Miso Glazed Aubergine - Nasu Dengaku [vegan]

This Japanese-inspired vegan baked Miso Glazed Aubergine (nasu dengaku) makes a delicious salty-sweet side dish or appetizer!

If you love aubergines, then you should really try this one out! This simple traditional Japanese recipe (Nasu Dengaku) is made by brushing sliced aubergine with miso glaze and then baking it for half an hour. This vegan dish makes the perfect starter or side-dish and is loaded with miso and aubergine flavors!

What is Nasu Dengaku?

Nasu Dengaku ("nasu" meaning aubergine) is a Japanese dish made with aubergines, which are sliced in half, scored, glazed with white miso paste, and then baked or broiled. White miso is a type of paste made from soybeans fermented with rice, which tastes slightly salty and sweet. Other types of miso include yellow, red, or brown, with the latter being the saltiest and strongest of all misos. Miso paste is also used for glazing salmon, tofu, and as a salad dressing.

How to make Miso Glazed Aubergine (Step by Step)

This recipe requires a few ingredients and 30 minutes of oven-time. Typically, in Japan, this dish is made using "thin" aubergines which are sliced in half. Our local aubergines tend to be larger and much thicker in size, so for this recipe, I slice them length-ways in thick slices (about 2cm thick). However, if you're using smaller aubergines, go ahead and slice them in half. Please do keep in mind that cooking time highly depends on the thickness of the aubergine, and this recipe is adapted for aubergine which are sliced around 2cm thick 🙂

Ingredients for Miso Glazed Aubergine

For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

• Aubergine (2 small aubergines or one larger thick aubergine)
• White miso paste
• Sake
• Mirin
• Rice syrup (or any sweetener of your choice. Brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup are alternative choices)
• Sesame oil (this will give the dish a slightly "nutty" flavor)

You will also need the following kitchen tools:

• Paper towel - used to pat dry the aubergines
• Small saucepan - to warm the glaze
• Baking sheet with parchment paper - for baking the aubergines
• Pastry brush - to glaze the aubergines
• Knife - to slice and score the aubergines
• Oven - for baking!

Making Nasu Dengaku

First, preheat your oven to 180°C (360F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Slice the aubergine length-ways in 2cm thick slices. If using small aubergines, slice them in half :).

Use a knife to score the aubergine (flesh-side up) in a diagonal fashion, to form a "diamond" shape. Be careful not to cut through the aubergine or its skin. Place the sliced and scored aubergines on a plate and using a paper towel, pat them dry.

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Place the miso paste, sake, mirin, rice syrup, and sesame oil in a small saucepan on medium-low heat (avoid using high heat). Stir continuously until the mixture is incorporated and a shiny glaze is formed, around 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.

Place the dried and scored aubergines on the baking sheet with parchment paper, flesh side up. Using a pastry brush, glaze the surface of the aubergines with a thick layer of the miso mixture. If there is leftover mixture, you can use this to re-glaze the aubergines after baking.

Bake in a pre-heated oven for 5 minutes at 180°C. Then, increase the oven temperature to 200°C (400F) and bake for a further 20-25 minutes. Please note, the total cooking time highly depends on the thickness of your aubergine. Thicker slices may require longer baking time.

Miso glazed aubergines should be juicy but firm, and slightly charred. The miso glaze should be bubbly and slightly caramelized. Once out of the oven, allow to cool slightly and sprinkle with parsley, green onions, chives, or sesame seeds and enjoy warm!

Serving Suggestions

Miso glazed aubergine is typically served warm as a side dish but can be a great main course when served with rice. Just sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions, chives, or parsley and you're good to go!

Have you tried this tasty side dish? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below and don't forget to rate the recipe! Also, don't forget to follow Baked Fig on Pinterest, and Instagram to stay updated with any new recipes! Also, check out these other great Asian-inspired recipes.