Name: Miso Glazed Aubergine (Japanese Miso Eggplant) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 18 min
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 2 aubergines/eggplants (washed); 1 tbsp neutral oil (such as vegetable or canola oil); 1 tbsp miso paste; 2 tsp brown sugar; ½ tbsp mirin; ½ tbsp sake or water; Toasted sesame seeds; Spring onions/scallions (green parts only, finely chopped); Nori – cut into thin strips

Print Recipe· 4.3 from 15 reviews

If you love bold, savory flavors combined with a luscious, tender vegetable, this Miso Glazed Aubergine (Japanese Miso Eggplant) Recipe is going to be your new favorite. The silky aubergine caramelizes beautifully beneath a rich, umami-packed miso glaze, creating a dish that is both comforting and surprisingly sophisticated. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight treat or an impressive side for your next dinner, this recipe is simple to master and will fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas that invite you to dive right in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Two whole dark purple eggplants sit side by side at the top of the image on a white marbled surface. Below them are three small white bowls in a row: the left bowl holds a clear, slightly oily liquid; the middle bowl has a thick tan paste with a smooth texture; the right bowl contains a clear, watery liquid. In front of these are another three small white bowls: the left one filled with soft brown sugar clumps; the middle one with chopped light and dark green scallions; and the right one with thin, dark green strips of seaweed. The overall layout is neat and organized, showing fresh and varied ingredients. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

To create this irresistible Miso Glazed Aubergine (Japanese Miso Eggplant) Recipe, you only need a handful of simple ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in building the texture, depth, and authentic Japanese flavor that makes this dish shine.

Aubergines/eggplant: Choose glossy, fresh aubergines that will become silky and tender when grilled.
Neutral oil: A light oil such as vegetable or canola helps to crisp the aubergine without overpowering the glaze.
Miso paste: This fermented soybean paste is the star, delivering deep umami and a subtle saltiness.
Brown sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savory miso.
Mirin: A sweet Japanese rice wine that enhances both flavor and glossiness.
Sake or water: Helps thin the miso glaze to the perfect consistency.
Toasted sesame seeds: For a nutty crunch and pretty finish.
Spring onions/scallions: Their fresh green bite brightens the dish.
Nori strips: Adds an extra layer of flavor and texture from seaweed.

How to Make Miso Glazed Aubergine (Japanese Miso Eggplant) Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Grill and Aubergines

First, set your grill or broiler to its highest heat to get a nice char on the aubergine. Trim the stems off the aubergines, then slice each one lengthwise into quarters. Score the flesh side of each slice in a diamond pattern—just shallow cuts to help the glaze soak in, without piercing the skin. This step is key to infusing flavor deep into the aubergine and speeding up cooking time.

Step 2: Oil and Grill the Aubergines

Brush the inside (scored) parts of each slice with your neutral oil to prevent sticking and help caramelize the flesh. Also brush the skin side for even cooking. Place the aubergines skin side up on your grill pan or broiler tray. Grill for 4 to 5 minutes until the skins start to pucker and the aubergine softens slightly. This pre-cooking ensures your final dish has that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 3: Make the Miso Glaze

While the aubergines are grilling, mix your miso paste, mirin, sake (or water), and brown sugar in a small bowl until you have a smooth, glossy glaze. The mixture should be thick enough to stick but loose enough to spread into all those scored crevices.

Step 4: Glaze and Finish Grilling

Turn the grilled aubergine slices over so the scored side faces up. Generously brush each piece with the miso glaze, making sure to fill those diamond cuts. Return the pan to the grill for another 2 to 3 minutes. Keep a close eye to allow the glaze to brown and bubble, creating that irresistible caramelized top that is signature to this dish.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once the aubergines have a beautiful golden-brown glaze, remove them from the grill. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds, finely chopped green onions/scallions, and thin strips of nori. This final touch adds both flavor and eye-catching color to the dish, making it irresistible on the plate.

How to Serve Miso Glazed Aubergine (Japanese Miso Eggplant) Recipe

The image shows eight long roasted eggplant halves placed on a shiny metal grill rack. Each eggplant half has golden brown skin with dark brown grilled lines and a few lighter yellow areas where the eggplant flesh is soft. The eggplants have shallow diamond-shaped cuts on their surface, giving texture to the smooth skin. Some oil droplets and small brown charred spots are visible on the metal rack below the eggplants. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkling toasted sesame seeds and chopped spring onions over the miso-glazed aubergines not only adds inviting textures but also fresh, vibrant flavors that balance the rich glaze perfectly. Thin nori strips lend a subtle seaweed aroma that ties the Japanese theme together beautifully.

Side Dishes

This Miso Glazed Aubergine (Japanese Miso Eggplant) Recipe pairs wonderfully with fluffy steamed white rice or sticky sushi rice. For a more complete meal, serve alongside miso soup, pickled vegetables, or a simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil for a refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the aubergine slices stacked atop a bed of mixed greens with a drizzle of soy-ginger dressing for a light lunch. Alternatively, chop the finished aubergine and mix it into noodles or rice bowls for a fusion twist. The caramelized miso glaze makes it perfect for adding umami punch to other dishes!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover miso-glazed aubergine keeps well refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the garnishes separate until serving to preserve their freshness and crunch.

Freezing

While aubergine can sometimes become watery after freezing, if you want to store this dish longer, freeze it without the garnishes in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a low oven or under the grill to restore the glaze’s beautiful sheen and crisp the edges slightly. Avoid microwaving as it can make the aubergine mushy and less appetizing.

FAQs

Can I use other types of miso paste?

Absolutely. White miso is mild and sweet, which works beautifully here, but you can use red or mixed miso for a bolder flavor. Just adjust your sugar to balance the miso’s saltiness accordingly.

What can I substitute for mirin?

If you don’t have mirin, you can use a mix of sake and sugar or a light honey drizzle to mimic the sweet, tangy flavor. Avoid using straight sugar as it lacks the complexity mirin provides.

Is there a vegan version of this recipe?

This recipe is naturally vegan as it uses plant-based ingredients. Just ensure your miso paste does not contain any added fish products, which some varieties might.

Can I cook this aubergine on a stovetop?

You can pan-fry the aubergine slices on medium heat until soft before applying the miso glaze and finishing briefly under a broiler or grill. This method works if you don’t have a grill oven.

How spicy is this recipe?

There is no inherent heat in this Miso Glazed Aubergine recipe, but you can add chili flakes or a dash of chili oil if you like a little kick to complement the umami glaze.

Final Thoughts

Trust me when I say this Miso Glazed Aubergine (Japanese Miso Eggplant) Recipe is a total game changer in the kitchen. It’s bursting with flavors that feel both familiar and exciting, perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying any day you want something truly special. Give it a try and watch this humble vegetable become the star of your meals!