20 Japanese Eggplant Curry Recipe Unleash Your Inner Chef!
Published on: Mar 25, 2024
Japanese eggplant curry is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion. This recipe combines the unique texture and flavor of eggplant with the bold and spicy flavors of curry. Whether you are a vegetarian looking for a new and exciting dish or a meat-eater looking to switch things up, this Japanese eggplant curry recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Japanese eggplant, also known as aubergine, is a versatile vegetable commonly used in Japanese cuisine. Its long and slender shape makes it perfect for grilling, roasting, or stir-frying. It has a slightly sweeter and milder taste compared to its larger counterpart, making it a popular ingredient in many Japanese dishes. Here are 20 delicious recipes for you to try with this underrated vegetable.
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Japanese Miso Eggplant
Main Ingredients: White Miso Paste, Rice Wine Vinegar, Water, Fresh
This recipe combines the rich and savory flavors of miso with the tender and juicy Japanese eggplant. The eggplant is first grilled or broiled until it is soft and slightly charred, then brushed with a miso glaze and returned to the heat until caramelized. The result is a mouthwatering dish that pairs perfectly with steamed rice or noodles. Pro tip: For an extra kick of flavor, add some chili flakes to the miso glaze before brushing it onto the eggplant.
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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 commonly served as a condiment with Japanese curry. It is typically made with a variety of vegetables, including Japanese eggplant, daikon radish, lotus root, and cucumber. The vegetables are pickled in a sweet and tangy brine, giving them a unique and addictive flavor. Pro tip: Make a big batch of this pickled goodness and keep it in your fridge to enjoy with your favorite curries or rice dishes.
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Nasu Dengaku (Japanese Eggplants Broiled with Miso)
Main Ingredients: Mirin, Sake, Mellow White Miso, Agave Nectar, Japanese
This classic Japanese dish features tender Japanese eggplant broiled until it is soft and creamy, then glazed with a sweet and savory miso sauce. The eggplant is then returned to the heat until the glaze is slightly caramelized. The result is a mouthwatering dish that is perfect as a side or a light meal. Pro tip: For an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle some sesame seeds on top before serving.
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Vegan Japanese Eggplant Dog
Main Ingredients: Japanese Eggplant, Mustard, Soy Sauce, Hot Dog Bun
This recipe puts a fun and unique twist on the classic hot dog by using Japanese eggplant as the "bun". The eggplant is sliced and grilled until tender, then filled with your favorite vegan hot dog and toppings. It's a healthier and more creative option for those craving a hot dog without the guilt. Pro tip: Add some avocado slices and drizzle with a vegan mayo for a delicious and creamy touch.
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Japanese Eggplant Miso Noodle Soup
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Extra Firm Tofu, Toasted Sesame Oil
This hearty and comforting soup features tender Japanese eggplant, udon noodles, and a flavorful miso broth. The eggplant is first sautéed until golden and slightly caramelized, then added to the broth along with the noodles. The result is a delicious and filling soup that is perfect for cold days or when you need a quick and easy meal. Pro tip: Add some tofu or protein of your choice for extra heartiness.
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Sauteed Japanese Eggplant
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Japanese Eggplant, Scallions, Shiitake
This simple and delicious recipe is perfect for those wanting a quick and healthy side dish. The eggplant is thinly sliced and sautéed in a hot pan until tender and slightly caramelized. It is then seasoned with soy sauce and topped with green onions for a burst of freshness. It's a great way to enjoy the natural flavor of Japanese eggplant without overpowering it with other ingredients. Pro tip: Serve with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added texture.
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Japanese Miso Eggplant (vegan)
Main Ingredients: Miso Paste, Mirin, Broth, Sugar, Sesame Oil, Eggplants
This vegan version of the classic Japanese dish features tender Japanese eggplant glazed with a flavorful miso sauce. The eggplant is first baked until soft and tender, then brushed with the sauce and returned to the oven until slightly caramelized. It's a simple and delicious dish that is perfect for a quick and healthy meal. Pro tip: Add some sliced shiitake mushrooms on top before baking for an extra layer of umami flavor.
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Miso-Glazed Japanese Eggplant
Main Ingredients: Japanese Eggplant, Yellow Miso, Mirin, Sugar, Ginger
This recipe takes the classic miso-glazed eggplant to the next level by adding a crispy panko crust. The eggplant is first coated with a miso sauce, then coated with panko breadcrumbs and baked until golden and crispy. The result is a delicious and addictive dish that is perfect as an appetizer or a side. Pro tip: Serve with a side of soy sauce for dipping.
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Spicy Air Fryer Japanese Eggplant
Main Ingredients: Japanese Eggplants, Rice Vinegar, Chili Garlic Sauce
This recipe combines the crispy texture of air-fried food with the delicious flavors of Japanese eggplant. The eggplant is first tossed in a spicy marinade, then air-fried until crispy and tender. The result is a flavorful and guilt-free dish that is perfect as a snack or a side. Pro tip: Adjust the level of spiciness to your liking by adding more or less chili flakes.
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Japanese Miso Eggplant Nasu Dengaku
Main Ingredients: Eggplants, Peanut Oil, Miso Paste, Sake, Mirin, White
This vegan version of the classic Japanese dish features tender eggplant broiled until soft and creamy, then glazed with a sweet and savory miso sauce. The dish is then topped with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onions for added flavor and texture. It's a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for a light meal or as a side. Pro tip: Serve with a side of steamed rice for a complete meal.
