Japanese Spiced Eggplant

Transform your dinner table with this irresistible Japanese Spiced Eggplant recipe, a savory-sweet dish that’s bursting with umami flavors and easy to make in just 30 minutes. Tender eggplant slices are pan-fried until golden and then coated in a luscious glaze made from soy sauce, mirin, garlic, ginger, and a hint of rice vinegar, with optional chili flakes for a spicy kick. Finished with nutty sesame seeds and fresh green onions, this dish delivers bold Japanese flavors in every bite. Perfect as a vegetarian main or side, it pairs beautifully with steamed rice or noodles, making it a versatile addition to your weeknight meals. Explore the simple elegance of Japanese cooking with this quick and flavorful recipe!

Nutriscore Rating: 79/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 medium eggplants
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons mirin
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 inch ginger
• 2 stalks green onions
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 0.5 teaspoons optional red chili flakes

Directions

Step 1

Wash and dry the eggplants, then cut them into 1-inch thick rounds or lengthwise into quarters for longer strips (as preferred).

Step 2

Mince the garlic and grate the ginger. Thinly slice the green onions and set aside for garnish.

Step 3

In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, mirin, sugar, rice vinegar, and optional red chili flakes to create the sauce. Stir until the sugar dissolves.

Step 4

Heat a large skillet or wok over medium heat and add the vegetable oil.

Step 5

Once the oil is hot, add the eggplant slices in a single layer (work in batches if necessary) and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until soft and golden brown. Remove the cooked eggplant and set it aside.

Step 6

In the same skillet, add a touch more oil if needed. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for 30 seconds until aromatic.

Step 7

Pour in the prepared sauce and stir for about 1 minute until it begins to thicken slightly.

Step 8

Return the cooked eggplants to the skillet and gently toss them in the sauce, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 9

Transfer the spiced eggplant to a serving dish and sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions for garnish.

Step 10

Serve warm with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	779.7 grams (779.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	608

Total Fat 32.60g	42%
Saturated Fat 4.70g	24%
Polyunsaturated Fat 18.90g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1756mg	76%
Total Carbohydrate 73.70g	27%
Dietary Fiber 20.90g	75%
Total Sugars 47.40g
Protein 13.20g	26%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 120mg	9%
Iron 4mg	19%
Potassium 1757mg	37%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 45.8%

Protein: 8.2%

Carbs: 46.0%