy sauce accordingly.
- You can bake the eggplant instead of pan-frying it for a healthier option. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), lightly brush the eggplant slices with oil, and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until tender. Then, glaze as instructed.
- “Adding a touch of grated ginger to your glaze can lend a lovely warmth to the dish,” suggests renowned chef, Kenji Lopez-Alt.
Glazing Eggplant with Miso Glaze
Conclusion
There you have it – a simple yet incredibly flavorful miso-glazed eggplant recipe. This versatile dish is sure to become a family favorite. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different garnishes and sides to make it your own. Have you tried this recipe? Let me know in the comments below! And for more delicious and easy-to-follow recipes, be sure to explore the rest of Family Cuisine.
