Miso glazed eggplant, also known as Nasu Dengaku, is a delicious Japanese dish that combines the rich umami flavor of miso with tender roasted eggplant. Below is a simple and flavorful recipe to prepare this vegetarian delight.
Ingredients
- Eggplant:
- 2 medium-sized eggplants (or 4 small Japanese eggplants)
- Cooking Oil:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or sesame oil)
- Miso Glaze:
- 1/4 cup miso paste (white or awase miso)
- 2 tablespoons mirin
- 1 tablespoon sugar (granulated or maple syrup)
- 1 tablespoon sake (optional)
- Garnish:
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions or microgreens (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Eggplant:
- Preheat your oven to broil mode.
- Slice the eggplants in half lengthwise and score the flesh in a criss-cross pattern to help the glaze penetrate.
Cook the Eggplant:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place the eggplant halves cut-side down in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes until browned.
- Flip the eggplants over, cover with a lid, and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until soft.
Make the Miso Glaze:
- In a bowl, whisk together the miso paste, mirin, sugar, and sake until smooth.
Glaze and Broil:
- Transfer the cooked eggplant halves to a foil-lined baking sheet, cut-side up.
- Generously brush the miso glaze over each half.
- Broil in the oven for about 4-5 minutes until the glaze is bubbly and caramelized.
Serve:
- Remove from the oven, sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions or microgreens if desired.
- Serve hot as a side dish or over rice for a complete meal.
Tips for Best Results
- Choose medium-sized black eggplants for optimal texture and flavor.
- For added depth, consider glazing the eggplants twice,once before broiling and again right after they come out of the oven.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice or as part of a larger Asian-inspired meal.
Enjoy your flavorful Miso Glazed Eggplant! This dish not only highlights the unique taste of eggplant but also showcases the savory sweetness of miso, making it a perfect addition to any vegetarian menu.
