Description:
Miso glazed eggplant is a trendy, flavorful dish that brings together the umami-rich flavor of miso with the natural creaminess of roasted eggplant. The dish is caramelized to perfection in the oven, leaving a savory, slightly sweet glaze on the eggplant. This simple yet sophisticated dish is ideal as a main course or a side dish. It’s a quick way to bring bold, Japanese-inspired flavors to your table with minimal effort.

Ingredients

  • 2 large eggplants, halved lengthwise
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 tbsp white miso paste
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp mirin (or rice vinegar)
  • 1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp sesame seeds, for garnish
  • 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven:
    Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Prepare the eggplant:
    Score the flesh of each eggplant half in a crosshatch pattern without cutting through the skin. Brush the eggplants with olive oil and place them cut side up on the baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the eggplant is soft and golden.
  3. Make the miso glaze:
    While the eggplants are roasting, whisk together the miso paste, soy sauce, mirin, honey (or maple syrup), minced garlic, and sesame oil in a small bowl until smooth.
  4. Glaze the eggplant:
    Remove the eggplant from the oven and brush the miso glaze generously over the cut sides of the roasted eggplants. Return the eggplant to the oven and roast for another 10-12 minutes until the glaze is caramelized and bubbling.
  5. Garnish and serve:
    Once the eggplants are done roasting, remove them from the oven and sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve hot as a main dish or side.

Prep Time:

10 minutes

Cook Time:

40 minutes

Total Time:

50 minutes

Servings:

Serves 4

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 210 kcal
  • Protein: 4g
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fiber: 7g
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 550mg

Additional Information:

Miso glazed eggplant is inspired by Japanese flavors, making it a popular dish in fusion cuisine. The miso glaze offers a balance of sweet and savory, while roasting the eggplant brings out its creamy texture. This dish is perfect as a plant-based entrée or an elegant side dish.

Diets:
This dish fits into the following dietary lifestyles:

  • Vegan (if using maple syrup)
  • Vegetarian
  • Mediterranean
  • Gluten-Free (if using tamari instead of soy sauce)
  • Low-Carb

When to Serve:
Miso glazed eggplant can be served as a hearty main dish or as a flavorful side to accompany dishes like rice, quinoa, or grilled meats. Its rich flavors and vibrant presentation make it perfect for dinner parties, casual meals, or as a light yet satisfying lunch.

Notes:

  • Choosing the right miso: White miso (shiro miso) is sweeter and milder than red miso, which would give the glaze a stronger, saltier flavor. For this dish, white miso works best.
  • Additional toppings: Try adding fresh herbs like cilantro or drizzle with a touch of chili oil for added spice.