15 Marinated Eggplant Japanese Recipe You Won't Believe The Taste!
Published on: Mar 26, 2024
Marinated eggplant is a beloved dish in Japanese cuisine, known for its tender and flavorful slices of eggplant soaked in a delectable marinade. The unique combination of tangy and sweet flavors makes this dish a popular choice for appetizers, side dishes, and even main courses. While marinating eggplant may seem daunting, this authentic Japanese recipe is surprisingly easy to make and will impress even the most discerning taste buds. So let's dive into the world of marinated eggplant and discover the secrets to making this delicious dish.
Japanese eggplant, also known as aubergine, is a versatile and delicious ingredient used in many traditional Japanese dishes. Its smooth texture and slightly sweet flavor make it a favorite among both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. Here are 20 mouth-watering recipes to try with this delightful ingredient.
For a twist on the classic Chinese dish, try this Japanese version of sweet and sour chicken. Made with tender chunks of chicken, juicy pineapple, and savory Japanese eggplant, this dish is a burst of different flavors in every bite. Serve it over rice for a satisfying meal.
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Home-made Fukujinzuke (Pickled Vegetables for Japanese...
Main Ingredients: Daikon, Lotus Root, Cucumber, Eggplant, Ginger, Salt
Fukujinzuke is a popular condiment in Japan, often served with Japanese curry. It is a mixture of pickled vegetables, including Japanese eggplant, cucumber, and daikon radish, which are soaked in a sweet and tangy sauce. Making your own fukujinzuke at home is simple and allows you to adjust the flavors to your liking.
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Japanese Miso Eggplant
Main Ingredients: White Miso Paste, Rice Wine Vinegar, Water, Fresh
This simple yet flavorful dish features Japanese eggplant marinated in a miso-based sauce and then grilled or broiled to perfection. The miso adds a deep umami flavor to the eggplant, making it a delicious side dish or appetizer. Serve it with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added crunch.
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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 healthy dish combines Japanese eggplant, shitake mushrooms, and tofu with buckwheat soba noodles for a filling and nutritious meal. The combination of flavors and textures in this dish is sure to please your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied.
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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 traditional Japanese dish that features broiled eggplant topped with a sweet and savory miso glaze. The eggplant becomes tender and caramelized from the broiling process, while the miso adds a burst of flavor. This dish is perfect as an appetizer or side dish.
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Marinated Japanese Mushrooms
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Mushrooms, Rice Vinegar, Soy Sauce, Red
If you're a fan of mushrooms, you'll love this simple and flavorful dish. Marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sake, and mirin, these Japanese mushrooms become tender and packed with flavor. Serve them as a side dish or add them to stir-fries or salads for an extra kick of umami.
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Vegan Japanese Eggplant Dog
Main Ingredients: Japanese Eggplant, Mustard, Soy Sauce, Hot Dog Bun
This fun and creative take on a hot dog features a grilled Japanese eggplant as the "bun" and a flavorful vegetable filling topped with a drizzle of spicy mayo. It's a perfect dish for vegans or anyone looking for a healthier alternative to a classic hot dog.
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Japanese Eggplant Miso Noodle Soup
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Extra Firm Tofu, Toasted Sesame Oil
This comforting soup is a staple in many Japanese households. The broth is made from a combination of miso, chicken or vegetable broth, and soy sauce, and is then filled with Japanese eggplant, mushrooms, and noodles. It's a satisfying and delicious meal that is perfect for any day of the week.
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Sauteed Japanese Eggplant
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Japanese Eggplant, Scallions, Shiitake
Sometimes, the simplest dishes are the most delicious. This recipe for sauteed Japanese eggplant is quick and easy to make, yet bursting with flavor. The eggplant is lightly seasoned and sauteed until tender, making it the perfect side dish for any meal.
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Japanese Miso Eggplant (vegan)
Main Ingredients: Miso Paste, Mirin, Broth, Sugar, Sesame Oil, Eggplants
This vegan version of a classic Japanese dish features marinated and grilled eggplant topped with a flavorful miso sauce. The combination of sweet and savory flavors in this dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Serve it as an appetizer or side dish.
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Miso-Glazed Japanese Eggplant
Main Ingredients: Japanese Eggplant, Yellow Miso, Mirin, Sugar, Ginger
This elegant dish is perfect for a dinner party or a special occasion. Japanese eggplant is marinated in a mixture of miso, sake, and mirin, and then broiled until the glaze becomes caramelized and delicious. Serve it with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.
