Nasu no Miso Itame

Ingredients

• 2 large eggplants (about 500g) 2 large eggplants (about 500g)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 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
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 green onion, thinly sliced 1 green onion, thinly sliced
• Sesame seeds, for garnish Sesame seeds, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 24g, 12g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Cut the eggplants into bite-sized pieces.
2. 2.
   In a small bowl, whisk together miso paste, mirin, soy sauce, and sugar until well combined.
3. 3.
   Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
4. 4.
   Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
5. 5.
   Add the eggplant to the skillet and stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until it becomes tender.
6. 6.
   Pour the miso glaze over the eggplant and stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes until the eggplant is evenly coated.
7. 7.
   Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
8. 8.
   Serve hot with steamed rice.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Eggplant — To ensure the eggplant cooks evenly, make sure to cut it into uniform bite-sized pieces. Additionally, salting the eggplant before cooking can help remove any bitterness.
• Miso paste — Choose a high-quality miso paste for the best flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, use white miso, while red miso will provide a stronger and more robust flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili flakes or drizzle some chili oil over the finished dish.
• Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms to the stir-fry for added variety.
• Adjust the sweetness of the miso glaze by adding more or less sugar according to your taste preference.
• Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for an extra nutty flavor.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Serving advice

Serve Nasu no Miso Itame as a main dish alongside steamed rice for a satisfying and complete meal. It can also be served as a side dish alongside other Japanese-inspired dishes.

Presentation advice

Arrange the stir-fried eggplant on a plate and garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an appealing presentation. Serve it alongside a bowl of steamed rice for a visually pleasing and delicious meal.