Do you peel Japanese eggplant before cooking?

You don't have to peel an eggplant before cooking . It really is a choice of the cook. The skin is edible, it's just that sometimes it isn't as palatable as you might like.

What is the secret to cooking eggplant?

Eggplants are known to absorb a lot of fat while cooking. A useful tip to prevent sogginess and greasiness is to salt sliced or diced eggplant and let it sit for an hour . This helps to draw out moisture. Next, rinse and drain any liquid from the sliced eggplant, then pat dry before cooking.

What's the difference between Chinese eggplant and Japanese eggplant?

The difference is that Chinese are lighter purple, and Japanese are a dark purple like the American eggplant.

Do you have to salt Japanese eggplant before cooking?

Salting the eggplant slices is an important step that helps draw out any excess moisture and minimizes bitterness . Sprinkle a generous amount of salt over both sides of the sliced eggplant and let it sit for approximately 15-20 minutes.

What happens if you don't salt eggplant before cooking?

It helps draw out moisture from the eggplant. You don't have to salt eggplant though, it depends on the texture your looking for. Salting gives it a more creamy texture when cooked and not salting helps the eggplant hold up and be a little firmer after cooked .

Why is my eggplant skin tough after cooking?

If it's an extra-large eggplant, the vegetable could be older and the skin tougher , therefore, it's a smart idea to peel it. But small, young eggplant have thin, tender skins that add great texture to the vegetable when cooked.

Why do you soak eggplant in water and salt?

An award-winning food writer and cookbook author, Molly Watson has created more than 1,000 recipes focused on local, seasonal ingredients. Many recipes call for salting and rinsing eggplant before cooking it to draw out its bitterness .

How do you get the most flavor out of eggplant?

Salting: One common method is salting the eggplant slices or cubes before cooking . This process helps draw out the bitter compounds and excess moisture. Here's how to do it:Slice or cube the eggplant as desired. Sprinkle salt over the eggplant pieces and let them sit for about 30 minutes.

Should you soak eggplant in milk or salt water?

Soak it in milk. Soak eggplant slices or cubes in milk for about 30 minutes before cooking . The milk not only tempers the bitterness, but it actually makes for eggplant that is extra creamy, since the vegetable acts like a sponge and soaks up a good amount of milk in its flesh.

How do you pick a good Japanese eggplant?

Look for smooth, shiny eggplants with no signs of dull skin . Dull skin means that the fruit is turning bitter and shouldn't be eaten. Make sure that there's no streaking. To test a Japanese eggplant at the grocery store, take your thumb and press it into the eggplant to form a print.

What is Japanese eggplant good for?

Some studies have found that eggplants may improve heart function and reduce LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels . Eggplants are rich in fiber and polyphenols, which both can help reduce blood sugar levels. Eggplant is high in fiber and low in calories, which means they can help promote weight loss.

What is another name for Japanese eggplant?

The Japanese word for eggplant is “ nasu ,” which sounds similar to the word “to accomplish,” leading many Japanese traditionalists to believe that dreaming about eggplants will bring achievements and success in the year to come.

Our Best Japanese Eggplant Recipes (2024)

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Discover the deliciousness of Japanese eggplants with our best recipes! The fans’ favorites include soy-glazed eggplant rice bowls, mapo eggplant, grilled eggplant with miso glaze, nasu agebitashi, and more.

If I had to name one vegetable that can get me really excited, it has to be the mighty Japanese eggplants! But like many people, I wasn’t into the nightshade until much later as an adult that I’ve grown to savor its many remarkable qualities.

By themselves, Japanese eggplants don’t have much of a taste, but when cooked and seasoned properly, they can soak up almost any flavors. The sturdy yet spongy character also makes it rather one-of-a-kind. The meaty texture makes them a great option for vegan and vegetarian dishes. That’s what I love about cooking with Japanese eggplant. Let’s get to know them today!

What are Japanese Eggplants?

Japanese eggplants are called nasu (sometimes referred to generically as long Asian eggplants) and they are recognized by their long, slender body with a deep purple shade.
Thanks to their long shape and thin skin, Japanese eggplants cook much faster and soak up flavors quicker than regular large-sized eggplant. It is also less bitter and has a velvety and almost melt-in-your-mouth texture once cooked. It also doesn’t need much as oil as regular eggplant.
The best substitute for Japanese eggplant is Chinese eggplant. Both eggplants belong to the same Asian cultivar but the main difference is the Japanese eggplant tends to have a deeper, almost black-purple color. If you can’t find both eggplants, then other small eggplant varieties, like Italian eggplant are your best bets.
There are many ways to enjoy Japanese eggplants: grill, steam, deep-fry, pan-fry, simmer, etc. Try them in a variety of recipes, including Japanese or other Asian or western-style dishes.

To give you some delicious ideas, we’ve gathered the very best Japanese eggplant recipes that are well tested and loved by our readers. We hope you enjoy them too!

Our Best Japanese Eggplant Recipes

1. Soy-Glazed Eggplant Donburi

This vegetarian rice bowl features crispy pan-seared eggplant slices that are smothered with an amazing sweet soy sauce. The simplicity of the dish puts the spotlight on all that eggplant can offer.

