17 Easy Japanese Eggplant Recipe In The Oven Get Cooking And Enjoy!
Published on: Mar 25, 2024
Looking for a quick and easy way to add some variety to your weeknight dinners? Look no further than this delicious and simple Japanese eggplant recipe made in the oven. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a flavorful and healthy dish on the table in no time. Let's dive in and learn how to make this tasty dish that will have your taste buds singing.
Japanese eggplant, also known as nasu, is a staple in Japanese cuisine. It is a long, slender eggplant with a dark purple skin and a mild, slightly sweet flavor. This versatile vegetable can be prepared in a variety of ways and pairs well with a wide range of ingredients. Below are 20 delicious recipes that showcase the unique flavors and textures of Japanese eggplant.
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Japanese Miso Eggplant
Main Ingredients: White Miso Paste, Rice Wine Vinegar, Water, Fresh
Eggplant and miso are a match made in heaven. The rich, savory flavor of miso pairs perfectly with the creamy texture of eggplant. This dish, featuring tender eggplant slices glazed with a miso sauce, is a popular appetizer in Japanese restaurants. It is also surprisingly easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients.
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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 is usually served as an appetizer or side dish. It consists of grilled eggplant slices that are topped with a sweet and savory miso glaze and broiled until caramelized and tender. The combination of the crispy, charred edges and the soft, creamy interior of the eggplant makes this dish a crowd-pleaser.
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Vegan Japanese Eggplant Dog
Main Ingredients: Japanese Eggplant, Mustard, Soy Sauce, Hot Dog Bun
For a unique twist on a classic American dish, try using Japanese eggplant in place of regular hot dogs. Simply slice the eggplant into long, thin strips, grill or sauté them until tender, and then serve them in a bun with your favorite toppings. This vegan-friendly version of a hot dog is not only healthier, but it also has a delicious umami flavor thanks to the miso marinade.
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Japanese Eggplant Miso Noodle Soup
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Extra Firm Tofu, Toasted Sesame Oil
If you're in the mood for a comforting and hearty soup, look no further than this Japanese eggplant miso noodle soup. It combines the heartiness of noodles, the creaminess of eggplant, and the rich umami flavors of miso and soy sauce. This dish is a perfect balance of textures and flavors and is sure to warm you up on a chilly day.
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Sauteed Japanese Eggplant
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Japanese Eggplant, Scallions, Shiitake
Sometimes simple is best, and that's certainly the case with this sautéed Japanese eggplant dish. Thinly sliced eggplant is cooked in a hot skillet until it becomes tender and slightly charred. A splash of soy sauce and a sprinkle of sesame seeds add just the right amount of flavor to this quick and easy side dish.
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Miso-Glazed Japanese Eggplant
Main Ingredients: Japanese Eggplant, Yellow Miso, Mirin, Sugar, Ginger
This dish takes the classic nasu dengaku to the next level by adding a few extra ingredients to the miso glaze. Soy sauce, sake, and sugar are added to the miso paste to create a complex and flavorful sauce that perfectly complements the tender eggplant. This dish is great as a side dish or served over rice as a main course.
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Japanese Miso Eggplant (vegan)
Main Ingredients: Miso Paste, Mirin, Broth, Sugar, Sesame Oil, Eggplants
If you're looking for a vegan version of nasu dengaku, look no further than this recipe. Instead of using traditional miso, this version uses a vegan-friendly miso substitute made from chickpeas. The result is a creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet sauce that pairs perfectly with the tender eggplant.
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Spicy Air Fryer Japanese Eggplant
Main Ingredients: Japanese Eggplants, Rice Vinegar, Chili Garlic Sauce
The air fryer is a game-changer when it comes to cooking vegetables. It creates crispy, flavorful dishes without the need for excess oil. This spicy air fryer Japanese eggplant is no exception. The eggplant is coated in a spicy seasoning mix and then air-fried until tender and crispy. It's a guilt-free way to enjoy a delicious and healthy snack.
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Japanese Eggplant & Soba Noodles with Taiwanese Bok...
Main Ingredients: Garlic, Bird S Eye Chilies, Japanese Eggplants
This dish is a nutritious and filling meal that combines the earthy flavors of Japanese eggplant and soba noodles with the fresh crunch of Taiwanese bok choy. The vegetables are stir-fried in a savory sauce made from soy sauce, mirin, and sesame oil, giving the dish a rich umami flavor. This dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
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Japanese Miso Eggplant Nasu Dengaku
Main Ingredients: Eggplants, Peanut Oil, Miso Paste, Sake, Mirin, White
This version of nasu dengaku uses a slightly different method to create a unique and delicious dish. Instead of broiling the eggplant, it is pan-fried until golden and then baked in the oven with the miso glaze. The result is a perfectly caramelized and tender eggplant that is bursting with flavor.
