Save Experience the incredible transformation of simple eggplant into a luxurious, umami-packed centerpiece. These thick-cut eggplant steaks are roasted until they achieve a perfectly tender, silky texture, then finished with a savory-sweet miso glaze that caramelizes into a golden, flavorful crust. This Japanese-inspired dish offers a satisfying vegetarian main that is as visually stunning as it is delicious.
Save The secret to this dish lies in the two-step cooking process. By roasting the eggplant slices first, you ensure the interior becomes creamy and soft. The final blast of heat once the glaze is applied allows the sugars to darken and intensify, creating that signature sweet-and-salty profile that makes miso-glazed dishes so addictive.
Ingredients
- Eggplant: 2 large eggplants, cut into 1-inch thick rounds
- Miso Glaze: 3 tbsp white miso paste, 2 tbsp mirin (or dry sherry), 1 tbsp soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free), 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tsp rice vinegar, 1 garlic clove, minced, 1 tsp freshly grated ginger
- Garnish: 2 green onions, thinly sliced, 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, 1 small handful cilantro leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2
- Arrange eggplant slices on the sheet. Brush lightly with sesame oil and sprinkle with a little salt.
- Step 3
- Roast for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the eggplant is soft and starting to brown.
- Step 4
- Meanwhile, whisk together all glaze ingredients in a small bowl.
- Step 5
- Remove eggplant from oven, brush tops generously with the miso glaze.
- Step 6
- Return to oven and roast 8–10 more minutes, or until glaze is bubbling and caramelized.
- Step 7
- Transfer eggplant steaks to plates. Sprinkle with green onions, sesame seeds, and cilantro if using. Serve hot.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For an even more intense flavor, you can score the surface of the eggplant rounds in a diamond pattern before the initial roasting. This allows the sesame oil and eventually the miso glaze to penetrate deep into the flesh. Ensure the eggplant slices are of uniform thickness so they cook at the same rate.
Varianten und Anpassungen
To keep the recipe vegan, stick with maple syrup or agave instead of honey. If you enjoy a bit of heat, whisk a pinch of red chili flakes into the glaze. For those requiring a gluten-free meal, always use tamari and double-check that your miso paste is certified gluten-free.
Serviervorschläge
These savory steaks are best served alongside a steaming bowl of jasmine or brown rice. They also pair excellently with quinoa or a crisp green salad tossed in a light ginger dressing. For a complete Japanese-inspired meal, add some stir-fried greens or steamed bok choy on the side.
Save With its striking appearance and rich, complex flavors, this Miso-Glazed Eggplant is a testament to how simple ingredients can create a gourmet experience. Whether served as a light dinner or a sophisticated side, it is sure to impress both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
Recipe Questions
- → What type of miso works best for glazing?
White miso paste offers a mild, sweet umami flavor ideal for balancing the eggplant without overpowering it.
- → Can I substitute mirin in the glaze?
Dry sherry or a mild rice wine vinegar with a touch of sugar can be used if mirin is unavailable.
- → How do I achieve a caramelized glaze on the eggplant?
Brush the glaze generously on roasted eggplant slices, then return to a hot oven or briefly broil to bubble and caramelize the sugars.
- → Is it necessary to oil the eggplant before roasting?
Lightly brushing sesame oil enhances browning and prevents sticking while adding a toasty aroma.
- → What garnishes complement this dish?
Thinly sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro add freshness and textural contrast.