Miso Glazed Eggplant Slices (Nasu Dengaku): A Savory Japanese Classic
🥢 A Taste of Tradition: The Story Behind Miso Glazed Eggplant 🇯🇵
Delicate, savory, and beautifully caramelized, miso glazed eggplant slices — known in Japanese as Nasu Dengaku — are a time-honored dish with deep cultural roots. This Japanese eggplant recipe dates back more than 1,200 years to the Heian period (794–1185), where it was originally served in Buddhist temples as an offering. The key ingredient, miso, a fermented soybean paste, has long been revered in Japanese cuisine for its rich, complex umami flavor.
Interestingly, the term dengaku once referred specifically to skewered tofu grilled and topped with miso glaze, believed to resemble dancers in ceremonial rice-planting rituals. Over time, the dish evolved — and eggplant, particularly Japanese varieties, became a popular canvas for this sweet-savory topping. Today, miso glazed eggplant slices appear across Japan in izakayas, bento boxes, and home kitchens, celebrated for their deep flavor and elegant simplicity.
🍆 A Global Classic, Reimagined for Modern Kitchens
While traditional Nasu Dengaku called for open-flame grilling and hand-blended miso glazes, today’s vegan eggplant recipes are much more accessible for home cooks. Oven roasting, broiling, and air frying all offer easy methods to recreate the dish’s signature look and taste without sacrificing authenticity. The essence remains: tender eggplant, rich miso glaze, and a finish that bubbles and caramelizes to golden perfection.
This Japanese eggplant recipe has also found global popularity, appealing to vegans, vegetarians, and fusion food fans alike. Whether you’re exploring plant-based dishes or simply love umami-packed vegetables, these miso glazed eggplant slices offer both nutrition and unforgettable flavor. They’re a staple in my kitchen — not just for tradition, but because they truly satisfy.
🔗 Want to pair this with a flavorful main? Try my Honey Soy Glazed Salmon with Oranges — the umami combination is out of this world.
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7 Irresistible Reasons to Love These Miso Glazed Eggplant Slices
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings (as main) or 4 (side) 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Miso Glazed Eggplant Slices, or Nasu Dengaku, are caramelized, savory-sweet Japanese eggplant broiled to perfection with a rich miso glaze.
Ingredients
- 2 medium Japanese eggplants, sliced into ½-inch rounds
- 3 tablespoons white miso paste (What kind of miso is best? → See FAQ)
- 1 tablespoon mirin
- 1 tablespoon sake or rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar (or maple syrup for vegan)
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Optional: chopped scallions, sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Slice eggplant into even rounds.
- Salt lightly and let sit 15 minutes to remove bitterness.
- Pat dry to ensure even cooking.
- Mix miso paste, mirin, sake, sugar, soy sauce, and sesame oil in a bowl.
- Stir until smooth and well combined.
- Set aside.
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
- Lightly brush eggplant slices with oil.
- Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping once halfway.
- Brush with glaze and cook an additional 2–3 minutes until caramelized.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Fryer or Oven
- Cuisine: Japanese-Inspired
🧂 What You’ll Need
🔪 Essential Tools for Perfectly Glazed Eggplant
Making miso glazed eggplant slices at home is refreshingly simple — especially when you have the right tools. These basic kitchen items will help you prep, glaze, and serve this flavorful Japanese eggplant recipe with ease:
- A baking sheet or grill pan for roasting the eggplant evenly and achieving that tender, caramelized finish these miso glazed eggplant slices are known for
- Mixing bowls to whisk your miso glaze into a smooth, glossy sauce for coating every slice
- A basting brush to apply the glaze generously, ensuring each piece of eggplant is packed with flavor
- A sharp knife and cutting board for slicing and scoring the eggplant — essential steps in any authentic vegan eggplant recipe
These tools ensure your miso glazed eggplant slices turn out tender inside and richly caramelized on the outside, a hallmark of this beloved Japanese eggplant recipe.
🛠️ Optional Equipment for Extra Ease
- A broiler helps achieve that bubbling, slightly charred finish on your miso glaze, just like the classic Nasu Dengaku served in Japanese izakayas
- Prefer a lighter method? An air fryer is perfect for a healthier spin on this vegan eggplant recipe, cooking the slices with less oil and more crisp
- Making a larger batch? A cooling rack on a baking sheet promotes even airflow and prevents sogginess — a helpful trick for any batch of miso glazed eggplant slices
🔗 Want to round out your kitchen setup with a savory main? Try my Lemon Chicken Romano — it pairs wonderfully with the umami depth of miso glazed eggplant slices and adds balance to your next meal.
🥣 Ingredients
🍶🍆 Simple Ingredients, Big Umami Flavor
Miso glazed eggplant slices rely on a handful of pantry staples, yet they deliver bold, restaurant-quality flavor in every bite. This classic Japanese eggplant recipe uses accessible, clean ingredients that are easy to find in any Asian grocery store or even your local market. As with most vegan eggplant recipes, ingredient quality matters — especially when it comes to the miso glaze and sesame oil.
🍆 For the Eggplant
- 2 medium Japanese eggplants, sliced lengthwise
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Pinch of salt
Japanese eggplants are ideal for making miso glazed eggplant slices thanks to their thin skin, mild flavor, and quick-cooking nature. If you can’t find them, Chinese eggplants or small globe varieties also work well in this Japanese eggplant recipe. A pinch of salt draws out moisture, ensuring a soft texture that complements the bold miso glaze.
🥄 For the Miso Glaze
- 3 tablespoons white miso paste
- 1 tablespoon mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)
- 1 tablespoon sake
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
The miso glaze is what turns this dish from simple to sensational. Sweet, salty, nutty, and loaded with umami, it creates the signature flavor of these miso glazed eggplant slices. White miso (shiro miso) is ideal for its mellow profile, enhancing the caramelized eggplant in this go-to vegan eggplant recipe.
Curious about miso types and swaps? Check out our Homemade Miso Paste Guide to explore flavor options and substitutions that elevate your Japanese eggplant recipe even further.
🍳 Instructions
🍆 Step 1: Prep the Eggplant for Maximum Flavor
Start by slicing your Japanese eggplants in half lengthwise. Using a sharp knife, score the flesh in a crosshatch pattern — this step is key to helping the miso glaze seep deep into the eggplant and keeps the slices from curling during cooking.
Sprinkle each half with a pinch of salt and let them rest for 15 minutes. This draws out excess moisture and tenderizes the flesh, which is essential for achieving the melt-in-your-mouth texture that defines great miso glazed eggplant slices. After resting, pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels.
🔥 Step 2: Roast or Grill the Eggplant
Brush the eggplant slices with vegetable oil on both sides. Place them flesh-side up on a baking sheet or grill pan.
Roast in a preheated 400°F oven for about 20 minutes, or until the eggplant is soft, lightly browned, and fork-tender. If you prefer a smoky twist to this Japanese eggplant recipe, grilling the slices is a flavorful alternative.
This roasting process enhances the texture of the eggplant, making it the perfect canvas for the rich, savory miso glaze used in so many vegan eggplant recipes.
🥄 Step 3: Whisk the Miso Glaze
While the eggplant cooks, prepare your glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together:
- 3 tbsp white miso paste
- 1 tbsp mirin
- 1 tbsp sake
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Whisk until the miso glaze is smooth and glossy. It should be pourable yet thick enough to cling to the eggplant slices. This glaze is what gives miso glazed eggplant slices their signature umami-packed finish and caramelized appearance.
✨ Step 4: Glaze and Broil Until Caramelized
Once the eggplant is fully roasted, remove it from the oven and brush each slice generously with the prepared miso glaze. Switch your oven to broil and return the tray for 2–3 minutes. Keep a close eye — the miso glaze should bubble and caramelize, not burn.
The broiling step is what transforms this vegan eggplant recipe into a restaurant-quality side dish. Once the slices are golden and bubbling, finish with sesame seeds or scallions and serve hot.
Need more tips for getting that perfect glaze finish? Check out our Tips for Perfectly Glazed Vegetables for expert tricks and techniques that make every bite better.
💪 Nutrition Score
🌿 Plant-Based, Umami-Packed, and Nutrient Dense
Don’t let the rich, savory flavor of miso glazed eggplant slices fool you — this is a healthy eggplant recipe packed with plant-based benefits. It’s a standout in the world of vegan eggplant recipes because it delivers deep umami satisfaction while supporting your nutritional goals.
Let’s break down why this dish isn’t just delicious — it’s good for you too.
🍆 Eggplant: A Low-Calorie, High-Fiber Hero
Eggplant is the foundation of this Japanese eggplant recipe, and it brings more to the table than just flavor. One serving of miso glazed eggplant slices includes skin-on eggplant, which provides:
- High fiber content for improved digestion and regularity
- Low calorie density, helping you feel full without overeating
- Nasunin, an antioxidant found in eggplant skin that may protect brain cells from oxidative stress
Eating eggplant regularly can support gut health, heart health, and even blood sugar control. Plus, it absorbs the miso glaze beautifully, making each bite flavorful and nutritious.
🥣 Miso: Fermented Flavor with Functional Benefits
The miso glaze is more than a sauce — it’s a nutritional powerhouse. White miso paste, the most commonly used in this dish, is rich in:
- B vitamins that support energy metabolism
- Plant-based protein, especially helpful in vegan diets
- Probiotics, thanks to its fermentation, which support immune and digestive health
When used in miso glazed eggplant slices, miso doesn’t just taste amazing — it turns a simple dish into a nutrient-dense, vegan Japanese recipe.
🥄 Sesame Oil & Garnishes: Healthy Fats and Functional Flavor
Just a teaspoon of toasted sesame oil can bring depth and aroma, while offering a source of heart-healthy unsaturated fats. Top the dish with scallions and sesame seeds for added vitamins, minerals, and texture. These finishing touches elevate the flavor while adding nutritional variety.
🧠 Curious about fermented foods and your health? Read more in Fermented Foods You Should Be Cooking With — a deep dive into miso, kimchi, and more.
🧾 Estimated Nutrition Info (Per Serving – approx. 2–3 slices)
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sodium: ~600mg
📝 Note: These values are approximate and will vary depending on the size of the eggplant and the brand of miso paste used.
This is what makes miso glazed eggplant slices one of my favorite go-to dishes when I want something that’s equal parts comfort food and healthy eggplant recipe. You get a warming, filling side that fits into nearly any dietary lifestyle — from vegan to gluten-free and beyond.
🍽️ Serving & Storage
🍱 How to Serve Miso Glazed Eggplant Slices
These miso glazed eggplant slices are more than just a side dish — they can play a starring role in your favorite meals. Whether you’re preparing a quick dinner or curating a beautiful spread, this Japanese eggplant recipe fits seamlessly into any menu. The rich flavor of the miso glaze makes them incredibly versatile in both vegan eggplant recipes and fusion-style meals.
Try serving them in these delicious ways:
- 🥢 Over Steamed Jasmine Rice: A classic pairing that enhances the umami in these miso glazed eggplant slices. Add quick-pickled cucumbers or sautéed greens for a simple, balanced bowl.
- 🍱 As Part of a Rice Bowl: Layer with rice, tofu, grilled vegetables, and fresh herbs. This makes a hearty and satisfying vegan eggplant recipe that works great for lunch or dinner.
- 🍋 With Seafood Mains: The bold miso glaze adds depth to light proteins. Serve your eggplant next to Honey Soy Glazed Salmon with Oranges for a sweet-savory surf-and-turf combo.
- 🥗 Cold as an Appetizer: Serve chilled for a refreshing twist — perfect on skewers or tapas-style with sesame seeds and scallions. These miso glazed eggplant slices are as good cold as they are hot.
🧊 Storage Tips to Keep Them Fresh
If you have leftovers — and that’s a big if — these miso glazed eggplant slices hold up well for short-term storage. Here’s how to preserve their flavor and texture:
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The miso glaze continues to develop in flavor, making the eggplant even richer.
- Reheat Carefully: Use an air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes or a skillet on low heat to maintain that tender texture and sticky miso glaze.
