Rating: 4.8/5
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
This miso eggplant recipe is perfect for those of you who are really into totally different and pretty tasty food which is also good for the body. To make this dish, it’s simply a process of saut?ing a few ingredients with garlic and ginger before combining with miso paste and adding it back to the pan to reduce, so it’s surprisingly easy and a great vegetarian dish for any occasion, not to mention slightly sweet with a kick of spice from the shirataki noodles.
The Story Behind miso eggplant recipe
- Japanese Roots: Miso eggplant also known as Nasu Dengaku popular in Japanese kitchen is best taken as side order or as a first course.
- Key Ingredient – Miso: Miso is a type of soybean paste used in being a flavorful seasoning that offers the umami, the savoury taste connected to savory food stuffs like meat, fish and poultry.
- A Global Favorite: Miso eggplant which has a robust and naturally sweet flavor has slowly made its way to worldwide tastebuds becoming a famous vegan delicacy.
Read more: Crispy Fried Eggplant Recipe
Ingredients for miso eggplant recipe
To make this miso eggplant recipe, you’ll need the following:
- 2 medium-sized Japanese eggplants
- 2 tbsp miso paste (white or yellow miso)
- 1 tbsp mirin (Japanese rice wine)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (for extra depth of flavor)
- 1 tbsp sugar (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp rice vinegar (for tang)
- 1 green onion, finely chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions for miso eggplant recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Eggplants
- Wash and dry the eggplants. Remove from the core and split into two lengthwise, and create shallow intersecting cuts on the fleshy part.
- Lightly oil both sides of the fish with vegetable oil because the fish pieces are bound not to stick when cooked.
Step 2: Make the Miso Glaze
- In a small bowl mix miso paste with mirin, soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil and rice vinegar. Mix well until smooth.
- Add more sugar if you’d like it a little less bitter, or more salt if it needs a boost in umami.
Step 3: Cook the Eggplants
- Turn the heat on a non stick pan to medium. Put the eggplants flesh side down, then, grill for about 4-5 minutes or until a lightly browned and soft flesh is achievable.
- Rotate the eggplants on their sides, spread the miso glaze on the broader part of the eggplants more liberally on the side with the fleshy part.
- Place the lid and let it simmer for another 5-6 mins until the eggplant is tender and the glaze is a little bit sticky.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
- Finally garnish the cooked eggplants with some green onions, which have been finely chopped and sesame seeds, which will bring some colour and extra taste to the dish.
- Should be eaten when still hot with rice or noodles or is also be taken alone.

Nutritional Value (Per Serving) for miso eggplant recipe
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Vitamin A: 2% DV
- Vitamin C: 4% DV
- Calcium: 3% DV
- Iron: 4% DV
Tips for the Best miso eggplant recipe
- Choose the Right Eggplant: It is perfect because Japanese eggplants are sweeter and more tender when compared to the usual eggplants.
- Experiment with Miso: The white type of miso contains less amount of soybeans as compared to the red type which adds a intense taste in recipes. Both and take your pick of which one you like better.
- Serve with Rice: Miso eggplant needs to be served together with steamed rice, because the rice picks up all the flavors of the glaze superbly.
Frequent Asked Questions
1. What do you need to know to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari so that the miso eggplant recipe will be gluten free.
2. How else can I garnish my dish?
Why not put chili flakes for a drizzle of honey if you are into a little bit of a sweet flavor. Try one of the most simple Japanese recipes that will take no time to prepare and will surely become your new favorite dish known as miso eggplant. This steak is wholesomely tasty and is perfect for lunch.
Read more: