Eggplant Miso from Nobu features tender, glazed eggplant slices coated in a savory miso sauce, garnished with scallions and sesame seeds, offering a rich umami flavor with a glossy, caramelized finish.
Equipments
- Chef's knife
- Cutting board
- Spoon
- Mixing bowl
- Small saucepan
- Baking tray
- Parchment paper or foil
- Pastry brush
- Oven
- Tongs
- Serving plate
Ingredients
- 2 medium eggplants
- 3 tablespoons white miso paste
- 3 tablespoons sake
- 3 tablespoons mirin
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 scallion
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
Use firm, fresh eggplants to ensure tender, glazed slices that hold up well during roasting. White miso paste must be of good quality to provide the distinctive savory depth essential to this dish. Sake and mirin contribute subtle sweetness and acidity, balancing the umami, so avoid substituting with non-traditional ingredients. Toasted sesame seeds and finely chopped scallions enhance both texture and presentation, adding a fresh, nutty finish. Your homemade Eggplant Miso from Nobu copycat menu will closely replicate the rich, caramelized flavor and glossy appearance of the original.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line baking tray with parchment paper or foil.
- Slice eggplants in half lengthwise.
- Score the flesh in a crosshatch pattern (do not cut through the skin).
- Brush eggplant flesh with vegetable oil.
- Place eggplants cut side up on prepared baking tray.
- Roast in oven for 20-25 minutes, until soft.
- While roasting, combine white miso paste, sake, mirin, and sugar in a small saucepan.
- Heat miso mixture over low heat, stirring until sugar dissolves and sauce thickens.
- Remove eggplants from oven.
- Set oven to broil.
- Spoon or brush miso sauce generously over the roasted eggplants.
- Broil eggplants for 2-4 minutes, until sauce is bubbly and caramelized.
- Thinly slice the scallion.
- Remove eggplants from oven and transfer to serving plate.
- Garnish with sliced scallions and toasted sesame seeds.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
Eggplant Miso from Nobu copycat menu captures the essence of tender eggplant glazed in a savory miso sauce with a caramelized finish. If you cannot find white miso paste, you can substitute it with yellow miso or a blend of miso varieties to maintain the umami depth. When chopping the eggplants, ensure uniform slices for even cooking and glazing. To enhance the flavor, you can marinate the eggplant slices in miso sauce for 15-20 minutes before baking. Your dish will benefit from toasting the sesame seeds fresh to intensify their aroma and flavor.
Tips
When scoring the eggplant flesh, be careful not to cut through the skin to retain moisture and structure during roasting. Use a pastry brush to evenly coat the flesh with vegetable oil, which helps prevent sticking and promotes caramelization. When heating the miso sauce, keep the heat low to avoid burning the sugar and miso, ensuring a smooth, thick consistency. After broiling, serve immediately to enjoy the glossy finish and full umami flavor at its best.
Nutritions
Eggplant Miso is a nutrient-rich dish providing dietary fiber and antioxidants from the eggplants, which aid in digestion and support overall health. The white miso paste contributes beneficial probiotics and essential minerals like manganese, zinc, and copper that promote immune function. Sake and mirin add subtle sweetness without significant calories, while sesame seeds offer healthy fats and vitamin E to support heart health. You will enjoy a flavorful meal that balances taste with nutritional benefits.
Storage
Store leftover Eggplant Miso in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days to maintain its rich umami flavor and tender texture. Reheat gently in the oven at 350degF (175degC) to preserve the glossy, caramelized finish without drying out the eggplant. Your best results will come from enjoying it fresh, but careful storage ensures you can savor the dish later without compromising quality.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute white miso paste with red or yellow miso for a deeper and stronger umami flavor. Roasting eggplants wrapped in foil before scoring can help retain moisture and make them extra tender. Experiment with adding a drizzle of chili oil or a sprinkle of shichimi togarashi to introduce subtle heat and complexity. For a smoky twist, try grilling the eggplants instead of roasting them in the oven.
Allergies
Eggplant Miso contains soy-based miso paste, a common allergen that may cause reactions in individuals sensitive to soy products. Sesame seeds garnish the dish and can trigger allergic responses in people with sesame allergies. Your safety is important, so always check ingredient labels and inform restaurant staff about any allergies before dining.
Why this recipe?
Eggplant Miso from Nobu restaurant features a unique blend of smoky grilled eggplant and savory miso glaze, creating a rich umami flavor profile that stands out among Asian-inspired dishes. The dish balances sweet, salty, and slightly tangy elements, appealing to those who enjoy complex, well-rounded tastes. You will appreciate the satisfying texture contrast between the tender eggplant and the caramelized miso topping. Attempting a copycat recipe is worthwhile to recreate this iconic flavor combination and bring Nobu's sophisticated culinary experience into your own kitchen.