Grilled Miso Eggplant

Ingredients

• 2 large eggplants 2 large eggplants
• 2 tablespoons miso paste 2 tablespoons miso paste
• 1 tablespoon mirin 1 tablespoon mirin
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sugar 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Optional garnishes: sesame seeds, green onions Optional garnishes: sesame seeds, green onions

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 4g, 0.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 10g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. 2.
   Cut the eggplants in half lengthwise and score the flesh in a crisscross pattern.
3. 3.
   In a small bowl, whisk together the miso paste, mirin, soy sauce, and sugar until well combined.
4. 4.
   Brush the cut side of the eggplants with vegetable oil.
5. 5.
   Place the eggplants on the grill, cut side down, and cook for about 5 minutes or until grill marks appear.
6. 6.
   Flip the eggplants and brush the miso glaze generously on the cut side.
7. 7.
   Continue grilling for another 5 minutes or until the eggplants are tender and the glaze is caramelized.
8. 8.
   Remove from the grill and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions, if desired.
9. 9.
   Serve hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Eggplant — Choose eggplants that are firm and glossy. Salting the eggplant slices before grilling can help remove any bitterness. Rinse and pat dry before grilling.
• Miso paste — Use a good quality miso paste, such as white or red miso, for the best flavor. Adjust the amount of miso according to your taste preference.
• Mirin — If you don't have mirin, you can substitute it with a combination of rice vinegar and a pinch of sugar.

Tips & Tricks

• For a smokier flavor, you can grill the eggplants over charcoal instead of using a gas grill.
• Adjust the sweetness and saltiness of the miso glaze according to your taste preference.
• Serve the Grilled Miso Eggplant as a side dish or as part of a Japanese-inspired meal.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed cold or reheated the next day.
• Experiment with different garnishes such as chopped cilantro or shredded nori for added flavor and visual appeal.

Serving advice

Serve the Grilled Miso Eggplant as a standalone appetizer or as a side dish alongside steamed rice and miso soup. It pairs well with other Japanese dishes such as teriyaki chicken or sushi rolls.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Grilled Miso Eggplant slices on a platter, drizzle any remaining miso glaze on top, and sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions for an attractive presentation. Consider serving it on traditional Japanese ceramic plates or bowls to enhance the cultural experience.