5 from 4 votes

Servings

Craving a tasty eggplant recipe? This Sauteed Japanese Eggplant with Ponzu Sauce is perfect for you! Savor the tender eggplant paired perfectly with the zesty kick of our homemade sauce!

Looking for more simple eggplant recipes? Try these Easy Japanese Eggplant Recipes!

sauteed Japanese eggplant served on a plate.

Featured Comment

From Carol: “I’ve made this twice now, and it is delicious. Followed the recipe exactly and love it. Thank you”

Why You Will Love This Recipe

The combination of tender eggplant and tangy ponzu sauce creates a mouthwatering taste.
It’s simple to prepare and can be ready in under 10 minutes.
The ponzu sauce adds a refreshing citrusy note.

Japanese Eggplants

Japanese eggplants are slim and long. Their thin skin makes them perfect for quick cooking methods like stir-frying, deep-frying, and sautéing. This allows them to absorb flavors easily and stay tender.

Recipe Ingredients

You’ll need the following ingredients to make this Sauteed Japanese Eggplant:

Ingredients for sauteed Japanese eggplant.

Eggplants: Japanese eggplants are usually found at Japanese or Asian grocery stores. However, if they are not available, Chinese eggplant is the best substitute.
Cooking Oil: I recommend using sesame oil for this recipe, but you can also use vegetable, olive, or avocado oil.
Ponzu sauce: Ponzu is a flavorful and versatile citrus-based sauce commonly used in Japanese cuisine. We will make it with soy sauce, rice vinegar, lemon, and ginger.

How To Make Sauteed Japanese Eggplant: STEP BY STEP

Here’s a quick visual guide! Check the recipe card below for the video and full details!

Step 1

Cut eggplant.

Step 2

Combine the ponzu sauce ingredients in a small bowl.

Step 3

Heat a frying pan over medium heat, add the sesame oil, and cook the eggplants.

Step 4

Add the sauce and toss gently.

Transfer the dish to a plate and sprinkle it with chopped scallions and a bit of extra grated ginger for added flavor. Enjoy!

Recipe Tips

Choose eggplants that are firm and shiny for the best results.
You can adjust the amount of ponzu sauce according to your taste preferences. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can add some sugar.

What To Serve With

Serve the sauteed Japanese eggplant as an appetizer, side dish, or even as a light main course. It pairs beautifully with Steamed Japanese Rice and Kabocha Miso Soup and alongside other dishes such as Pickled Cucumber and Stir-fried Tempeh.

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Sauteed Japanese Eggplant With Ponzu Sauce

5 from 4 votes

Prep: 5

Total: 10

Servings:

Author: Juri Austin

Craving a tasty eggplant recipe? This Sauteed Japanese Eggplant with Ponzu Sauce is perfect for you! Savor the tender eggplant paired perfectly with the zesty kick of our homemade sauce!

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Ingredients

▢ 2 Eggplants, medium size, 300g
▢ 2 Tbsp Sesame oil
▢ 1 tsp Scallions, chopped, optional

Ponzu Sauce

▢ 1 clove Ginger, grated
▢ 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce
▢ ½ Tbsp Rice vinegar
▢ ½ Tbsp Lemon juice, one wedge

Instructions

Prepare the ingredients: Remove the stem of the eggplant and cut it in half. Create several diagonal notches on the surface and divide it into quarters. Grate the ginger.
Make the ponzu sauce: Combine the grated ginger, soy sauce, vinegar, and lemon juice in a small bowl.
Cook eggplant: Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add the sesame oil. Place the eggplant slices in the pan and cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until tender. Flip them over and cook for a few more minutes.
Add the sauce: Reduce the heat, add the sauce, toss gently, and let absorb flavors for a minute.
Serve: Transfer to a plate and sprinkle chopped scallions.

Notes

Choose eggplants that are firm and shiny for the best results.
Adjust the amount of ponzu sauce according to your taste preferences. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can add some sugar.

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 132kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 1g

This nutritional information is estimated and provided for general reference only.

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: Japanese

Keyword: sauteed japanese eggplant

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Juri Austin

Hi! I’m Juri, founder of Chef JA Cooks and the creator and photographer of this site. I’m here to guide you in authentic yet easy-to-follow Japanese recipes! Let’s explore the world of Japanese cuisine together!

Learn More About Juri

5 from 4 votes (3 ratings without comment)

2 Comments

Carol says:

Oct 5, 2025 at 5:36 AM

I’ve made this twice now and it is delicious. Followed the recipe exactly and love it. Thank you

1. Juri Austin says:
  
  Oct 5, 2025 at 5:42 AM
  
  Thank you so much for trying the recipe, Carol! I’m so glad you loved it!