Miso Glazed Japanese Eggplant (Nasu Dengaku)

Step 1

Make Miso glaze - Add miso, sugar, sake, and mirin to a small saucepan over low heat and whisk well. If there are bits of miso, press them with a spoon or silicone spatula to incorporate them into the mixture. Heat until the mixture becomes thick and liquidy, about 7-10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2

Prepare eggplants - While the sauce cooks, prepare the eggplants. Cut the eggplants in half lengthwise. Then, use a sharp knife to score the eggplant and create a crosshatch a quarter- to half-inch deep, depending on how thick the eggplant is. Do not cut all the way through to the skin. See photo above for reference.

Step 3

Cook eggplant - Add oil to the pan on medium heat. Once oil is hot and shimmers, add eggplant face down and gently press with a spatula so the whole surface cooks evenly. Cover with the lid and cook for 3-4 minutes. Flip the eggplant over, cover with the lid, and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.

Step 4

Add sauce and broil eggplant - Carefully transfer the eggplant to a baking sheet cut side up. Spoon and spread a generous dollop of the miso sauce over each eggplant slice, covering the entire surface. Place the eggplant in the oven and broil for 2 minutes to caramelize the sauce. Remove from the oven and top with sesame seeds and scallions.