5 from 3 votes

Servings 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 8 Easy Japanese Eggplant Recipes!

sauteed Japanese eggplant served on a plate.

I’ll walk you through the ingredients and step-by-step instructions. I hope you enjoy it!

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 are some quick visual instructions! For the video and all the detailed ingredients and instructions, go to the printable recipe card below.

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.

Want More Plant-Based Ideas?

Download 10 Vegetarian Recipes

More Eggplant Recipes You Will Love

Leave a Rating!

I hope you enjoy this Sauteed Japanese Eggplant! If you try it, don’t forget to leave a rating to share your thoughts—I love hearing from you!

Sauteed Japanese Eggplant With Ponzu Sauce

5 from 3 votes

Prep: 5

Total: 10

Servings: 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!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

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.

Video

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.

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!

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5 from 3 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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