Miso glazed eggplant is a wonderful example of the delicious simplicity of Japanese food. Soft creamy roasted eggplant topped is topped with a sweet, salty umami-laden miso glaze. It’s easy, delicious and packed with flavour!
Eggplant is polarising. Just as many people love as those that loathe it.
I was one of those people who loathed it. Hated it even!
When I was younger I found its slimy squishy seediness horrible. If it was ever in a dish I was eating I’d eat around it. I know I’m not alone!
And that nasty horrible leathery grilled eggplant you used to be able to buy from delis in your supermarket was even worse. Being vegetarian in the 90’s it was often included in store-bought sandwiches and in salads. Ick!
Now I know my first experiences with eggplant were bad experiences because when it is cooked well it is a beautiful thing.
Miso glazed eggplant (nasu dengaku), is something I first came across at my favourite Japanese restaurant. And every time we visit I can’t help but order it as miso is one of my favourite things.
There’s something so irresistible about the meltingly soft and slightly caramelised roasted eggplant topped with its sweet, salty umami-laden miso topping.
So, I’m hoping, that if you are an eggplant loather, I can perhaps convert you too, to the darkside!
I have a couple of tips for roasting your eggplants to get best results.
- Brush the eggplants with oil. Don’t skip this! The oil protects the cut surface of the eggplant from getting too dry.
- Bake with a layer of baking paper on top. This also prevents the top of the eggplant drying out, it also prevents it from browning too much.
- Score the flesh in a cross-hatch pattern. This helps the eggplant cook more evenly, and also gives the miso topping little valleys to seep into and spread its deliciousness.
There are countless ways you serve your delicious miso glazed eggplant. Steamed rice is a great accompaniment (to hep soak up the flavours) and salad makes a great lighter option.
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Miso Glazed Eggplant
Ingredients
- 2 small to medium eggplants
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp Shiro miso
- 1 tbsp mirin
- 1 tbsp honey (use brown rice syrup if vegan)
- 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 tsp rice wine vinegar
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180 degrees celsius (350 Fahrenheiand line a roasting tray with baking paper.
- Cut the eggplants in half and carefully score diagonal lines across the flesh. Brush the cut side of each eggplant, both top and bottom and place in the roasting try. Top with another sheet of baking paper and bake until the flesh is tender and a fork is easily able to pierce through. Around 15 to 20 minutes. Don't skip on oiling the eggplant, otherwise, you won't end up with a silky soft flesh.
- While the eggplant is baking make the miso topping and the salad. To make the miso topping mix the miso paste, mirin, honey, toasted sesame oil and rice wine vinegar in a bowl. I like to use a sauce whisk for this to remove any lumps.
- When the eggplant is cooked remove the top layer of baking paper and spoon or dollop the miso on top. Return to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes. Sprinkle the salad with the toasted sesame seeds.
Notes
Nutrition
Kankana says
I have always loved eggplant and enjoy it so many different ways. Miso glazed sounds stunning and eggplant will soak up all that flavor. Great meal!
Lucy Parissi says
This looks amazing! I love anything with miso have yet to try it on eggplants. Beautiful photography too!