Japanese Miso Eggplant Stir Fry

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!

Japanese miso eggplant stir fry served on a plate topped with chili powder and sesame seeds being picked up with a pair of chopsticks.

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.

Ingredients for a miso stir fry sauce being prepared.

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.

Miso stir fry sauce in a 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.

Japanese eggplants in a wok.

🍳 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.

Japanese eggplants in a wok mixed with miso sauce.

 

🥢 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.

Japanese miso eggplant stir fry in a wok.

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.

 

Japanese miso eggplant stir fry served on a plate topped with chili powder and sesame seeds.

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.

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Watch How To Make It

Japanese miso eggplant stir fry served on a plate topped with chili powder and sesame seeds.

Japanese Miso Eggplant Stir Fry

Enjoy the savory flavors of Japan with my delicious Japanese Miso Eggplant recipe. Easy to make and bursting with umami goodness, this stir fry is a perfect side dish for any Japanese-inspired meal.
5 from 6 votes
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish, Vegetables
Cuisine: Japanese
Keyword: Japanese eggplant stir fry, Japanese miso eggplant
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Total Time: 8 minutes
Servings: 2
Print Recipe
Calories: 150kcal

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.
    Ingredients for miso eggplant stir fry.
  • Prepare eggplants by cutting off steam, peeling the skin off every other stroke and cutting it into triangle pieces as shown in picture.
    Chopped Japanese eggplants.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine Japanese sake, sweetener, and miso.
    Miso stir fry sauce in a bowl.
  • 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.
    Japanese eggplants in a wok.
  • 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.
    Japanese miso eggplant stir fry.

Nutrition

Calories: 150kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Sodium: 230mg | Potassium: 151mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 92IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 9mg

*Values Based Per Serving

 

5 from 6 votes (6 ratings without comment)

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