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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 have to try this recipe for spicy Japanese eggplant. The eggplant is coated in a spicy seasoning mix and then air-fried until crispy and tender. It's a healthier alternative to deep-fried dishes and makes for a perfect appetizer or side dish.
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Japanese Miso Eggplant Nasu Dengaku
Main Ingredients: Eggplants, Peanut Oil, Miso Paste, Sake, Mirin, White
This traditional Japanese dish features broiled eggplant topped with a sweet and savory miso glaze. The eggplant becomes tender and caramelized from the broiling process, while the miso adds a burst of flavor. It's a simple yet delicious dish that is perfect for any occasion.
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Japanese Eggplant & Soba Noodles with Taiwanese Bok...
Main Ingredients: Garlic, Bird S Eye Chilies, Japanese Eggplants
This dish is a fusion of Japanese and Taiwanese flavors, featuring soba noodles, Japanese eggplant, and Taiwanese bok choy. The combination of these ingredients creates a flavorful and nutritious meal that is perfect for a weeknight dinner.
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Japanese Fried Eggplant (Agedashi Nasu)
Main Ingredients: Eggplants, Oil, Dashi Stock, Soy Sauce, Mirin
This classic Japanese dish features deep-fried eggplant topped with a savory sauce and served with grated daikon radish. The eggplant becomes crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making it a delicious appetizer or side dish. It's a must-try for any eggplant lover.
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Japanese Summer Vegetable Miso Soup
Main Ingredients: Zucchini, Eggplant, Tomato, Dashi Powder, Miso Paste
This light and refreshing soup is perfect for hot summer days. Made with seasonal vegetables, including Japanese eggplant, this miso soup is packed with flavor and nutrients. It's a comforting and healthy dish that is easy to make and perfect for any time of day.
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Stir Fried Japanese Eggplant with Ginger and Miso
Main Ingredients: Miso, Sake, Japanese Eggplants, Canola Oil, Dried Red
This flavorful dish features stir-fried Japanese eggplant with a touch of ginger and miso. The ginger adds a fresh and spicy kick, while the miso adds a deep umami flavor. Serve it over rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Japanese Eggplant Nasu Dengaku (Miso glaze)
Main Ingredients: Japanese Eggplants, Miso Paste, Mirin, Soy Sauce, White
This twist on the traditional Nasu Dengaku features a miso glaze with the addition of a few secret ingredients, including sesame oil and chili flakes. The glaze becomes caramelized and delicious when broiled, making this dish a winner in both flavor and presentation.
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Japanese Eggplant Tempura with Dipping Soy Sauce
Main Ingredients: Asian Eggplants, Vegetable Oil, All Purpose Flour
This recipe takes the classic Japanese tempura to the next level by using Japanese eggplant as the main ingredient. The eggplant is coated in a light and crispy batter and then fried to perfection. Serve it with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, ginger, and green onions for a delicious and authentic dish.
Preparing the Eggplant
Cutting and Salting
To start, select fresh, firm eggplants with smooth, shiny skin. Cut the eggplants into thin slices, about 1/4 inch thick. Sprinkle salt on both sides of the slices and place them in a colander. The salt will help draw out any excess moisture and bitterness from the eggplant. Let the slices sit for about 30 minutes, then rinse them off and pat them dry.
Grilling the Eggplant
Next, heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Brush olive oil on both sides of the eggplant slices and grill them for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until they are slightly charred and tender. Remove them from the heat and let them cool.
Making the Marinade
Mixing the Ingredients
In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, rice vinegar, mirin, honey, and sesame oil. The combination of these ingredients creates a perfect balance of salty, tangy, and sweet flavors. For an extra kick, add some chili paste to the marinade.
Adding the Eggplant
Once the marinade is well-mixed, place the cooled eggplant slices in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Make sure each slice is evenly coated. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or overnight for maximum flavor.
Serving the Marinated Eggplant
Garnish and Enjoy
Before serving, sprinkle some sesame seeds and green onions on top of the marinated eggplant slices for added flavor and presentation. This dish can be served cold or at room temperature, making it a convenient and delicious option for any occasion. Enjoy the unique and delicious taste of marinated eggplant, a staple in Japanese cuisine.
Pairing Suggestions
Marinated eggplant can be served as a side dish or appetizer, but it can also be incorporated into main dishes. For a complete meal, pair it with a protein like grilled chicken or fish and some steamed rice. The marinade also works well with other vegetables, so feel free to experiment and add some zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the dish. The possibilities are endless with this versatile and tasty marinated eggplant Japanese recipe.
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