18 Japanese Braised Eggplant Recipe Get Ready To Indulge!
Published on: Mar 25, 2024
If you are looking for a delicious and flavorful way to enjoy eggplant, look no further than this Japanese braised eggplant recipe. This dish, also known as "Nasu Dengaku," is a popular and traditional Japanese dish that showcases the versatility and unique flavor of eggplant. With a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, this dish is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. Read on to discover the steps to create this mouth-watering dish.
Eggplant, known as "nasu" in Japanese, is a staple ingredient in Japanese cuisine. It is often used in a variety of dishes, from stir-fries to soups to tempura. This versatile vegetable is loved for its meaty texture and ability to absorb flavors. In this article, we will explore the top 20 Japanese eggplant recipes that will take your taste buds on a journey to Japan.
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Japanese Miso Eggplant
Main Ingredients: White Miso Paste, Rice Wine Vinegar, Water, Fresh
Miso, a fermented soybean paste, is a key ingredient in Japanese cooking. It adds a rich umami flavor to dishes and pairs perfectly with eggplant. In this recipe, eggplant is sliced and marinated in a miso glaze before being broiled to perfection. The result is a tender, flavorful dish that will have you coming back for more.
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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 miso glaze. The eggplant is first grilled until tender and then topped with a sweet and savory miso glaze. This dish is often served as an appetizer or side dish and is a favorite among both locals and visitors.
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Vegan Japanese Eggplant Dog
Main Ingredients: Japanese Eggplant, Mustard, Soy Sauce, Hot Dog Bun
If you're looking for a unique twist on the classic hot dog, try this vegan Japanese eggplant dog. Thinly sliced eggplant is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger before being grilled and served in a bun with your favorite toppings. It's a healthier and more flavorful alternative to traditional hot dogs.
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Japanese Eggplant Miso Noodle Soup
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Extra Firm Tofu, Toasted Sesame Oil
For a comforting and hearty meal, try this Japanese eggplant miso noodle soup. The eggplant is cooked in a flavorful miso broth along with noodles, tofu, and vegetables. This dish is perfect for a cold day or for when you're feeling under the weather.
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Sauteed Japanese Eggplant
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Japanese Eggplant, Scallions, Shiitake
One of the simplest ways to enjoy Japanese eggplant is by sautéing it. Thinly sliced eggplant is quickly cooked in a pan with garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil. This dish can be served as a side dish or added to stir-fries for a delicious and nutritious 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 just as flavorful and satisfying as the traditional version. Thick slices of eggplant are marinated in a mixture of miso, soy sauce, and mirin before being broiled to perfection. Serve it as a side dish or enjoy it on its own as a light meal.
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Miso-Glazed Japanese Eggplant
Main Ingredients: Japanese Eggplant, Yellow Miso, Mirin, Sugar, Ginger
This miso-glazed Japanese eggplant is a mouthwatering dish that is sure to impress. The eggplant is sliced and coated in a sweet and savory miso glaze before being grilled. The result is a tender and flavorful dish that can be served as a side dish or as a main course.
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Spicy Air Fryer Japanese Eggplant
Main Ingredients: Japanese Eggplants, Rice Vinegar, Chili Garlic Sauce
For a healthier and easier version of fried eggplant, try this spicy air fryer Japanese eggplant. The eggplant is coated in a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, spices, and sesame oil before being air fried to crispy perfection. Serve it as an appetizer or side dish for a unique twist on a classic dish.
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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 slightly different miso glaze that adds a spicy kick to the dish. The eggplant is broiled until tender and then topped with a spicy miso glaze. Serve it with a side of rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Japanese Eggplant & Soba Noodles with Taiwanese Bok...
Main Ingredients: Garlic, Bird S Eye Chilies, Japanese Eggplants
This dish combines the flavors of Japan and Taiwan for a unique and delicious meal. Eggplant and soba noodles are cooked in a flavorful sesame sauce and served with Taiwanese bok choy for added texture and nutrition. It's a dish that will please both your taste buds and your body.
