Miso Eggplant Recipe

1. Prepare the eggplant

Trim the stem ends of the eggplants and cut each lengthwise into halves. If using large eggplants, cut each half again into long quarters so pieces are roughly 1 to 1½ inches thick. Score the flesh in a crosshatch pattern about 1/2 inch deep to help flavors penetrate.

2. Optional sweating

If eggplant is particularly bitter or spongy, sprinkle both cut surfaces with kosher salt and let sit for 10–15 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Rinse briefly under cold water and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.

3. Make the miso marinade

In a small bowl combine white miso paste, mirin, sake, light soy sauce, and sugar. Whisk until smooth and the sugar is dissolved. Stir in the neutral oil to create a glossy marinade that will help with caramelization.

4. Coat the eggplant

Brush or spread about half the miso marinade over the flesh sides of the eggplant pieces, reserving the rest for finishing. Let them sit for 10 minutes while you heat the cooking surface so the miso adheres and penetrates slightly.

5. Preheat your oven broiler or a heavy skillet: For broiling, position an oven rack 6–8 inches from the broiler and preheat to high. If using a skillet, heat a large cast-iron or heavy nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.

6. Cook the eggplant under broiler or in skillet: If broiling, place the eggplant flesh-side up on a foil-lined baking sheet and broil for 6–8 minutes until the miso is bubbling and beginning to brown. For skillet: add 1 tablespoon neutral oil to the hot pan, place eggplant flesh-side down and cook 4–5 minutes until golden and caramelized, then flip and cook 3–4 minutes more until tender. Reduce heat if the miso threatens to burn; aim for deep golden caramelization.

7. Finish with remaining marinade (optional second glaze): Spoon or brush the reserved miso mixture on top of the eggplant during the last 1–2 minutes of cooking to build a glossy glaze and reheat the sauce. If broiling, return to broiler for 1–2 minutes.

8. Finish with aromatics and oil: Transfer cooked eggplant to a serving platter. Drizzle with sesame oil and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced scallions evenly over the pieces.

9. Add heat and citrus: If desired, dust lightly with shichimi togarashi or chili flakes for heat. Serve with lime wedges on the side for a bright squeeze just before eating.

10. Serve warm or at room temperature: This miso eggplant is best served warm or at room temperature as an appetizer. Use chopsticks or a small fork to pick up pieces. Leftovers keep refrigerated up to 2 days; reheat gently to avoid scorching the miso glaze.