Miso-Glazed Eggplant
If you’ve been looking for a flavorful, plant-based dish that’s both easy to make and loaded with umami, look no further than miso-glazed eggplant. This Japanese-inspired dish is a true delight: tender, caramelized eggplant topped with a sweet-savory miso glaze that makes each bite irresistible.
What is Miso-Glazed Eggplant?
Miso-glazed eggplant is Japanese inspired dish in which eggplant is cooked until it’s tender, then topped with a caramelized miso glaze. The glaze, made from a combination of miso paste, maple syrup, sriracha, garlic and sesame oil, creates a complex blend of flavors that’s both savory and slightly sweet. It’s an easy way to add a taste of Japan to your table, with ingredients you can find in most grocery stores or Asian markets.
Why You’ll Love This Miso-Glazed Eggplant
- Packed with Umami: Miso paste is rich in umami, bringing a deep savory flavor that pairs beautifully with the mild, creamy taste of eggplant.
- Quick and Easy: With only a handful of ingredients and simple steps, this recipe is perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks.
- Vegan-Friendly: Miso-glazed eggplant is entirely plant-based, making it a great addition to vegan and vegetarian meal plans.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Eggplant: Japanese eggplants are ideal because of their tender flesh and slightly sweet flavor, but regular eggplants work just as well. Cut them in half lengthwise or into rounds.
- Miso Paste: White miso offers a mild flavor, while red miso brings a stronger, saltier taste. Either works, but white miso is more traditional.
- Maple syrup: Maple syrup adds sweetness and the depth of flavor. If you don’t have maple syrup, substitute for sugar or othe sweetener.
- Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty flavor and helps cook the eggplant to golden perfection.
- Sriracha: Adds a spicy kich to the dish, you can substitute for other fvorit chili sauce or some chili flakes.
- Garlic: Pairs well with all the ingredients and adds more flavour to the eggplant.
- Optional Garnishes: Green onions and sesame seeds add a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Serving Suggestions
Miso-glazed eggplant is incredibly versatile. Serve it with steamed rice, a fresh salad, or alongside other Japanese-inspired dishes like miso soup and pickled vegetables. It also pairs well with grilled tofu or stir-fried greens if you’re looking to add more plant-based sides.
Check out more recipes:
Miso-glazed Eggplant
Equipment
- air-fryer or an oven
Ingredients
- 1 large eggplant
- 1 tsp miso paste
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp maple syrup
- tsp sriracha
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1 spring onion
Instructions
- Cut the eggplants in half lengthwise. If using larger eggplants, cut them into 1- to 2-inch thick rounds. Score the flesh in a crisscross pattern, being careful not to cut through the skin. This helps the glaze soak in and the eggplant to cook evenly.
- In a small bowl, combine the miso paste, garlic, sriracha, soy sauce, maple syrup and sesame oil. Stir until smooth.
- Brush the miso glaze generously over the scored surface of each eggplant and sprinkle sesame seeds on top. Place the eggplant in the air-fryer or oven with 180C and bake until tender. Watch carefully so it doesn’t burn.
- Garnish with sprinkle of green onions. Serve it and enjoy!