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Japanese Eggplant & Soba Noodles with Taiwanese Bok...
Main Ingredients: Garlic, Bird S Eye Chilies, Japanese Eggplants
This recipe combines the earthy flavors of Japanese eggplant with the tender and crunchy texture of Taiwanese bok choy. The vegetables are stir-fried with soba noodles and seasoned with a flavorful sauce made with soy sauce, sesame oil, and chili paste. It's a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a quick and healthy meal. Pro tip: Add some protein of your choice, such as tofu or shrimp, for a more filling meal.
This recipe puts a Japanese twist on the classic sweet and sour chicken by using Japanese eggplant instead of the traditional bell peppers. The eggplant is sautéed until tender, then tossed in a sweet and tangy sauce made with pineapple juice, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. It's a delicious and healthier alternative to the classic dish. Pro tip: Serve with steamed rice for a complete meal.
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Japanese Fried Eggplant (Agedashi Nasu)
Main Ingredients: Eggplants, Oil, Dashi Stock, Soy Sauce, Mirin
This traditional Japanese dish features tender eggplant coated in a light and crispy batter, then fried until golden and served with a flavorful dipping sauce. The eggplant is first dusted with cornstarch to absorb excess moisture, then coated in the batter and fried until crispy. It's a delicious and addicting dish that is perfect as an appetizer or a side. Pro tip: Serve with a sprinkle of bonito flakes for added umami flavor.
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Japanese Summer Vegetable Miso Soup
Main Ingredients: Zucchini, Eggplant, Tomato, Dashi Powder, Miso Paste
This light and refreshing soup is packed with summer vegetables, including Japanese eggplant, zucchini, and tomatoes. It is seasoned with a flavorful miso broth and topped with green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and texture. It's a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for hot summer days. Pro tip: Add some cooked soba noodles for a heartier meal.
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Stir Fried Japanese Eggplant with Ginger and Miso
Main Ingredients: Miso, Sake, Japanese Eggplants, Canola Oil, Dried Red
This simple and flavorful dish features tender Japanese eggplant stir-fried with ginger and a savory miso sauce. The eggplant is first stir-fried until tender and slightly caramelized, then tossed with the sauce and topped with green onions. It's a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for a quick and easy meal. Pro tip: Add some sliced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra texture and flavor.
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Japanese Eggplant Nasu Dengaku (Miso glaze)
Main Ingredients: Japanese Eggplants, Miso Paste, Mirin, Soy Sauce, White
This traditional Japanese dish features tender eggplant broiled until soft and creamy, then glazed with a sweet and savory miso sauce. The result is a mouthwatering dish that is perfect as a side or a light meal. Pro tip: Top with some chopped fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness.
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Japanese Eggplant Tempura with Dipping Soy Sauce
Main Ingredients: Asian Eggplants, Vegetable Oil, All Purpose Flour
This simple yet delicious dish features tender Japanese eggplant coated in a light and crispy tempura batter, then fried until golden and served with a savory dipping sauce. The eggplant is first dusted with flour to absorb excess moisture, then coated in the batter and fried until crispy. It's a delicious and addictive dish that is perfect as an appetizer or a side. Pro tip: Serve with a side of steamed rice for a more filling meal.
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Sweet and Sour Eggplant
Main Ingredients: Japanese Eggplants, Red Bell Pepper, Soy Sauce, Brown
This recipe puts a Japanese twist on the classic sweet and sour dish by using Japanese eggplant instead of the traditional bell peppers. The eggplant is sautéed until tender, then tossed in a sweet and tangy sauce made with pineapple juice, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. It's a delicious and healthier alternative to the classic dish. Pro tip: Serve with steamed rice for a complete meal.
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Japanese Eggplant, Shitake and Soba Noodles with Tofu...
Main Ingredients: Vinegar, White Wine, Water, Soy Sauce, Runny Honey
This hearty and flavorful dish features tender Japanese eggplant, shitake mushrooms, and soba noodles stir-fried with tofu and a savory sauce. The result is a delicious and filling meal that is perfect for vegetarians. Pro tip: Add some chili paste for a spicy kick or some crushed peanuts for added texture.
Ingredients
For the curry paste:
2 tablespoons curry powder
1 tablespoon garam masala
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
For the curry:
2 Japanese eggplants, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 onion, diced
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 can of coconut milk
1 cup of vegetable broth
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
In a small bowl, mix together all the ingredients for the curry paste until well combined.
In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and cook until softened.
Add the eggplant to the pot and cook for 5-7 minutes, until slightly browned.
Add the curry paste to the pot and stir until the eggplant is well coated.
Pour in the coconut milk, vegetable broth, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Stir to combine.
Bring the curry to a simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, until the eggplant is tender.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve the Japanese eggplant curry over a bed of rice and enjoy!
Tips and Variations
If you prefer a spicier curry, increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the curry paste.
This recipe can also be made with regular eggplants if Japanese eggplants are not available.
For a heartier meal, add in your choice of protein such as chicken, beef, or tofu.
Feel free to adjust the amount of curry paste to your taste preferences.
Now that you have the recipe for this delicious Japanese eggplant curry, it's time to give it a try! Impress your family and friends with this unique and flavorful dish that will transport them to the streets of Japan with every bite. Happy cooking!