Japanese eggplant is a culinary treasure, with its tender texture and mild flavor making it a favorite in many dishes. If you’ve never cooked with it before, you’re in for a delightful surprise! Let’s explore some creative and mouth-watering ways to prepare this versatile vegetable.
Miso-Glazed Japanese Eggplant


Miso-Glazed Japanese Eggplant (Nasu Dengaku) from Del's cooking twist
Rating: 5. Ingredients: 30 min
Miso glaze brings a rich, savory depth to the naturally sweet flavor of Japanese eggplant. This dish involves slicing the eggplant in half and roasting it until tender, then slathering it with a mixture of miso paste, mirin, and sugar before giving it a quick broil. The result is a beautifully caramelized topping that perfectly contrasts with the soft, creamy eggplant underneath.
This recipe is popular because it’s super easy and packed with umami goodness. Miso-glazed eggplant makes a stunning side dish or a satisfying main, especially when served over a bed of rice or alongside grilled meats.
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Grilled Japanese Eggplant with Soy Sauce


Grilled Eggplant With Garlic and Soy from NYT Cooking – The New York Times
Rating: 4. Ingredients: 45 min Total Time: 45 min.

Stir-fried Japanese Eggplant with Garlic and Ginger from Flavor Feed
Rating: 5. Ingredients: 20 min Total Time: 20 min.
Grilling Japanese eggplant enhances its smokiness and gives it a delightful char that pairs beautifully with a drizzle of soy sauce. Simply slice the eggplant lengthwise, brush it with some sesame oil, and throw it on the grill until it’s tender and slightly crispy. A sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onions on top adds a nice crunch and freshness.
This dish is popular at summer barbecues and picnics because it’s quick to prepare and bursting with flavor. The combination of smoky eggplant and salty soy sauce makes every bite an enjoyable experience that will leave you wanting more!
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Stir-Fried Japanese Eggplant with Garlic

When you stir-fry Japanese eggplant with garlic, the two ingredients come together in a delightful dance of flavors. The eggplant absorbs the garlicky goodness while retaining its unique texture, creating a dish that’s both fragrant and tasty. Toss everything in a hot wok with a little soy sauce and chili flakes for an extra kick!
This recipe is a go-to for busy weeknights. It’s not only quick to whip up but also highly customizable; you can add your favorite proteins or other veggies to make it even heartier!
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Eggplant Donburi

Soy-Glazed Eggplant Donburi from Just One Cookbook
Rating: 4.7. Ingredients: Gluten free soy, white sesame seeds, potato starch, ginger, short grain rice Total Time: 20 min.

Eggplant Rice Bowl (Donburi) Recipe from Serious Eats
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Pickled mustard greens, miso, mung bean sprouts, soy sauce, dried shiitake mushrooms

Soy-Glazed Eggplant Donburi from Punchfork
Rating: 4.9. Ingredients: Gluten free soy, white sesame seeds, potato starch, ginger, short grain rice Total Time: 20 min.
Imagine a comforting bowl of rice topped with tender, braised Japanese eggplant, and you have the heartwarming dish known as donburi. The eggplant is simmered in a rich sauce of dashi, soy sauce, and mirin, allowing it to soak up all the flavors. Served over warm rice, it’s a perfect meal for any day of the week.
This dish is especially beloved for its simplicity and the way it warms you from the inside out. It’s a classic comfort food that feels like a hug in a bowl, making it a favorite among families.
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Japanese Eggplant Tempura
Tempura is a beloved Japanese cooking technique that creates a light, crispy batter around vegetables. When you use Japanese eggplant, the delicate flesh becomes even more tender and flavorful inside that crunchy shell. Served with a dipping sauce, tempura eggplant is a delightful appetizer or snack that everyone will enjoy!
The allure of tempura lies in its lightness and the satisfying crunch, making it a popular dish at festivals and restaurants. This recipe is not just about taste; it’s a fun cooking adventure that invites everyone to join in and enjoy the crispy goodness!
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Stuffed Japanese Eggplant

Stuffed Miso Eggplant from Oh My Veggies
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Soy sauce, cherry tomatoes, dijon mustard, rice vinegar, olive oil Total Time: 40 min.

Stuffed Eggplant from Veggiecurean
Ingredients: Tomato sauce, sweet peppers, olive oil, garlic, sugar Total Time: 1 hr 55 min.

Imam Bayıldı from Tori Avey
Rating: 4.7. Ingredients: Tomato, olive oil, sugar, japanese style, black pepper Total Time: 1 hr 45 min.
Stuffed Japanese eggplant is a delightful way to showcase the vegetable’s natural sweetness while adding a variety of flavors. Hollow out the eggplant and fill it with a mixture of ground meat, rice, and spices, then bake until everything is perfectly cooked and the eggplant is tender. The stuffing melds beautifully with the eggplant, creating a harmonious dish.
This recipe is popular for gatherings, as it can be made ahead and served warm from the oven. It’s a fantastic way to impress your friends and family with something unique and delicious!
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Japanese Eggplant Salad

Japanese Eggplant Salad – heavenly flavours! from Salads with Anastasia
Rating: 4.5. Ingredients: 1 h 30 min
This refreshing salad features grilled or roasted Japanese eggplant tossed with a zesty dressing made from rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Adding fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions brightens up the dish, while crunchy toppings like peanuts or sesame seeds give it that perfect texture. It’s a vibrant and healthy addition to any meal!
This salad is not only visually appealing, but it’s also an excellent way to enjoy the flavors of Japanese eggplant in a lighter format. Perfect for summer picnics or as a side dish at dinner, it’s sure to impress anyone who takes a bite!
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Eggplant Ramen

Stir-fried Japanese Eggplant with Garlic and Ginger from Flavor Feed
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Soy sauce, chinese eggplant, toasted sesame oil, garlic, fresh ginger Total Time: 20 min.

Best Japanese Eggplant Recipes from Just One Cookbook
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Stir fry, pork, dumplings, eggplant parmesan, miso glazed

Roasted Japanese Eggplant Parmesan from Family Savvy
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Japanese eggplant, bruschetta, red pepper flakes, fresh basil, whole milk Total Time: 40 min.
Ramen is a beloved comfort food, and adding Japanese eggplant takes it to a whole new level. The eggplant is roasted or stir-fried and then added to a rich, flavorful broth with noodles and your favorite toppings. It adds a lovely texture and earthiness that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
This dish is popular among ramen lovers because it’s both satisfying and unique. The combination of flavors and textures makes every spoonful a delight, and it’s a perfect way to warm up on a chilly day!