Learn how to make this delicious Stir-fried Japanese Eggplant and Tofu With Miso Paste. You will love the tender eggplant, delicate tofu, and rich miso umami in every bite!
If you are looking for a savory eggplant recipe, this stir-fried Japanese eggplant is a must-try! Its delightful blend of flavors and easy preparation make for a perfect dinner.
Enjoy it paired with a comforting bowl of steamed rice!
- This recipe is for you if:
- You love eggplant.
- You are looking for a Japanese eggplant recipe.
- You want to make stir-fried Japanese eggplant.
If you want to check the recipe immediately, please visit the link below. Let's get started!
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About This Recipe
- Delicious Japanese eggplant recipe
- Savory main dish infused with miso paste
- Vegan recipe
📋 Ingredients
Here are the ingredients (amounts are in the recipe card below).
- Tofu - Choose firm tofu as it holds up well when cooked, unlike the softer, silky tofu.
- Eggplants - Use Japanese eggplants in this recipe. See below.
- Scallion - Also known as spring onion or green onion, it adds a fresh kick!
- Wheat flour - Use flour to give the tofu a crispy texture. Rice flour or cornstarch can be alternatives.
- Cooking Oil - I like using sesame oil for stir-frying, but you can also go with vegetable, olive, or avocado oil.
- Miso sauce - Miso paste, soy sauce, mirin, and sugar.
- Sesame seeds for topping
Japanese Eggplants
Japanese eggplants, called Nasu in Japanese, are slim and long, unlike regular globe eggplants. They are shorter than Chinese eggplants but have a dark purple color, almost black.
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.
You can usually find Japanese eggplants at Japanese or Asian grocery stores. However, if they are unavailable, Chinese eggplant is the best substitute.
Selecting the Perfect Eggplant
Here are a few tips for selecting a fresh eggplant at the grocery store:
- Look for a dark purple color with a glossy sheen.
- It should feel firm and heavy when you hold it.
- Check that the end of the stem appears fresh and vibrant.
- Notice if sharp thorns are still present on the stem.
Where to Buy Japanese Ingredients
If you live in the US, you can find Japanese ingredients in the list below.
- Japanese market: Mitsuwa Marketplace, Marukai
- Asian market
- Whole Foods Market
- Health food stores
- Online stores: Instacart, Walmart, Amazon
🔪Instructions
Let's go over how to make this simple recipe. Click here to watch the recipe video!
1. Press tofu to remove the extra moisture and cut it into bite-size pieces.
2. Remove the stem of the eggplant and cut it into bite-size pieces. Diagonally slice the scallion.
3. Combine the miso paste, soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and water in a small bowl.
4. Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add the sesame oil. Lightly coat the tofu pieces with flour, place them in the pan, and cook until golden brown.
5. Flip the tofu pieces to cook the other side. Once evenly cooked, transfer them to a plate and set it aside.
6. Add eggplant and scallions to the same pan.
7. Stir fry the vegetables until they are cooked through.
8. Reduce heat, add the tofu and miso sauce, toss gently, and let absorb flavors for a minute.
Serve
Transfer them to a plate and sprinkle sesame seeds on top. Enjoy this delicious stir-fried Japanese eggplant!
Helpful Tips
- When pressing the tofu, wrap the tofu block in paper towels and place a heavy object on top. Pressing helps remove excess moisture, allowing the tofu to absorb flavors better during cooking. You may not need this pressing process if you use extra firm tofu.
- Choose eggplants that are firm and shiny for the best results.
- Adjust the sweetness and saltiness of the miso sauce according to your taste preferences.
What To Serve With
This tasty stir-fried Japanese eggplant goes well with many sides. Here's a meal idea for you!
Other Ways to Cook Japanese Eggplants
Eggplant is a versatile vegetable and well-suited for quick cooking methods such as stir-frying, deep-frying, and sautéing. Here are some delicious eggplant recipes:
- Eggplant Tempura (Deep Fried Eggplant)
- Teriyaki Nasu
- Pickled Japanese Eggplants
- Panko-crusted Fried Eggplants
- Miso Glazed Eggplant
- Sauteed Japanese Eggplant
Thanks For Stopping By!
Thank you for taking the time to read my blog♡ . If you've tried this recipe (or any other recipe on the blog), please give it a star rating below!
Also, feel free to leave comments if you have any questions. I love hearing from you!
Chef JA Cooks is a Japanese food blog that shares simple and healthy Japanese home cooking recipes, including vegan and vegetarian. From traditional Japanese recipes to modern recipes with step-by-step instructions.
More Vegetable Dishes You Might Like
- Pickled Cucumber
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📖 Recipe
Stir-fried Japanese Eggplant and Tofu with Miso Paste
Print Pin SaveIngredients
- 300 g Firm Tofu, 10.6 oz
- 1 Eggplant, medium size
- ½ Scallion
- 2 tablespoon Wheat Flour
- 2 tablespoon Sesame Oil
Miso Sauce
- 2 tablespoon Miso Paste
- 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Mirin
- ½ tablespoon Sugar
- 2 tablespoon Water
Instructions
- Cut tofu: Press tofu to remove the extra moisture and cut it into bite-size pieces.
- Cut eggplant and scallions: Remove the stem of the eggplant and cut it into bite-size pieces. Diagonally slice the scallion.
- Make miso sauce: Combine the miso paste, soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and water in a small bowl.
- Cook tofu: Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add the sesame oil. Lightly coat the tofu pieces with flour, place them in the pan, and cook until golden brown.
- Cook the other side: Flip the tofu pieces to cook the other side. Once evenly cooked, transfer them to a plate and set it aside.
- Stir fry vegetables: Add eggplant and scallions to the same pan and stir fry them.
- Add the sauce: Reduce heat, add the tofu and miso sauce, toss gently, and let absorb flavors for a minute.
- Serve: Transfer to a plate and sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
Video
Notes
- When pressing the tofu, wrap the tofu block in paper towels and place a heavy object on top. Pressing helps remove excess moisture, allowing the tofu to absorb flavors better during cooking. You may not need this pressing process if you use extra firm tofu.
- Choose eggplants that are firm and shiny for the best results.
- Adjust the sweetness and saltiness of the miso sauce according to your taste preferences.
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