Baked Miso Glazed Eggplant Recipe

Looking to impress your taste buds with something savoury, sweet, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious? Say hello to the Baked Miso Glazed Eggplant Recipe, the ultimate umami-packed side dish or meatless main that brings restaurant-quality flavour to your home oven. With its caramelised miso glaze, silky texture, and golden edges, this eggplant transforms into a true flavour bomb, and it’s surprisingly easy to make. No frying. No deep sauces. Just pure, roasted goodness with a miso-rich twist!

Much like our rich and earthy Mushroom Curry Recipe or the crowd-favourite Cauliflower Mushroom Recipe, this dish proves that plant-based doesn’t mean boring. Miso, a traditional Japanese fermented soybean paste, brings deep umami, a touch of sweetness, and just the right amount of saltiness to the eggplant’s sponge-like flesh. And when you roast it just right, the top caramelises while the inside turns buttery soft. It’s elegance, comfort, and nourishment all in one dish.

Whether you’re exploring more veggie-forward meals or looking to impress guests with a bold yet approachable recipe, this miso-glazed beauty fits the bill. Pair it with rice, serve it as part of a Buddha bowl, or plate it next to our Thai Watermelon Salad for a vibrant summer dinner. However you dish it up, this Baked Miso Glazed Eggplant is about to become your new go-to for bold, plant-powered flavour.

• Origins of Baked Miso Glazed Eggplant
• Tips & Tricks for Perfect Baked Miso Glazed Eggplant
• Variations of Baked Miso Glazed Eggplant
• Health Benefits of Baked Miso Glazed Eggplant
• Baked Miso Glazed Eggplant Recipe From OoohDelish!
• Share Your Twist
• FAQs: Baked Miso Glazed Eggplant Recipe

Origins of Baked Miso Glazed Eggplant

The roots of Baked Miso Glazed Eggplant trace back to a classic Japanese dish known as Nasu Dengaku. Traditionally grilled over an open flame, this savoury-sweet favourite features halved Japanese eggplants slathered in a miso-based glaze and caramelised until glossy and golden. It’s been a staple in Buddhist temple cuisine for centuries, where meals are plant-based, seasonal, and deeply connected to nature. That’s why miso eggplant isn’t just a side dish; it’s a full-on spiritual experience for your taste buds.

What makes Nasu Dengaku so iconic is the miso itself. Miso, a fermented soybean paste, has been used in Japanese cooking for over 1,300 years. It’s the same ingredient that adds punch to broths, marinades, and even desserts. In this dish, it transforms the humble eggplant into something silky, complex, and crave-worthy, much like how we elevate veggies in recipes like our umami-rich Mushroom Curry or veggie-packed Cauliflower Mushroom Recipe.

While the original version is grilled, this baked twist keeps things weeknight-friendly without sacrificing that deep, roasted flflavourIt’s perfect for modern kitchens and a total win if you’re aiming for a balanced, plant-powered plate. Whether you’re diving into global flavours or just eggplant-curious, this Baked Miso Glazed Eggplant Recipe is your gateway to Japanese-inspired comfort food.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Baked Miso Glazed Eggplant

1. Score the flesh for maximum flavour. Before brushing on the miso glaze, make shallow crosshatch cuts into the cut side of the eggplant. This helps the miso mixture seep into every nook and cranny, ensuring deep umami flavour with every bite, like how the marinade in our Chicken Spiedini Recipe gets into each juicy piece.
2. Use Japanese or Italian eggplants. Thinner eggplants like Japanese or Italian varieties bake more evenly and absorb the glaze beautifully. They’re also less bitter than the larger globe varieties, giving you a creamier texture post-roast.
3. Roast cut side up for that perfect caramelisation. Unlike other eggplant dishes, you want that miso glaze to bubble and brown. Roasting cut side up helps the sugars caramelise and develop that glossy, flavorful top layer. It’s the same logic behind getting the edges crispy in our Mashed Potato Cups.
4. Don’t skip the broil. After roasting, give the eggplant a quick blast under the broiler for 1–2 minutes to bring out that golden, slightly charred finish. Just watch closely, miso can burn fast!
5. Add a garnish pop. Top with sesame seeds, scallions, or chopped herbs like cilantro or shiso to elevate the look and flavour. It’s a small touch that makes it feel restaurant-level, just like the finishing drizzle in our Thai Watermelon Salad.
6. Double the glaze — trust us. You’ll want extra miso glaze to spoon over rice, noodles, or even roasted veggies. It’s that addictive. You might even want to drizzle it on a side of Cauliflower Mushroom Recipe for a double dose of flavour.

Variations of Baked Miso Glazed Eggplant

This Baked Miso Glazed Eggplant Recipe is already a flavour powerhouse, but why stop there? If you’re the type who loves to riff on a classic, here are some delicious variations that’ll take this dish from weeknight staple to crowd-stunning masterpiece.

