Nasu dengaku is a traditional Japanese dish where eggplant is grilled and glazed with a sweet and savory miso sauce. It is a popular dish that is often served as a side dish or appetizer in Japanese cuisine.
Ingredients
- 2 medium-sized eggplants
- 1/4 cup white miso paste
- 2 tablespoons mirin
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sake
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish
Directions
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Cut the eggplants in half lengthwise and score the flesh in a crisscross pattern.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the miso paste, mirin, sugar, soy sauce, sake, and sesame oil to make the glaze.
- Brush the eggplant halves generously with the miso glaze.
- Place the eggplants on the grill, cut side down, and grill for about 5-7 minutes until they are charred and tender.
- Turn the eggplants over and brush the skin side with more glaze. Grill for another 2-3 minutes.
- Remove the eggplants from the grill and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
- Serve the nasu dengaku hot as a side dish or appetizer.
Interesting Facts
Nasu dengaku is a popular dish served at Japanese izakayas, which are casual gastropubs in Japan.
Eggplant is often used in Japanese cuisine for its meaty texture and ability to absorb flavors.