Miso Glazed Eggplant {gluten-free + vegan option}

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 favorite things.

There’s something so irresistible about the soft and slightly caramelized 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 dark side!

While you’re here, don’t forget to grab a free copy of my Top 15 Reader-Favorite Recipes! It’s loaded with delicious vegetarian-friendly recipes that are surefire crowd-pleasers.

I have a couple of tips for roasting your eggplants to get best results.

1. Brush the eggplants with oil. Don’t skip this! The oil protects the cut surface of the eggplant from getting too dry.
2. 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.
3. 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 can serve your delicious miso glazed eggplant. Steamed rice is a great accompaniment (to help soak up the flavors) and salad makes a nice, lighter option.

And if this recipes does convert you into an eggplant lover, you’ll want to check out these Tahini Eggplant Skewers and this Baby Eggplant Curry for more delicious ways to prepare it!

And for more delicious recipes, don’t forget to grab a free copy of my Top 15 Reader-Favorite Recipes before you go!