16 Crispy Japanese Eggplant Recipe Get Ready To Indulge!
Published on: Mar 25, 2024
Eggplant, also known as aubergine, is a versatile and delicious vegetable that is widely used in various cuisines around the world. With its unique texture and mild flavor, eggplant can be cooked in various ways, from grilling and roasting to stewing and frying. One of the most popular and mouthwatering ways to prepare eggplant is the crispy Japanese eggplant recipe. This delectable dish is the perfect combination of crispy and tender, with a burst of umami flavors that will leave your taste buds wanting more. In this article, we will explore the steps to creating a perfect crispy Japanese eggplant dish that will impress even the most discerning palates.
Japanese eggplant, also known as nasu in Japanese, is a versatile and delicious vegetable that is commonly used in Japanese cuisine. It has a long and slender shape, with a dark purple skin and a soft, creamy flesh. Its texture is slightly firmer than regular eggplant, making it perfect for grilling, roasting, or stir-frying. In this article, we'll explore 20 mouth-watering recipes for Japanese eggplant that are sure to impress your family and friends.
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Japanese Miso Eggplant
Main Ingredients: White Miso Paste, Rice Wine Vinegar, Water, Fresh
One of the most popular ways to prepare Japanese eggplant is by using miso, a fermented soybean paste that is commonly used in Japanese cooking. Miso adds a rich and savory flavor to the eggplant, making it a perfect pairing for steamed rice or noodles. To make Japanese miso eggplant, simply slice the eggplant into thin rounds and marinate it in a mixture of miso, soy sauce, sake, and sugar. Then, broil it until it turns golden brown and serve it hot.
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Nasu Dengaku (Japanese Eggplants Broiled with Miso)
Main Ingredients: Mirin, Sake, Mellow White Miso, Agave Nectar, Japanese
Nasu dengaku is a classic Japanese dish that features eggplant broiled with a sweet and savory miso glaze. It is often served as a side dish or appetizer in traditional Japanese restaurants. To make this dish, cut the eggplant into halves and score the flesh in a criss-cross pattern. Then, broil it until it is tender and brush it with a mixture of miso, mirin, and sugar. Put it back in the oven until the glaze caramelizes, and then serve it hot.
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Vegan Japanese Eggplant Dog
Main Ingredients: Japanese Eggplant, Mustard, Soy Sauce, Hot Dog Bun
If you're looking for a creative way to use Japanese eggplant, try making a vegan Japanese eggplant dog. This dish is a healthier alternative to the classic hot dog and is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. To make it, simply grill or roast the eggplant until it is tender, and then stuff it into a hot dog bun with your favorite toppings. You can add some spicy mayo, pickled vegetables, or crispy fried onions for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Japanese Eggplant Miso Noodle Soup
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Extra Firm Tofu, Toasted Sesame Oil
This hearty and flavorful soup is a popular comfort food in Japan and is perfect for a chilly day. It combines the earthy flavors of Japanese eggplant with the umami-rich taste of miso and the chewy texture of noodles. To make it, simmer the eggplant in a broth made with dashi, soy sauce, and mirin. Then, add some cooked noodles and green onions to the soup and serve it hot.
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Sauteed Japanese Eggplant
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Japanese Eggplant, Scallions, Shiitake
If you're short on time, this simple sautéed Japanese eggplant recipe is a great option. It only requires a few ingredients and takes less than 15 minutes to make. Simply heat some oil in a pan, add sliced eggplant, and cook until it is soft and slightly charred. Then, season it with soy sauce, mirin, and toasted sesame seeds for a delicious side dish that pairs well with any Japanese meal.
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Japanese Miso Eggplant (vegan)
Main Ingredients: Miso Paste, Mirin, Broth, Sugar, Sesame Oil, Eggplants
This vegan version of miso eggplant is a tasty and healthy dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner. Instead of broiling the eggplant, this recipe calls for pan-frying it until it turns golden brown and crispy on the outside. Then, it is tossed in a flavorful miso sauce made with mirin, sugar, and sake. Serve it with steamed rice and pickled vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
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Miso-Glazed Japanese Eggplant
Main Ingredients: Japanese Eggplant, Yellow Miso, Mirin, Sugar, Ginger
This simple and elegant dish is perfect for a dinner party or a special occasion. It features whole Japanese eggplants that are brushed with a delicious miso glaze and then roasted until they are tender and caramelized. The glaze is made with miso, sake, mirin, and honey, giving the eggplant a rich and sweet flavor. Serve it as a side dish or as a main course with some steamed rice and grilled chicken.
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Spicy Air Fryer Japanese Eggplant
Main Ingredients: Japanese Eggplants, Rice Vinegar, Chili Garlic Sauce
If you have an air fryer, you'll love this recipe for spicy Japanese eggplant. It is a healthier alternative to deep-fried eggplant and is perfect for anyone who loves a bit of heat in their food. Simply toss the eggplant with some cornstarch, salt, and cayenne pepper, and then air fry it until it is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Serve it with a spicy dipping sauce made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili paste.
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Japanese Miso Eggplant Nasu Dengaku
Main Ingredients: Eggplants, Peanut Oil, Miso Paste, Sake, Mirin, White
This version of nasu dengaku features a thick and creamy miso paste that is spread on top of the eggplant before broiling. The paste is made with miso, sake, and sugar, and it adds a rich and savory flavor to the dish. Serve it as a side dish or as a topping for some steamed rice or noodles. You can also add some diced tofu on top for some extra protein and texture.
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Japanese Eggplant & Soba Noodles with Taiwanese Bok...
Main Ingredients: Garlic, Bird S Eye Chilies, Japanese Eggplants
This recipe combines the flavors of Japan and Taiwan for a unique and delicious dish. It features Japanese eggplant and soba noodles, which are tossed with a flavorful sauce made with soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. The dish is then topped with Taiwanese bok choy, which adds a crunchy and refreshing element to the dish. Serve it hot or cold for a satisfying meal.
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Japanese Fried Eggplant (Agedashi Nasu)
Main Ingredients: Eggplants, Oil, Dashi Stock, Soy Sauce, Mirin
If you love deep-fried food, you'll love this Japanese-style fried eggplant. It is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside and is served with a savory dipping sauce made with dashi, soy sauce, and mirin. To make it, cut the eggplant into rounds, coat them in a mixture of flour and cornstarch, and then fry them until they are golden brown. Serve them hot with the dipping sauce on the side.
This Japanese-inspired sweet and sour chicken is a healthier and more delicious alternative to the classic Chinese dish. It features tender pieces of chicken that are coated in a crispy tempura batter and then tossed in a tangy and sweet sauce made with pineapple juice, ketchup, and soy sauce. Serve it with some steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
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Japanese Summer Vegetable Miso Soup
Main Ingredients: Zucchini, Eggplant, Tomato, Dashi Powder, Miso Paste
This refreshing and light miso soup is perfect for a hot summer day. It features a variety of summer vegetables, including Japanese eggplant, zucchini, and daikon radish, which are simmered in a broth made with dashi, miso, and sake. This soup is a great way to use up seasonal vegetables and is a healthy and flavorful option for vegetarians.
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Japanese Eggplant Nasu Dengaku (Miso glaze)
Main Ingredients: Japanese Eggplants, Miso Paste, Mirin, Soy Sauce, White
This version of nasu dengaku features a slightly different miso glaze that is made with soy sauce, sake, and honey. The glaze is slightly sweeter and adds a nice balance to the savory eggplant. It is also thicker and sticks to the eggplant better, giving it a nice caramelized finish. Serve it hot as a side dish or appetizer, or add it to a bento box for a delicious lunch.
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Stir Fried Japanese Eggplant with Ginger and Miso
Main Ingredients: Miso, Sake, Japanese Eggplants, Canola Oil, Dried Red
This stir fry is a great way to use up leftover Japanese eggplant. It features tender slices of eggplant that are stir-fried with garlic, ginger, and miso, adding a burst of flavor to the dish. You can also add some protein, such as tofu or shrimp, to make it a complete meal. Serve it over steamed rice or noodles for a quick and tasty dinner.
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Japanese Eggplant Tempura with Dipping Soy Sauce
Main Ingredients: Asian Eggplants, Vegetable Oil, All Purpose Flour
Tempura is a popular Japanese dish that features battered and deep-fried vegetables or seafood. In this recipe, Japanese eggplant is coated in a light and crispy tempura batter and then fried until it is golden brown and crispy. Serve it with a simple dipping sauce made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil for a delicious and addictive appetizer or side dish.
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Sweet and Sour Eggplant
Main Ingredients: Japanese Eggplants, Red Bell Pepper, Soy Sauce, Brown
This sweet and sour eggplant dish features tender and juicy eggplant that is stir-fried with a tangy and sweet sauce made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey. You can also add some bell peppers and onions for some extra crunch and flavor. Serve it over steamed rice for a quick and satisfying meal that will please both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
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Home-made Fukujinzuke (Pickled Vegetables for Japanese...
Main Ingredients: Daikon, Lotus Root, Cucumber, Eggplant, Ginger, Salt
Fukujinzuke is a type of pickled vegetable that is commonly served with Japanese curry. It adds a tangy and crunchy element to the rich and spicy curry and is a must-try for anyone who loves Japanese food. To make it, simply pickle a variety of vegetables, such as Japanese eggplant, carrots, and radishes, in a mixture of vinegar, sugar, and green chili peppers. Let it sit for a few days for the flavors to develop, and then serve it with your favorite Japanese curry.
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Japanese Eggplant, Shitake and Soba Noodles with Tofu...
Main Ingredients: Vinegar, White Wine, Water, Soy Sauce, Runny Honey
This healthy and delicious dish features Japanese eggplant, shitake mushrooms, and soba noodles that are tossed in a creamy and flavorful tofu sauce. The sauce is made with silken tofu, soy sauce, and fresh herbs, giving the dish a rich and creamy texture and a burst of umami flavor. This dish is perfect for vegetarians and is a great way to use up leftover vegetables.
Choosing the Right Eggplant
When it comes to making crispy Japanese eggplant, the first and most crucial step is to choose the right eggplant. The ideal eggplant for this dish is the Japanese or Asian variety, which is long and slender with dark purple skin. The key to achieving a crispy texture is to select an eggplant that is firm and without any soft spots. Slice the eggplant into thin, even pieces to ensure that they cook evenly and retain their crunchiness. Japanese eggplant is also known for its mild flavor, making it the perfect canvas for bold and flavorful ingredients that are used in this dish.
Preparing the Eggplant
Once you have selected the perfect eggplant, it's time to prepare it for cooking. Sprinkle some salt on the eggplant slices and let them sit for 10-15 minutes. This process helps to draw out excess moisture from the eggplant, which can make it soggy when cooked. After the allotted time, pat the eggplant slices dry with a paper towel to remove the excess salt and moisture. This step is crucial in ensuring that the eggplant retains its crispiness when fried.
The Secret to Crispy Coating
The key to achieving a crispy coating on the Japanese eggplant is using the right combination of ingredients. While traditional recipes use a simple flour and egg wash, adding Japanese panko breadcrumbs to the mix takes this dish to a whole new level. Panko breadcrumbs are larger and coarser than regular breadcrumbs, giving the eggplant a light and airy coating that stays crispy even after frying. For an extra kick of flavor, you can add some sesame seeds or shichimi togarashi (Japanese seven-spice blend) to the breadcrumb mixture.
Ready to Fry
With the eggplant slices prepared and coated, it's time to fry them to perfection. Heat a generous amount of oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the eggplant slices in the pan, making sure not to overcrowd them. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove the slices from the pan and place them on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as soy sauce or ponzu sauce.
In Conclusion
Crispy Japanese eggplant is a delightful dish that is quick and easy to make, yet packs a punch of flavor and texture. With the right eggplant and coating, you can create a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your own home. So next time you're craving something crispy and delicious, give this recipe a try and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills.
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