If you're a fan of sweet and sour dishes, you'll love this Japanese twist on the classic chicken dish. Thinly sliced chicken is marinated in a sweet and tangy sauce before being stir-fried with eggplant and other vegetables. Serve it over rice for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
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Stir Fried Japanese Eggplant with Ginger and Miso
Main Ingredients: Miso, Sake, Japanese Eggplants, Canola Oil, Dried Red
Ginger and miso are a match made in heaven, and this dish proves it. Thinly sliced eggplant is stir-fried with ginger, garlic, and miso for a flavorful and healthy meal. It's quick and easy to make, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
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Japanese Fried Eggplant (Agedashi Nasu)
Main Ingredients: Eggplants, Oil, Dashi Stock, Soy Sauce, Mirin
Agedashi nasu is a popular Japanese dish that features fried eggplant topped with a savory dashi broth. The eggplant is coated in a light batter and fried until crispy before being served with the flavorful broth. It's a perfect appetizer or side dish for any Japanese meal.
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Japanese Summer Vegetable Miso Soup
Main Ingredients: Zucchini, Eggplant, Tomato, Dashi Powder, Miso Paste
This light and refreshing miso soup is filled with Japanese summer vegetables, including eggplant, zucchini, and mushrooms. The vegetables are cooked in a flavorful miso broth, making it a perfect dish for hot summer days when you're craving something light and healthy.
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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 adds a sweet and smoky flavor to the dish. The eggplant is broiled until tender and then topped with the miso glaze before being served. It's a simple and delicious dish that is sure to become a favorite.
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Japanese Eggplant Tempura with Dipping Soy Sauce
Main Ingredients: Asian Eggplants, Vegetable Oil, All Purpose Flour
Tempura is a classic Japanese dish, and this version featuring eggplant is no exception. Slices of eggplant are coated in a light and crispy batter and fried until golden brown. Serve it with a dipping sauce made with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for a burst of flavor with every bite.
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Sweet and Sour Eggplant
Main Ingredients: Japanese Eggplants, Red Bell Pepper, Soy Sauce, Brown
If you're a fan of sweet and sour flavors, you'll love this Japanese take on the classic dish. Eggplant is stir-fried with a sweet and tangy sauce and served over rice for a satisfying and flavorful meal. It's a great way to use up any leftover eggplant you may have on hand.
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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 Japanese pickled vegetables often served with curry. This homemade version features eggplant, carrots, and other vegetables pickled in a tangy and spicy sauce. Add it to your curry for an extra kick of flavor and texture.
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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 loaded with protein and flavor, making it a perfect option for vegetarians or anyone looking for a healthy and delicious meal. Shitake mushrooms, eggplant, and tofu are stir-fried with soba noodles and topped with a crumble made with tofu and spices. It's a filling and satisfying dish that is sure to please.
Preparing the Eggplant
Choosing the Right Eggplant
Before you begin cooking, it is important to choose the right eggplant for this recipe. Look for eggplants that are firm, shiny, and have a deep purple color. Avoid eggplants that are too soft or have dull skin. The size of the eggplant is also important, as smaller eggplants tend to have fewer seeds and a milder taste.
Prepping the Eggplant
Once you have chosen your eggplant, the next step is to prepare it for cooking. Cut the eggplant into thick slices, about 1 inch thick. Sprinkle sea salt on both sides of the eggplant slices and let them sit for about 10 minutes. This will help draw out any excess moisture and bitterness from the eggplant.
Braising the Eggplant
Making the Dashi Sauce
The key to the delicious flavor of this dish is the dashi sauce. In a small saucepan, combine mirin, sake, soy sauce, and dashi granules. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
Braising the Eggplant
In a large skillet, heat up some vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the eggplant slices and cook for about 2 minutes on each side, or until they are lightly browned. Pour the dashi sauce over the eggplant and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the eggplant is tender and the sauce has thickened.
Serving the Dish
Garnishing the Eggplant
To add some extra flavor and texture to the dish, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top of the braised eggplant before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This Japanese braised eggplant dish is typically served as a side dish, but it can also be enjoyed as a main course over a bed of rice or with some udon noodles. You can also pair it with other Japanese dishes such as teriyaki chicken or tempura shrimp for a complete meal.
Now that you have the know-how to make this flavorful dish, give it a try and impress your friends and family with your newfound culinary skills. Enjoy!
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