Discover my Japanese Miso Eggplant Stir Fry recipe, a quick and delightful side dish that perfectly complements any Japanese-inspired meal! Tender Japanese eggplants are stir-fried until perfectly cooked, then coated in a homemade miso sauce bursting with savory flavor. With minimal effort required and maximum taste guaranteed, this dish is a must-try for anyone craving authentic Japanese cuisine!
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe
What makes my Japanese Miso Eggplant Stir Fry recipe so great is that it’s incredibly easy to make, bursting with delicious flavors, and pairs perfectly with a wide range of Japanese-style meals! In just 8 minutes, I made sure you can whip up a versatile side dish that complements any Japanese inspired main course! But what makes my recipe truly special is my homemade miso sauce, crafted with natural ingredients, just like in my popular Salmon with Miso Sauce!
Utilizing my proven stir-fry methods, inspired by my Japanese Pork Stir Fry, Japanese Vegetable Stir Fry and Bean Sprouts and Pork Stir Fry, the eggplants become tender and juicy, infused with savory miso umami goodness! It’s perfect for anyone seeking a simple yet flavorful side dish made with real, wholesome ingredients. Don’t wait—dive into this mouthwatering recipe now and elevate your Japanese-inspired meal experience!
Ingredients
Ingredients
- Japanese Eggplants – long and narrow, Japanese eggplants can be found in Japanese or Asian supermarkets.
- Neutral Oil – no taste or flavor with high cooking temperature. Some choices are sunflower oil, peanut oil, sallower oil, vegetable oil, and canola oil.
- Japanese Sake – typically will come in a large bottle labeled junmai sake. Can also substitute with dry sherry wine or Chinese cooking wine, found at local grocery stores or Asian markets.
- Sweetener – use your preferred sweetener.
- Miso – awase brown Miso works best.
- Togarashi (red pepper) – Togarashi Japanese chili pepper blend found in most Asian or Japanese supermarkets. A good alternative would be cayenne pepper or red pepper.
- Toasted Sesame Seeds – optional garnish.
🥢 Miso Note
You have three miso paste options: White Miso, which is mild and sweet; Red Miso, known for its robust and salty flavor; and Brown Miso, or Awase Miso, offering a balanced blend of salty, sweet, and umami. I recommend using Awase Miso but it is a matter of personal preference.
Directions
☑ Before Getting Started
Ensure you have a Large Deep Skillet or Wok on hand to provide ample space for your eggplants to cook evenly.
Step 1 Combine Japanese sake, miso and sweetener in a mixing bowl.
Step 2 Start by adding oil into a wok or skillet. Once oil is preheat, add in the eggplants until they are softened, about 3-5 minutes.
🍳 Eggplant Cooking Note
When cooking eggplant, keep in mind that it absorbs oil quickly. If you notice the Pan Getting Dry, Add More Oil as needed to ensure the eggplants cook evenly and don’t stick.
Step 3 Then, add the miso sauce mixture and continue to stir-fry until everything is well combined and transfer to a serving plate.
🥢 Miso Sauce Pro Tip
When adding the miso sauce, Avoid Cooking Directly. After adding it to your dish, mix it in and immediately remove from heat.
🌿 Garnishing Pro Tip
For a finishing touch, garnish your dish with Togarashi and, if desired, Toasted Sesame Seeds. These additions enhance both the flavor and texture of the dish.
Pairing Recommendations
This Japanese Miso Eggplant Stir Fry pairs perfectly with dishes like Japanese Beef Fried Rice or Kimchi Chicken Fried Rice for a satisfying meal. Alternatively, try it with Garlic Chicken Stir Fry or Chicken Sesame Oil Stir Fry for a protein-rich option. For added warmth and depth, consider serving it alongside Japanese Chicken Soup.
Frequently Asked Questions
American Eggplant vs Japanese Eggplant
American eggplants, also known as globe eggplants, are characterized by their large, round shape and tougher texture, often with a slightly bitter taste. In contrast, Japanese eggplants are long and thin, with a soft and spongy texture. They offer a sweeter, milder flavor compared to their American counterparts.
Do I need to peel the eggplants before cooking?
The skin doesn't need to be peeled, but for aesthetic purposes, you can peel it every other stroke.
How long should I cook the eggplants to ensure they are tender?
Cook the eggplants until a chopstick can easily go through the center, typically about 3-5 minutes.
What should I do if my miso sauce becomes too thick or thin?
If your miso sauce becomes too thick, simply add water to thin it out. Conversely, if it's too thin, add more miso to achieve the desired consistency.
Storage Tips
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and store it in the fridge. The dish should stay fresh for 3-5 days when properly refrigerated.
Other Recipes You Might Like
- Japanese Cucumber Salad Sunomono
- Asian Noodle Salad
- Japanese Roasted Eggplant Yakinasu
- Japanese Tofu Yudofu
Watch How To Make It
Japanese Miso Eggplant Stir Fry
Ingredients
- 1/4 lbs Japanese Eggplants
- 1 1/2 tbsp Cooking Oil neutral, no flavor or taste
- 1 tbsp Japanese Sake
- 2 tsp Sweetener your preferred sweetener
- 2 tsp Miso
- 1/4 tsp Togarashi can sub with chili powder
- 1/8 tsp Toasted Sesame Seed optional
Instructions
- Gather all the ingredients.
- Prepare eggplants by cutting off steam, peeling the skin off every other stroke and cutting it into triangle pieces as shown in picture.
- In a mixing bowl, combine Japanese sake, sweetener, and miso.
- In a large frying pan or wok, add neutral cooking oil and bring up to temp on high heat. Once up to temp, add in eggplants and cook for 3-5 minutes until softened or desired tenderness is reached.
- Add in sauce from step 3), combine well and cook for an additional 15-20 seconds. Transfer eggplants to a serving plate and top with togarashi and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seed.
Nutrition
*Values Based Per Serving