If you're craving a dish that perfectly marries umami flavors with a delightful sweetness, look no further than Nasu Dengaku—miso broiled eggplant! This traditional Japanese delicacy is not only a feast for the eyes with its glossy miso glaze but also a treat for your taste buds. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a dish that will impress your family and friends, making it the perfect addition to any meal. Ready to dive into the world of Japanese cuisine? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Japanese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 medium eggplants
- 4 tablespoons miso paste
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon mirin
- 1 tablespoon sake
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the eggplants will cook evenly and develop a nice caramelization.
- While the oven is preheating, prepare the eggplants. Rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Cut each eggplant in half lengthwise, creating two long halves for each eggplant.
- Using a sharp knife, score the flesh of each eggplant half in a crisscross pattern, being careful not to cut through the skin. This will help the miso mixture penetrate and flavor the eggplant.
- In a medium bowl, combine the miso paste, sugar, mirin, and sake. Mix well until you have a smooth, thick paste. This will be the glaze for the eggplants.
- Using a spoon or a brush, generously spread the miso mixture over the cut sides of each eggplant half, ensuring that the glaze fills the scored areas for maximum flavor.
- Place the glazed eggplants on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cut side up. Make sure they are spaced apart to allow for even cooking.
- Once the oven is preheated, place the baking sheet in the oven and roast the eggplants for about 15-20 minutes, or until the eggplant is tender and the miso glaze is caramelized and bubbling.
- While the eggplants are roasting, prepare the sesame seeds for garnish. You can toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until they are golden brown and fragrant. This step adds a lovely nutty flavor to the dish.
- Once the eggplants are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a minute. Then, transfer them to a serving platter.
- Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the top of the miso-broiled eggplants for an added crunch and flavor.
- Serve the nasu dengaku miso broiled eggplant warm as an appetizer or side dish. Enjoy!
Tips
- Choose the Right Eggplants: Opt for medium-sized, firm eggplants for the best texture. Japanese eggplants are ideal due to their thin skin and sweet flavor.
- Score for Flavor: Scoring the flesh of the eggplant not only helps the miso glaze penetrate deeper but also allows for better caramelization during roasting.
- Adjust the Sweetness: Feel free to tweak the sugar in the miso glaze to match your taste preferences. A little more sugar can enhance the sweetness, while less can keep it savory.
- Experiment with Miso: Different types of miso (white, red, or even mixed) can alter the flavor profile of your dish. Try experimenting to find your favorite combination!
- Don’t Skip the Sesame Seeds: Toasting the sesame seeds adds a nutty crunch that complements the creamy eggplant and rich miso glaze beautifully.
- Serve with a Twist: While Nasu Dengaku is delicious on its own, consider pairing it with steamed rice or as a topping for a fresh salad to elevate your meal.
- Watch the Oven: Keep an eye on the eggplants towards the end of the cooking time to prevent burning. Each oven is different, and you want that perfect caramelized finish!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