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Japanese Fried Eggplant (Agedashi Nasu)
Main Ingredients: Eggplants, Oil, Dashi Stock, Soy Sauce, Mirin
Agedashi nasu is a popular dish in izakayas (Japanese pubs) and is often served as an appetizer. Thin slices of eggplant are coated in a light batter and then deep-fried until crispy. The eggplant is then served in a dashi broth with a sprinkle of bonito flakes and green onions. It's a perfect balance of crispy, creamy, and savory flavors.
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Japanese Summer Vegetable Miso Soup
Main Ingredients: Zucchini, Eggplant, Tomato, Dashi Powder, Miso Paste
This soup is a celebration of summer vegetables, including Japanese eggplant, zucchini, and green beans. It's a light and refreshing soup that is perfect for hot summer days. The miso adds a depth of flavor to the broth, and the vegetables add a satisfying crunch. Serve it with a side of rice for a complete meal.
This dish is a fusion of Japanese and Chinese flavors. Tender pieces of chicken are coated in a sweet and sour sauce made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey. The addition of Japanese eggplant adds a unique texture and flavor to the dish, making it a standout among other sweet and sour chicken recipes.
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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 simply uses a different type of miso for the glaze, creating a slightly different flavor profile. White miso, which is milder and sweeter than other types of miso, is used in this recipe, resulting in a delicate and slightly sweet glaze that pairs perfectly with the eggplant.
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Stir Fried Japanese Eggplant with Ginger and Miso
Main Ingredients: Miso, Sake, Japanese Eggplants, Canola Oil, Dried Red
This dish is a perfect example of how a few simple ingredients can create a delicious and satisfying meal. Japanese eggplant is stir-fried with ginger, garlic, and miso, creating a flavorful and aromatic dish. Serve it over rice for a complete and balanced meal.
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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 consists of battered and deep-fried vegetables or seafood. This recipe uses Japanese eggplant for a unique and delicious twist on this classic dish. The eggplant is lightly battered and fried until crispy and then served with a simple dipping sauce made from soy sauce, mirin, and dashi.
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Sweet and Sour Eggplant
Main Ingredients: Japanese Eggplants, Red Bell Pepper, Soy Sauce, Brown
This dish is a healthier version of the classic Chinese sweet and sour dish. Instead of deep-frying the eggplant, it is lightly coated in cornstarch and pan-fried until crispy. The eggplant is then tossed in a sweet and sour sauce made from rice vinegar, soy sauce, and honey. Serve it over rice for a satisfying and guilt-free meal.
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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 often served as a side dish in Japanese curry restaurants. It's a combination of various vegetables, including eggplant, that are pickled in a sweet and tangy sauce. Making your own fukujinzuke at home means you can customize the ingredients and create a unique and delicious accompaniment to your curry.
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Japanese Eggplant, Shitake and Soba Noodles with Tofu...
Main Ingredients: Vinegar, White Wine, Water, Soy Sauce, Runny Honey
This dish is a vegetarian-friendly version of a classic Japanese noodle dish. Thinly sliced Japanese eggplant, shitake mushrooms, and tofu are stir-fried in a savory sauce and then served over soba noodles. The result is a satisfying and flavorful dish that is perfect for lunch or dinner.
Why choose Japanese eggplant?
Japanese eggplant, also known as aubergine, is a popular ingredient in many Asian dishes. It has a unique flavor and texture that makes it stand out from its larger, rounder cousin, the traditional eggplant. Japanese eggplants are long and slender with a thinner skin, making them perfect for cooking in the oven. They also have a milder taste and fewer seeds, making them less bitter and easier to cook with. Not only is Japanese eggplant delicious, but it is also packed with nutrients such as fiber, potassium, and antioxidants, making it a healthy addition to any meal.
Prepping the eggplant
To start this recipe, you will need 2-3 Japanese eggplants, depending on the size. Begin by rinsing the eggplants and patting them dry. Then, using a sharp knife, slice the eggplants into 1-inch rounds. For an added twist, you can cut the eggplant into strips instead of rounds. Lay the slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they are not overlapping. Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper over the eggplant slices, and lightly drizzle them with olive oil.
Baking the eggplant
Place the baking sheet in the oven preheated to 400°F and bake for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, remove the baking sheet from the oven and carefully flip the eggplant slices over. Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the eggplant is tender and slightly browned. You can also sprinkle some grated parmesan cheese on top of the eggplant slices before returning them to the oven for a cheesy and flavorful twist.
Serving suggestions
Once the eggplant is cooked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. You can serve the eggplant as a side dish or as a main course over a bed of rice or pasta. You can also top the eggplant with your favorite herbs, such as basil or parsley, for an extra burst of flavor. For a complete Japanese-inspired meal, pair the eggplant with some teriyaki chicken or tofu and steamed rice.
Now that you have learned how to make an easy Japanese eggplant recipe in the oven, it's time to give it a try. This dish is not only simple to make but also a healthy and delicious addition to your weekly meal plan. Experiment with different toppings and serving options to make it your own. Enjoy!