Let’s explore the world of Japanese Eggplant! This slender, glossy vegetable can be cooked up in various ways. They are usually dark purple or black with a glossy skin, although it’s possible to find white or green ones. Also known as Nasu, they have a thinner skin and a sweeter mild taste. This means you don’t have to peel the skin off to prepare them and it crisps up nicely! Let’s take a closer look into 10 Delicious Ways To Cook Japanese Eggplant!
One way to cook Japanese Eggplant is in a pan. Just prep and wash, season, and sauté non-stick or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat! You can try using an air fryer as well! Air fryers are great for cooking Nasu because it helps to remove excess moisture and keep the vegetable crispy. You can also try the traditional method of Agebitashi which involves deep frying them in oil and soaking in seasoned vinegar. Other cooking methods for Japanese Eggplant include stuffing, roasting, grilling, and more. Get the recipe below!
1. Criss-cross Pan-fried Eggplant
Criss-cross Pan-fried Japanese Eggplant is a mouthwatering creation that’s as beautiful to look at as it is to taste! The star of the show is the Japanese eggplant, known for its mild, tender flesh that’s perfect for absorbing all those incredible flavors. To start, you will delicately score your eggplants in a criss-cross pattern to help the seasonings penetrate every nook and cranny! It also prevents sogginess and helps them get extra crispy!
2. How to Fry Eggplant with No Oil
Who said you need loads of oil to enjoy the crispy goodness of fried eggplant? You don’t! So if you’re looking for a crunchy, guilt-free way to enjoy eggplant, look no further! Everyone knows that any kind of eggplant will soak up oil just like a sponge. This results in oily soggy eggplant dishes all the time. Not this dish though! Just simmer the Japanese Eggplant in a bit of water first to soften it then add the rest of the sauce ingredients!
3. Spicy Air Fried Japanese Eggplant
Craving a flavorful and healthy dish that’s a breeze to make? Look no further! Presenting our Spicy Air Fried Japanese Eggplant recipe! They soak up all the bold flavors like a sponge, making each bite an explosion of taste. Plus, they are air-fried to a crispy perfection, so you can indulge guilt-free! This recipe is packed with wholesome ingredients that provide a good source of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
4. Nasu Agebitashi
Agebitashi is a traditional Japanese cooking method in which fresh seasonal ingredients are deep fried in oil and then soaked in seasoned dashi stock or sweet vinegar. The result is a delicious combination of textures and tastes, with the crispy exterior of the eggplant contrasting with the umami-rich sauce. This particular recipe is ready in under 30 minutes featuring Japanese Eggplant, Dashi, Soy Sauce, Mirin, sugar, ginger, green shiso leaf, and oil for frying! Yum!
5. How to Roast Japanese Eggplant
Elevate your culinary game with this mouthwatering recipe for Roasted Japanese Eggplant! This starter recipe for how to cook Japanese Eggplant will have you jumping for joy! All you have to do is preheat your oven to 400 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Then score the sides of your eggplant before basting them in your marinade mixture. Set them with the sliced sides upwards and roast for 30 minutes!
6. Miso Roasted Japanese Eggplant – Nasu Dengaku
Roasting Japanese eggplant might just be the secret to unlocking its full potential. The oven transforms these glossy purple beauties into a tender, smoky masterpiece. The best part? It’s incredibly simple, making it perfect for both beginners and seasoned home cooks! This recipe is ready in 45 minutes and features flavors like sesame oil, white miso, maple syrup, rice vinegar, grated garlic, and grated ginger.
7. Stuffed Miso Eggplant
Try this mouthwatering Stuffed Miso Eggplant recipe! It’s a delightful symphony of textures and tastes that will leave your taste buds dancing! Featuring fresh Japanese eggplant, miso, cherry tomatoes, crushed walnuts, olive oil, herbs and spices! The best part is how incredibly versatile this dish is! You can add your favorite herbs, spices, seeds, and so on – into the stuffing.
8. Imam Bayıldı – Roasted Stuffed Eggplant
This Roasted Eggplant dish is an absolute must-try. Picture this: perfectly roasted eggplants, tender and smoky, generously stuffed with a savory mix of onions, garlic, and vibrant peppers, all swimming in a luscious, aromatic sauce crafted with love straight from Ilke’s Kitchen! It’s a medley of flavors that dance on your taste buds. And here’s the cherry on top: it’s Pareve, Vegan, and Kosher for Passover! So, whether you’re observing dietary restrictions or simply looking to savor a burst of Mediterranean flavors, this recipe has got you covered.
9. Grilled Japanese Eggplant
If you’re a fan of Japanese cuisine or just looking to try something new, this recipe is for you! It is incredibly easy and quick to whip up. In just 15 minutes, you’ll have a mouthwatering dish that can be served as a delightful appetizer, side, or even a light main course. It’s the easiest and healthiest way to cook Japanese Eggplant.
10. Japanese Eggplant Miso Noodles
Craving a warm and comforting bowl of goodness? Look no further! This recipe is a flavor-packed way to cook Japanese Eggplant. Featuring tender, sautéed Japanese eggplant, lightly caramelized, and crispy, pan-fried tofu for that perfect contrast in texture. Add in the rice noodle vermicelli, and you’ve got a bowl that’s as hearty as it is healthy. But the real magic happens in the broth. A flavorful blend of garlic, ginger, and the umami-rich goodness of miso come together to create a heavenly broth!
