Step 1

For the Pressed Quick Pickles: Place cucumbers in a pickle press or in a small, zip-top plastic bag. Add rice vinegar, salt, sugar, and sesame oil and stir briefly to combine. If using a pickle press, attach lid and adjust spring to exert pressure on cucumber rounds. If using zip-top bag, seal bag, making sure to remove as much air as possible. Place bag between two 1/4 sheet pans and place a 1-pound weight on top (such as a can of tomatoes). Leave pressed pickles in brine for at least 30 minutes and up to 8 hours.

Step 2

For the Vegetables: In a heat-proof container, combine dried shiitake mushrooms with 1 1/4 cups hot water and let stand until mushrooms are fully hydrated, about 15 minutes. Once hydrated, squeeze excess liquid from mushrooms and slice into thin strips. Reserve 1 cup of mushroom soaking liquid, taking care to include as little sediment as possible. Discard any excess.

Step 3

Place eggplant cubes in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate. Place plate in microwave and cook on high until eggplant is tender enough that you can easily squeeze a cube between two fingers, 7-8 minutes. Meanwhile, combine 2 tablespoons soy sauce with miso, sugar, mirin, and 1 cup of reserved mushroom soaking liquid in small bowl and, using a whisk, stir until mixture is blended and smooth.

Step 4

In a 10-inch cast-iron skillet, heat 1 tablespoon canola oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add mushrooms and cook, stirring, until nicely browned and beginning to dry, about 2 minutes. Add red bell pepper and cook, stirring frequently, until just softened, about 1 minute. Add Thai bird chili (if using) and garlic, stir to combine, and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add bean sprouts and cook, stirring constantly, until they are coated in oil and just softening, about 2 minutes. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon soy sauce and stir to combine. Transfer stir-fried vegetables to a bowl and reserve. Rinse and wipe out skillet (no need to wash.)

Step 5

Add 1 tablespoon canola oil to skillet and place pan over medium heat until shimmering. Add julienned ginger and minced garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until ginger is very fragrant, 1-2 minutes. Stir mushroom liquid mixture briefly, then add to the pan, followed by eggplant cubes. Bring liquid to a boil, then lower heat to maintain a vigorous simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until eggplant is tender and sauce has thickened slightly, about 5 minutes.

Step 6

To Serve: Toss stir-fried vegetables with the rice vinegar and sesame oil. Spoon hot rice into each serving bowl. Top with kizami nori, if using. Spoon about a tablespoon of the eggplant sauce over each serving of rice, then divide eggplant cubes among bowls evenly. Divide stir-fried vegetables among bowls evenly. Place a handful of pressed cucumber quick pickles in each bowl along with a small mound of takanazuke and pickled ginger strips, if using. Garnish stewed eggplant with aonori and sesame seeds, if using, then top with sliced scallions. Serve immediately.