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Miso-glazed grilled eggplant halves with sesame seeds

Japanese nasu dengaku with sweet miso glaze

Miso-Glazed Grilled Eggplant

Miso-Glazed Grilled Eggplant

22 minEasy

Prep Time

10 min

Cook Time

12 min

Total Time

22 min

Servings

4

4 halves

Difficulty

Easy

Cost

Budget

$

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Miso-Glazed Grilled Eggplant

Japanese nasu dengaku with sweet miso glaze

Japanese eggplant halves grilled and topped with a sweet-savory miso glaze until bubbly and caramelized. An umami-rich side dish that converts eggplant skeptics.

10m

Prep Time

12m

Cook Time

22m

Total Time

4

Servings

Easy

Difficulty

Budget $

Cost

Japanese CuisineSide DishAppetizerVegetarianVeganDairy-Free
Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen

March 29, 2023(Updated April 12, 2026)

Nasu dengaku is a classic Japanese preparation where eggplant meets a rich miso glaze under intense heat. Grilling adds a smoky dimension to this traditional dish that is utterly addictive.

Why This Recipe Works

White miso provides deep umami that makes eggplant taste profoundly savory. The glaze caramelizes under the grill heat, creating a sweet-salty crust over the creamy flesh.

Ingredients

  • 2 Japanese eggplants, halved lengthwise
  • 3 tbsp white miso paste
  • 1 tbsp mirin
  • 1 tbsp sake or rice wine
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • Sesame seeds and scallions for garnish

Instructions

  1. 1

    Score the cut side of each eggplant half in a crosshatch pattern. Brush with oil.

  2. 2

    Mix miso, mirin, sake, and sugar until smooth to make the dengaku glaze.

  3. 3

    Grill eggplant cut-side down over medium heat for 4-5 minutes until charred.

  4. 4

    Flip, spread miso glaze generously over the cut side, and grill with lid closed for 5-7 more minutes until bubbly.

  5. 5

    Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced scallions. Serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions

Ways to Serve This Dish

  • Serve over steamed jasmine or sticky rice

  • Pair with a side of pickled vegetables or kimchi

  • Add a drizzle of sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor

  • Arrange on a platter for easy sharing at your next gathering

Substitutions

White misoRed miso (use less)

Stronger, saltier flavor—reduce quantity by 1/3

SakeDry white wine

Similar fermented flavor for deglazing

DepthPantry

Test Kitchen Pick

Miso

Helpful Pantry Staple

Why the miso matters

Miso gives this recipe layered saltiness and a little sweetness that is hard to replace cleanly with a generic substitute.

This is the kind of pantry staple that changes depth more than volume.

  • Adds savory depth without more work
  • Useful in soups, dressings, and marinades

A tub of miso tends to earn its keep quickly once it is in the fridge.

Shop miso for this recipe

Tips & Storage

Pro Tips

  • Score the flesh deeply so the heat penetrates and the eggplant cooks evenly.

  • Japanese eggplants are sweeter and less bitter than globe varieties—use them if available.

Storage

Best eaten immediately. Refrigerate for up to 2 days.

Reheating

Reheat under the broiler for 3-4 minutes until the glaze re-caramelizes.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (0mg) · 4 servings

Calories130
LowModerateHigh

A light, low-calorie option · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet

Protein4g
Carbohydrates4g
Fat18g
Fiber520mg
Sugar4g
Sodium10g

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular eggplant?
Yes, but slice globe eggplant into thick rounds instead of halves.
What type of miso?
White (shiro) miso is sweeter and milder. Red miso works but will be saltier and more intense.

Explore More

More Japanese RecipesMore Side DishMore AppetizerVegetarian RecipesVegan RecipesDairy-Free RecipesGrill Recipes
Sarah Chen

About Sarah Chen

Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.

View all recipes →

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