Miso-Glazed Eggplant (Nasu Dengaku) Recipe: A Tasty Japanese Delight
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Miso-Glazed Eggplant, known as Nasu Dengaku in Japan, is a delightful dish that brings together the rich flavors of miso and the natural sweetness of eggplant. This easy-to-make recipe requires only a few ingredients like miso, mirin, sugar, and sake to create a delicious and savory glaze.
You’ll start by grilling or pan-frying the eggplant until it’s perfectly tender, then brushing it with the miso glaze for a burst of umami flavor. Whether you’re looking for a unique side dish or a main course for a light meal, this recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory that will leave you craving more.
Exact Ingredients (+ Possible Substitutes)
For a delicious Miso-Glazed Eggplant, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Main Ingredients:
- Eggplants: 2 small or 1 large. Choose firm and shiny ones.
- Miso Paste: 3 tablespoons. Red or white miso works.
- Mirin: 1 tablespoon. Substitute with sweet sherry or a pinch of sugar mixed with water.
- Sake: 1 tablespoon. Use dry white wine if needed.
- Sugar: 1 teaspoon. You can use honey or agave nectar.
- Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons. Olive oil is a good alternative.
- Green Onion/Scallion: 1, thinly sliced.
Optional Ingredients:
- Shiso Leaves: For garnish. Substitute with basil or mint if unavailable.
Cooking Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 425ºF (220ºC).
- Once the eggplants are baked and the miso glaze is ready, garnish with green onions and shiso leaves.
This blend creates a flavorful dish with simple, accessible ingredients. Enjoy your cooking!
Instructions
Ingredients you will need:
- 2 medium eggplants
- 3 tablespoons miso paste
- 2 tablespoons mirin
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon sake
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
Steps to follow:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Cut the eggplants in half lengthwise.
Score the flesh in a cross-hatch pattern about ½ inch deep.
Brush the cut sides of the eggplants with canola oil.
Place the eggplants flesh side down on a baking sheet lined with foil.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until tender.
Prepare the miso glaze:
- In a bowl, whisk together miso, mirin, sugar, sake, and minced garlic until smooth.
Glaze the eggplants:
Remove the eggplants from the oven.
Turn them over so the cut sides are facing up.
Spread the miso glaze evenly over the cut sides.
Return to the oven and bake for another 5-10 minutes until the glaze is slightly caramelized.
Final touch:
Take the eggplants out of the oven.
Let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Optionally, you can garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions. Enjoy your delicious miso-glazed eggplants!
Tips, Tricks & Storing
Tips
Choose the Right Eggplant: Small to medium-sized eggplants work best. They are less bitter and have fewer seeds.
Prep Properly: Score the flesh in a crisscross pattern. This helps the glaze penetrate better. Brush with oil to ensure even cooking.
Miso Glaze: Mix miso, mirin, sake, and sugar until smooth. Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Tricks
Perfect Browning: Pan fry the eggplant cut-side down first, then flip. This ensures a nice, even brown color.
Steaming Option: For extra softness, add a lid while cooking. This traps steam and makes the eggplant tender.
Broiling: After glazing, broil the eggplants for a few minutes. Keep a close watch to prevent burning.
| Action | Time |
|---|---|
| Pan-frying | 3-5 minutes per side |
| Broiling | 2-3 minutes |
Storing
In the Fridge: Store cooked eggplant in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
In the Freezer: Freeze for up to a month. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil to avoid freezer burn.
Reheating: For best results, reheat in the oven. This helps maintain texture and flavor without making the eggplant soggy.
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
Nasu Dengaku is a versatile dish. There are many ways to enjoy it and make it your own.
Different Glazes
- Sweet Miso: Combine miso, mirin, sugar, and sake for a classic glaze.
- Spicy Miso: Add a bit of chili paste or sriracha for some heat.
- Sesame Miso: Mix in some sesame oil and seeds for a nutty flavor.
Cooking Methods
- Grilling: Gives the eggplant a smoky flavor and nice grill marks.
- Baking: Use your oven if you don’t have access to a grill.
- Pan-Frying: Quick and easy for when you’re in a hurry.
Serving Ideas
- Rice Bowl: Place the glazed eggplant on a bed of steamed rice.
- Noodles: Serve with soba or udon noodles for a hearty meal.
- Side Dish: It pairs well with grilled meats or tofu.
Garnishes
- Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle on top for a crunchy texture.
- Green Onions: Adds a fresh and mild bite.
- Pickled Ginger: Offers a tangy contrast to the sweet miso glaze.
Extra Ingredients
- Tofu: Marinate and glaze tofu along with the eggplant.
- Mushrooms: Grilled or pan-fried mushrooms complement the eggplant well.
- Bell Peppers: Add for extra color and flavor.
Experiment with these variations to find your favorite way to enjoy Nasu Dengaku.
