This Miso-Ginger Glazed Eggplant with Sesame Seeds is a savory, slightly sweet, and deeply flavorful dish that brings Japanese-inspired flavors to your table. Tender roasted eggplant is brushed with a glossy miso-ginger glaze, then finished with toasted sesame seeds for crunch and nutty aroma. Perfect as a side dish, over rice, or as part of a vegetable platter, this recipe is simple yet impressive, offering layers of umami and warmth with every bite.
2. Ingredients
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2 medium eggplants, halved lengthwise
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2 tablespoons vegetable oil
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3 tablespoons white miso paste
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2 tablespoons soy sauce
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1 tablespoon mirin (or rice vinegar if unavailable)
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1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
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1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
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1 clove garlic, minced
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1–2 teaspoons sesame oil
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1–2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
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2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish, optional)
3. Instructions
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Prepare the eggplant:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Score the flesh of each eggplant half in a crisscross pattern without cutting through the skin. Brush lightly with vegetable oil and place cut-side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. -
Roast the eggplant:
Roast in the oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the flesh is soft and beginning to caramelize. -
Make the glaze:
While the eggplant is roasting, whisk together miso paste, soy sauce, mirin, maple syrup, grated ginger, garlic, and sesame oil in a small bowl until smooth. -
Glaze the eggplant:
Remove the eggplant from the oven. Brush the miso-ginger glaze generously over the cut sides of the eggplant. Return to the oven for 5–10 minutes, allowing the glaze to bubble slightly and caramelize. -
Garnish and serve:
Remove from the oven and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve warm as a side dish, over steamed rice, or alongside noodles for a complete meal.
4. Preparation Time
Total: 40 minutes
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 30 minutes
5. Serving
Serves 2–4 people
6. Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 150 kcal
Protein: 4 g
Fat: 8 g
Carbohydrates: 18 g
Sugar: 6 g
7. Tips
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Eggplant selection: Choose firm, medium-sized eggplants with smooth skin for even roasting.
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Extra flavor: Add a sprinkle of chili flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the glaze for a spicy kick.
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Make ahead: The glaze can be prepared a day in advance; brush on the eggplant before roasting.
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Serving suggestion: Serve with steamed jasmine rice or quinoa for a wholesome meal.
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Texture tip: For a smokier flavor, broil the glazed eggplant for 2–3 minutes at the end of roasting.
8. Final Thought
This Miso-Ginger Glazed Eggplant with Sesame Seeds is a simple yet elegant dish that elevates humble eggplant into a rich, umami-packed experience. The silky roasted flesh absorbs the sweet and savory glaze, while sesame seeds and green onions add texture and brightness. Easy to make, visually stunning, and full of flavor, it’s a versatile dish that works as a side, appetizer, or main when paired with grains.
