Do you peel Japanese eggplant before cooking?

With Japanese and Chinese eggplant, the skin stays on since they are tender when cooked .

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'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.

What is the secret to cooking eggplant?

Eggplant is about 80 to 90 percent water, so when you put them in the oven they need space to evaporate all that water and caramelize properly ," says Covarrubias. Give them a toss halfway through the cooking process to make sure they're cooked evenly, too.

Does Japanese eggplant taste different?

What does a Japanese Eggplant Taste Like? Japanese eggplants offer a sweeter, more tender, and more delicate taste than standard American eggplants . Because they're smaller and longer, they possess fewer seeds. This rids them of that typical vegetal bitterness that you'll find in some eggplant varieties.

Does Japanese eggplant need to be refrigerated?

The stem end should be brightly colored. Stored unwashed, unwrapped, and uncut in the vegetable drawer of the fridge , Japanese eggplant will keep for a good three or four days.

Can too much eggplant be bad for you?

Inspite of all the health benefits that eggplant provides, consumption of this vegetable in large quantities can have some harmful effects on your body . Nasunin, present in eggplant, is a phytochemical which can bind with iron and remove it from the cells. The oxalates in this vegetable can cause stones in the kidney.

Why do Japanese eggplants turn yellow?

When the weather gets hot, eggplants can prematurely turn yellow due to sun overexposure . Try using a shade cloth to protect those tender eggplants from sunburn, but don't forget to watch them carefully so you don't miss out! As you've discovered, some summer vegetables can overwinter in milder climates.

What is another name for Japanese eggplant?

In Japanese cuisine, eggplants are known as nasu or nasubi and use the same characters as Chinese (茄子).

Which eggplant taste better?

Unlike most other kinds, Chinese eggplants are nearly seedless, which makes them slightly sweet and less bitter. They're most commonly baked or featured in a stir-fry because they're tender and cook quickly.

What is the sweetest eggplant?

Chinese Eggplant It has a lighter, almost pastel exterior, with a white flesh and sweeter taste that fits its appearance. The Chinese variety contains fewer seeds than globe eggplants, and are therefore less bitter.

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

Older recipes call for salting eggplant to draw out the bitter juices, but today's eggplants are less bitter (unless very large), so salting is largely unnecessary. It will, however, help the spongy flesh absorb less oil and crisp up like a dream .

Why put salt on 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.

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!

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

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: Nami

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