Miso Eggplant: Baked Japanese Style, Plus A Za'atar Version

Miso Eggplant, Baked The Japanese Way, With A Za’atar Version Too.

Two Vegan, Low Sugar Toppings For One Easy Baked Eggplant.

About 45 Minutes In The Oven. Serve It Hot Or Cold.

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Introduction to miso eggplant

Miso eggplant is eggplant halves, cross hatched and baked until soft, then brushed with a glaze of white miso, tamari, mirin, rice wine vinegar and sesame oil, and baked again until it bubbles. It’s vegan and low in sugar, and it spends about 45 minutes in the oven. I also give you a Mediterranean version, with za’atar, garlic and paprika.

In my view, it’s among the best Japanese baked eggplant recipes. The same baked eggplant can take a topping from Japan or from the Middle East. They’re both delicious, but different, and I made each one to be low in sugar.

Serve either one hot or cold. The flavours get even better as they soak in.

If you have any comments or questions, please contact us. Or chat with me at a Flametree yoga or meditation class via these timetables.

Miso eggplant, ready to eat

Miso eggplant halves baked with a Japanese miso glaze

My miso baked eggplant, Japanese style.

Ingredients for miso eggplant

Here are the ingredients for this Flametree Yoga Studio dish, with both toppings.

The miso version (Japanese)

3 medium globe eggplants (small thin ones work too)
2 tablespoons of white miso paste
1 tablespoon of tamari
2 tablespoons of mirin
2 teaspoons of rice wine vinegar
2 teaspoons of sesame oil
2 to 3 tablespoons of olive oil

The za’atar version (Mediterranean)

2 medium globe eggplants
One and a half tablespoons of za’atar
Half a teaspoon of paprika
A quarter teaspoon of salt
1 good sized garlic clove
2 tablespoons of olive oil

To serve

For the miso version: finely chopped spring onions and sesame seeds
For the za’atar version: tahini sauce, chopped parsley and coconut yoghurt

If you haven’t come across it before, za’atar is a popular Middle Eastern spice blend, pronounced zaah-tur. It adds great flavour to lots of dishes.

The miso topping ingredients

White miso, tamari, mirin and a pastry brush for miso glazed eggplant

The ingredients for the miso version. The miso is on the left, with the brush I use to paint the topping onto the eggplant.

How to make miso eggplant

Use these steps for either version. The method is the same, only the topping changes.

Step 1: Prepare the eggplant

Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius.
Slice each eggplant in half lengthways, as in the picture.
Cross hatch the cut side with a sharp knife. Be careful not to cut through the skin at the bottom.
Brush with some olive oil, and season with salt.

Step 2: The first bake

Turn the eggplant halves upside down on the tray, so the cross hatching faces down.
Bake for about 15 minutes.

Step 3: Add the topping and bake again

Mix the topping ingredients together. For the za’atar version, crush the garlic first.
Turn the eggplant over, so the cut side faces up.
Brush the topping into the cross hatching and across the top.
Bake for about 30 minutes more. A big eggplant can take up to 45 minutes.
The miso topping bubbles up when it’s cooked, so keep an eye on it.

Step 4: Serve

Top the miso version with finely chopped spring onions and sesame seeds.
Serve the za’atar version with tahini sauce, chopped parsley and coconut yoghurt.
Serve hot or cold, with salad, tempeh, baked tofu, or whatever you fancy.

Cross hatch without cutting through the skin

Cross hatched eggplant halves ready for a baked eggplant topping

Whichever version you’re making, cross hatch it carefully with a knife, without cutting through the skin. Then add the topping of your choice.

Miso eggplant, just baked

Japanese miso glazed eggplant halves on a baking tray, just baked

Miso eggplant on the tray, just baked.

Za’atar eggplant, Mediterranean style

Za'atar eggplant halves roasted Mediterranean style

The za’atar version, a Mediterranean style that’s now popular everywhere.

Is miso eggplant vegan and gluten free?

Both versions are vegan. Whether they’re gluten free depends on your labels, because miso, tamari and za’atar vary, and some miso is made with barley. Check them if you need it gluten free.

What’s the difference between miso eggplant and nasu dengaku?

Nasu dengaku is the traditional Japanese dish of eggplant grilled with a sweet miso glaze, and traditional recipes often add sugar. My miso eggplant is baked in the oven, and I keep it low in sugar.

What is za’atar?

Za’atar is a popular Middle Eastern spice blend, pronounced zaah-tur. It adds great flavour to lots of dishes, and here it makes a simple Mediterranean baked eggplant.

Za’atar eggplant with salad

Za'atar baked eggplant served with salad

My za’atar eggplant, served with salad.

Miso eggplant: quick questions answered

How long does miso eggplant take to bake?

About 45 minutes at 200 degrees Celsius: 15 minutes cut side down, then about 30 minutes with the topping. A big eggplant can take longer.

Can I use small, thin eggplants?

Yes. You can use small thin eggplants instead of medium globe eggplants.

Can you eat miso eggplant cold?

Yes. Both versions can be served hot or cold, and the flavours get better as they soak in.

Why cross hatch the eggplant?

Cross hatching lets the topping soak into the flesh. Cut into the flesh, but not through the skin, so the eggplant holds together.

What do you serve with baked eggplant?

Salad, tempeh, baked tofu, or whatever you fancy. I top the miso version with spring onions and sesame seeds, and the za’atar version with tahini, parsley and coconut yoghurt.

More Flametree eggplant recipes

Love eggplant? Try my roasted eggplant and red capsicum chickpea curry, or my baba ganoush. For some plant protein on the side, try my Balinese pan fried tempeh.

Do you have a vegan recipe or dish you’d like to share?

Please contact me with any dishes you’d like to share with me.

Obviously, I’m especially interested in any dish that is already a great Darwin vegan option.

Alternatively, it may be a potential vegan Darwin recipe that I could adapt, or be inspired by, as I did here.

Experience eating alternatives at a Flametree Yoga Retreat

By the way, there are several upcoming Flametree yoga retreats in Bali in 2027.

Contact us for details of our Darwin yoga retreat packages, or our yoga class packages in the orange lines below.

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Learning to eat mindfully, as a result of yoga and pranayama meditation, is a great way to start more of a vegetarian or vegan journey, or simply mindfully eat whatever you choose.