- Avoid Freezing: Due to the eggplant’s high water content, freezing is not ideal. It can lead to mushiness and ruin the integrity of this Japanese eggplant recipe.
🧊 Pro Tip: Want to meal-prep? Make the miso glaze ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and brush it onto freshly cooked eggplant just before serving. It’s a great hack for keeping your vegan eggplant recipe tasting restaurant-fresh.
🔄 Variations & Additions
🌶️ Flavor Twists to Keep It Interesting
The beauty of miso glazed eggplant slices is how adaptable they are. While the classic Nasu Dengaku version is undeniably delicious, experimenting with different ingredients can make this Japanese eggplant recipe feel brand new every time. Whether you’re spicing it up, sweetening it, or adding a refreshing twist, these ideas help you personalize this go-to vegan eggplant recipe to suit your taste.
- 🔥 Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of shichimi togarashi or a few drops of chili oil to your miso glaze. The heat balances beautifully with the glaze’s sweetness and deepens the umami of your miso glazed eggplant slices.
- 🍯 Sweeter Touch: Want more dimension in your glaze? Swap white sugar for brown sugar or maple syrup. This tweak enriches the miso glaze and adds depth to this already bold vegan eggplant recipe.
- 🍋 Citrusy Brightness: A splash of yuzu juice, lemon, or lime zest cuts through the richness of the miso glaze, giving your miso glazed eggplant slices a vibrant finish. It’s an easy way to balance flavors in this Japanese eggplant recipe.
- 🌿 Herbal Notes: Add grated ginger or top with fresh cilantro or Thai basil. These herbs lift the dish and bring a light, fusion-style spin to your miso glazed eggplant.
These creative add-ons help elevate your vegan eggplant recipe and keep it interesting for seasonal menus. For example, ginger and lime work beautifully in summer, while brown sugar and red miso bring warmth for colder months.
🍽️ Looking for another unexpected veggie appetizer? Try my Everything Bagel Roasted Cauliflower — it pairs surprisingly well with the deep flavor of miso glazed eggplant slices.
✅ Diet-Friendly Modifications That Still Taste Amazing
These miso glazed eggplant slices are already vegetarian by design, but it’s easy to make this dish fit a wide variety of dietary needs — all without compromising on the delicious umami power of the miso glaze.
- 🌾 Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free miso paste and double-check your mirin and sake. If needed, sub in rice vinegar with a splash of water to keep the same tangy balance in this Japanese eggplant recipe.
- 🧂 Low-Sodium: If you’re cutting back on sodium, use slightly less miso in the miso glaze, and increase mirin or maple syrup to maintain flavor. You’ll still enjoy the rich taste of these miso glazed eggplant slices without going overboard.
- 🌱 Vegan Option: Most vegan eggplant recipes already use miso, but check labels to ensure it doesn’t include dashi (fish-based stock). Stick with soy-based white miso to keep the entire miso glazed eggplant recipe plant-based.
These easy adaptations make it simple to keep miso glazed eggplant slices in your weekly meal rotation — whether you’re eating clean, avoiding allergens, or just trying new takes on your favorite vegan eggplant recipe.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What type of miso works best for miso-glazed eggplant?
White miso (shiro miso) is ideal for this dish due to its light, slightly sweet flavor that complements the eggplant without overpowering it. You can also use red miso (aka miso) for a bolder, saltier flavor — just reduce the quantity slightly to avoid over-seasoning.
Can I grill, roast, or air-fry the eggplant slices?
Yes, and each method brings its own benefit:
Grilling adds a wonderful smokiness to the flesh.
Roasting is convenient and ideal for achieving a creamy texture inside.
Air frying cuts down on oil and results in beautifully browned edges.
Choose the method that fits your setup and dietary preferences.
How do I prevent the eggplant from becoming soggy?
Scoring the flesh and salting the slices before cooking is crucial. This draws out moisture and prevents the eggplant from steaming as it roasts. Also, make sure to pat the slices dry thoroughly before applying oil or glaze.
Is miso-glazed eggplant a traditional Japanese recipe?