‘This was absolutely delicious. Crunchy, salty, and sweet. It came together very quickly. The best part- it doesn’t require a ton of ingredients that aren’t already in the pantry. Will definitely be making this one again.’ – Mae

2. Ginger Pork Rolls with Eggplant

Similar concept to bacon rollups, this Japanese version calls for thinly sliced pork. The inside is stuffed with eggplant and the rolls are pan-fried until golden brown before coating with a sweet-savory sauce. To add extra zing, top the ginger pork rolls with shiso leaves (or with mint and Thai basil). It’s homey, tasty and goes very well with rice.

‘This is honestly one of—if not —best things I have ever tasted. I followed this recipe closely and it paid off.’ – Kennedy

3. Eggplant Agebitashi (Nasu Agebitashi)

In this recipe, the quality of the eggplant is accentuated by deep frying and then soaked in a light savory broth consists of dashi, mirin, and soy sauce. Known as nasu agebitashi, the unique Japanese cooking method presents eggplant in a new light. Serve this as a side dish to complement your Japanese or Asian meal.

‘I made this for dinner this evening. It was outstanding! The daikon and ginger condiments are amazing.’ – Debbie

4. Mapo Eggplant (Mapo Nasu)

Slightly spicy and incredibly flavorful, this mapo eggplant (mabo nasu) is an adaptation of Chinese food that’s very popular in Japan. Served over hot steamed rice, you’ll have a satisfying weeknight meal!

‘My husband and I love this dish! I have been making it regularly since you first posted it, and we never get tired of it. I do change it up from time to time; depending on what I can find at the Mitsuwa- last night I added in stir-fried negi and thick slices of sh*taki mushrooms. Delicious!’ – Barbara

5.

Eggplant and pork make a delicious and protein-rich stir fry! The savory miso sauce ties everything together. For a final touch, sprinkle with some chopped scallions and sesame seeds.

‘My 85-year old mother said that it reminded her of the eggplant with miso that her mother made for her when she was a child.’ – Gayle

6. Oyaki (Japanese Stuffed Dumplings with Eggplant)

Fancy a weekend cooking project that will take you to the streets of Japan? Try these Oyaki dumplings, a popular snack in Nagano Prefecture in central Japan. You can use different fillings, but I love the ones stuffed with eggplant. It’s creamy, tender, and bursting with savory flavor.

‘I had never heard of oyaki in my Asian dumpling explorations before. But I’m glad I found it – these are terrific! I whipped up 15 each of the eggplant and kabocha oyaki on short notice for a potluck and wasn’t able to source buckwheat flour or shiso in time. Even so, they were some tasty dumplings.’ – Todd

7. Miso Glazed Eggplant

When in doubt, you can always count on this easy Miso Glazed Eggplant recipe. The eggplants are first glazed with an umami miso mixture and then grilled until crispy on the outside while retaining its creamy texture on the inside. 15 minutes is all you need for a great vegetable side!

‘I really love Japanese culture and food. I make this a lot. It is a fantastic recipe.’ – Lucila

8. Eggplant Parmesan Spaghetti

Determined to convert eggplant skeptics? This Eggplant Parmesan Spaghetti will turn them into an instant fan. The pasta dish combines the deeply flavored tomato meat sauce with crispy panko-crusted eggplant in the most scrumptious and comforting manner.

‘Tried this tonight, and it was delicious! Cheated a little on the sauce, used Rao’s, and added Italian sausage and herbs. Next time, will make it from scratch.’ – Kuulei

9. Eggplant Unagi Donburi

You won’t believe this hearty, savory rice bowl with unagi eel and eggplant can come together in just 30 minutes!

‘Instead of unagi we used mackerel since unagi is really expensive in our country. I Just have to say, this recipe was amazing! So much flavor! This is definitely one to be made on a repeat.’ – Miki

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Best Japanese Eggplant Recipes

5 from 1 vote

Discover the deliciousness of Japanese eggplants with our best recipes! The fans’ favorites include soy-glazed eggplant rice bowls, mapo eggplant, grilled eggplant with miso glaze, nasu agebitashi,and more.

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Ingredients

▢ Soy-Glazed Eggplant Donburi
▢ Ginger Pork Rolls with Eggplant
▢ Eggplant Agebitashi (Nasu Agebitashi)
▢ Mapo Eggplant (Mapo Nasu)
▢
▢ Oyaki (Japanese Stuffed Dumplings with Eggplant)
▢ Miso Glazed Eggplant
▢ Eggplant Parmesan Spaghetti
▢ Eggplant Unagi Donburi

Japanese Ingredient Substitution: If you want substitutes for Japanese condiments and ingredients, click here.

Instructions

Select the Japanese eggplant recipes you want to try from the list above.
Follow the detailed instruction in each post (substitutions included).
Make and enjoy the recipes at home!
Share in the comment below to let us know your favorite. And if you enjoy the recipe(s), please consider giving us a 5-star rating!

Author: Namiko Chen

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