Miso Glazed Eggplant Recipe

Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Rest Time 5 mins
Total Time 30 mins
Cooking Method: Roasting
Cuisine: Japanese
Courses: Appetizers, Dinner, Lunch
Difficulty: Beginner
Cooking Temp: 220  C
Servings: 2
Best Season: All Seasons
Description

This miso glazed eggplant delivers a rich, savory-sweet flavor with perfectly caramelized edges and melt-in-your-mouth softness. Made with a simple Japanese-style miso glaze, this dish is naturally vegetarian, packed with umami, and ideal as a side dish, appetizer, or light lunch. It’s an easy, healthy, and flavorful recipe that works beautifully for weeknight meals or elegant dinners.

Ingredients
    For the Eggplant
  • 1 large eggplant (halved lengthwise)
  • 1 tbsp neutral oil (sunflower or canola)
  • 1 pinch salt (to season lightly)
  • For the Miso Glaze
  • 2 tbsp white miso paste
  • 1.5 tbsp honey (or sugar for vegan)
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp warm water (to thin the glaze)
  • 1 clove garlic (minced)
  • 0.5 tsp grated ginger
  • For Garnish
  • 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
  • 1 tbsp sliced green onions
  • A small handful of chopped coriander (optional)
Instructions
    Prepare the Eggplant
  1. 1
    Score the flesh of each eggplant half in a crisscross pattern without cutting through the skin. This helps the glaze seep in and ensures even cooking. Lightly brush the surface with oil and sprinkle a small pinch of salt.
  2. Roast the Eggplant
  3. 2
    Place the eggplant halves on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, flesh side up. Roast at 220°C for 15 minutes until the flesh has softened and the edges begin to brown.
  4. Make the Miso Glaze
  5. 3
    In a small bowl, mix miso paste, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and warm water until smooth. The glaze should be thick but spreadable.
  6. Glaze the Eggplant
  7. 4
    Remove the roasted eggplant from the oven. Spread a generous layer of miso glaze over the surface of each half, ensuring it reaches all the scored lines. Allow it to soak in for a minute.
  8. Caramelize the Glaze
  9. 5
    Return the eggplant to the oven and roast for another 10 minutes. The glaze should bubble, darken slightly, and create a caramelized top. Rest for 5 minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
  10. Add Garnishes
  11. 6
    Finish with toasted sesame seeds, sliced green onions, and optional coriander before serving. Serve warm.
Note

Miso type: White miso (shiro miso) gives a mild, slightly sweet flavor. Red miso will create a saltier, stronger glaze.

Vegan option: Replace honey with sugar, maple syrup, or agave.

Add protein: Serve with tofu, steamed rice, or grilled chicken (halal).

Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain texture.

Make it spicy: Add 0.5 tsp chili flakes or a little chili paste to the glaze.

Keywords: miso eggplant, roasted eggplant, healthy vegetarian recipe, Japanese side dish, quick dinner
Read it online: https://petitepanini.com/recipe/miso-glazed-eggplant-recipe/