Yes! Known as Nasu Dengaku, this dish is deeply rooted in Japanese food culture, dating back to the Heian period (794–1185). It’s a staple in both traditional temple cuisine and modern izakaya menus — valued for its umami-rich flavor and elegant presentation.
What is miso glaze made of?
Miso glaze is the heart of this dish, and it’s as simple as it is flavorful. The classic recipe blends white miso paste, mirin, sake or rice vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, and a touch of sesame oil. When heated, the glaze becomes thick and glossy, clinging beautifully to roasted or air-fried eggplant slices.
This miso sauce for vegetables isn’t limited to eggplant — you can brush it over tofu, mushrooms, or even grilled zucchini. It’s a pantry-friendly staple that transforms basic ingredients into a Japanese-style delight.
What kind of miso is best for miso eggplant?
For miso glazed eggplant slices, white miso (shiro miso) is ideal. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor that complements eggplant’s soft texture without overpowering it. This makes it perfect for those new to vegan Japanese recipes or anyone preferring a lighter taste.
If you crave something deeper and bolder, try red miso (aka miso). It’s saltier and fermented longer, offering robust umami that works especially well in colder months or when paired with hearty rice bowls.
Is miso eggplant good for you?
Absolutely — miso eggplant is as nutritious as it is delicious. Eggplants are high in fiber, which supports digestion, helps regulate blood sugar, and promotes a feeling of fullness. They’re also rich in antioxidants like nasunin, which supports brain health.
Meanwhile, miso adds fermented probiotics and natural umami, enhancing both gut health and taste. Best of all? This dish is low in calories, vegan-friendly, and can be made gluten-free with the right soy sauce.
What to eat with miso eggplant?
These miso glazed eggplant slices are super versatile. You can serve them over steamed jasmine or sushi rice, as part of a bento box, or next to proteins. They also make a stunning side for grilled veggies or noodles.
If you’re feeling adventurous, slice them thinner and roll into a sushi filling, or serve cold as a tapas-style starter with sake. This is one of those Japanese eggplant recipes that adapts easily across cuisines.
Is eggplant good for your bowels?
Yes! Eggplants are loaded with dietary fiber, especially in the skin, which aids digestive health and supports regular bowel movements. They’re naturally low in fat, making them ideal for those following a healthy eggplant recipe routine.
If you’re focusing on gut health, this dish gets extra points from the miso, which introduces probiotics that help balance the digestive system. Just remember — keep the skin on for maximum fiber and texture.
🧾 Conclusion: Why You’ll Love This Miso Glazed Eggplant Recipe
If you’re searching for a dish that’s as flavorful as it is easy to make, these miso glazed eggplant slices are the perfect solution. With just a handful of ingredients and under 30 minutes from prep to plate, this Japanese eggplant recipe delivers a powerful punch of umami, texture, and visual appeal.
Whether you’re following a plant-based diet or simply looking to expand your collection of vegan eggplant recipes, this dish brings restaurant-quality flavor into your home kitchen. The sweet-savory miso glaze caramelizes perfectly in an air fryer or oven, while the eggplant stays tender and rich — a combo that works every single time.
🌱 Why It Belongs in Your Weekly Lineup
✅ Healthy eggplant recipe that’s low in calories and high in fiber
✅ Naturally vegan, gluten-free adaptable, and air fryer friendly
✅ Simple, accessible ingredients found in most kitchens
✅ Ideal for quick dinners, meal prep, or impressing guests
I love serving these miso glazed eggplant slices with rice bowls, tofu, or soba noodles. The leftovers (if you have any!) also reheat beautifully, making this a smart choice for weekday meals or weekend gatherings. As more people explore plant-based eating, vegan eggplant recipes like this one show just how flavorful and satisfying vegetables can be.
For even more creative ideas, explore my full Japanese-Inspired Recipes Collection — it includes unique twists and crowd-pleasers that pair beautifully with umami-rich sides like these miso glazed eggplant slices.
For even more creative ideas, check out my Garlic Herb Cream Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms — a delicious, crowd-pleasing side that complements the umami flavor of miso beautifully.