1. Spicy Miso Glazed Eggplant Add a spoonful of gochujang (Korean chilli paste) or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the miso glaze for a fiery twist. It brings heat and depth, like the kick you get from our bold Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe.
2. Miso Glazed Eggplant Tacos: Slice roasted eggplant into strips and tuck them into warm tortillas with shredded cabbage and a dollop of sriracha mayo. It’s an Asian-Mexican fusion moment, perfect to serve with a chilled Cucumber Watermelon Mojito.
3. Crispy Miso Eggplant Boats: Roast longer slices or full halves of eggplant and top them with toasted breadcrumbs and sesame seeds for crunch. Serve alongside something equally satisfying, like our Cracker Barrel Fried Apples, for a sweet-savoury combo that hits all the notes.
4. Miso Eggplant Stir-Fry Style Chop the eggplant into cubes, stir-fry them in sesame oil, then toss with the miso glaze at the end. It’s quicker and has more texture, kind of like a cousin to our Cauliflower Mushroom Recipe.
5. Eggplant and Rice Bowl Layer your miso-glazed eggplant slices over steamed rice with shredded carrots, pickled onions, and a drizzle of extra glaze. It turns this dish into a full, nourishing meal. Pair it with something light like the Thai Watermelon Salad for a balanced plate.

Health Benefits of Baked Miso Glazed Eggplant

This Baked Miso Glazed Eggplant Recipe isn’t just a flavor bomb; it’s a nutrient-packed plant-based powerhouse that your body will thank you for. Eggplants are rich in antioxidants and fiber, while miso brings probiotics and savory depth. Together, they create a satisfying dish that feels indulgent but delivers loads of wellness in every bite.

Much like our veggie-forward Mushroom Curry Recipe or antioxidant-rich Thai Watermelon Salad, this recipe keeps things simple, seasonal, and gut-friendly. And bonus: baking instead of frying keeps it light and heart-healthy!

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional goodness:

Whether you’re plant-based or just trying to add more vegetables to your plate, this dish delivers nourishment, comfort, and flavor; all in one roasted beauty.

Baked Miso Glazed Eggplant Recipe From OoohDelish!

Baked Miso Glazed Eggplant Recipe

This Baked Miso Glazed Eggplant is savory, caramelized, and loaded with umami. Inspired by Japanese Nasu Dengaku, it’s perfect as a plant-based main or side crispy on the edges, creamy in the center, and glazed to glossy perfection.

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Vegetarian

Cuisine Asian-inspired, Japanese

Servings 4

Calories 180 kcal

Equipment

• Baking Tray
• Parchment paper
• Basting brush
• Mixing bowl
• Knife and cutting board

Ingredients

  

• 2 medium Japanese or Italian eggplants halved lengthwise
• 2 tbsp white miso paste
• 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey omit honey for vegan
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp grated ginger optional, for extra flavor
• 1 tsp minced garlic optional
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds for garnish
• 1 tbsp chopped scallions optional garnish
• Neutral oil spray or a drizzle of olive oil for roasting

Instructions

 

• Prep the oven & eggplant: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking tray with parchment. Cut eggplants in half lengthwise and score the flesh in a crosshatch pattern without cutting through the skin.
• Roast the eggplants: Lightly brush the eggplant flesh with oil and place cut-side up on the tray. Roast for 20 minutes until softened and lightly golden.
• Make the miso glaze: In a bowl, whisk together miso paste, maple syrup, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic until smooth.
• Glaze and finish roasting: Remove eggplants from oven, brush generously with the miso glaze, and return to oven for 8–10 more minutes. Broil for the final 1–2 minutes for caramelization (watch closely!).
• Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and scallions. Serve hot as a side or over rice, noodles, or with a light salad.

Notes

🧪 Nutrition (per serving)

Total servings: 4

• Calories: 180 kcal
• Protein: 4g
• Carbs: 20g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 6g
• Sugar: 9g

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📝 Notes

• For extra crispy edges, use a convection setting or broil longer (but watch carefully!).
• You can double the glaze and use leftovers on roasted veggies, tofu, or rice bowls.
• Try serving it with Thai Watermelon Salad or Cauliflower Mushroom Recipe for a full meal!

Keyword baked eggplant, Japanese eggplant recipe, miso eggplant, nasu dengaku, umami side dish, vegan eggplant

Share Your Twist

Share Your Twist on This Baked Miso Glazed Eggplant Recipe!
Did you go spicy with chili miso? Serve it over noodles? Or maybe added a crunch with panko topping? Whether you gave it a vegan glow-up, made it into miso eggplant tacos, or paired it with watermelon salad we want to know your creation!

📸 Tag your umami-loaded masterpiece on Instagram or Facebook using #OoohDelishTwist and we might feature your roasted magic on our page!

💌 Have a family twist or dinner-party story? Email your version to contact@ooohdelish.com we love spotlighting your kitchen creativity!

FAQs: Baked Miso Glazed Eggplant Recipe