# Nasu dengaku (from J. Kenji López-Alt)

Video: [How to Make Miso-Glazed Eggplant (Nasu Dengaku) | Kenji Eats Japan](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWhWK_s1_Z0) by [J. Kenji López-Alt](https://www.youtube.com/@JKenjiLopezAlt).
RecipesMD is not affiliated with J. Kenji López-Alt. Steps are paraphrased in our own words.
Status: machine-read from the video, not yet checked by a person.

- Serves: not stated
- Total time: not stated
- Ontario estimate*: ~$1.24 per serving, ~$2.48 for ~2 portions (assumed); saves ~$16.76* per serving (93%) vs ordering out (~$18.00*). * Estimate: 5 line(s) we couldn't price were filled with typical costs for their type; the video doesn't state how many it serves, so 2 portions were assumed; restaurant comparison is a typical Ontario Japanese restaurant plate at ~$18, before delivery fees, tax and tip. Prices: Ontario averages (StatCan 2026-07) + RecipesMD estimates, pro-rated, staples excluded.

## Ingredients

- 3 Japanese eggplant
- to taste salt
- to taste MSG
- 1/4 cup red miso
- 1 tbsp sake
- 1 tbsp mirin
- 2 tsp sugar
- a little oil
- a little sesame seeds
- some scallions

## Steps

1. [0:12](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWhWK_s1_Z0&t=12s) Halve each Japanese eggplant lengthwise.
2. [0:22](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWhWK_s1_Z0&t=22s) Score the cut flesh in a crosshatch pattern about a quarter-inch deep.
3. [1:07](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWhWK_s1_Z0&t=67s) Season the eggplant halves with salt and MSG.
4. [1:26](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWhWK_s1_Z0&t=86s) Combine red miso, sake, mirin, and sugar in a small bowl and mix into a smooth paste.
5. [3:14](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWhWK_s1_Z0&t=194s) Let the eggplant rest for about 10 minutes until moisture draws to the surface.
6. [3:22](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWhWK_s1_Z0&t=202s) Dab the moisture off the eggplant surface with paper towels.
7. [3:33](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWhWK_s1_Z0&t=213s) Rub oil onto both sides of the eggplant halves.
8. [4:15](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWhWK_s1_Z0&t=255s) Preheat the grill over medium-high heat.
9. [4:37](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWhWK_s1_Z0&t=277s) Place the eggplant cut-side down on the grill.
10. [5:22](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWhWK_s1_Z0&t=322s) Cover the grill and cook the first side until charred and tender.
11. [5:36](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWhWK_s1_Z0&t=336s) Flip the eggplant over and move to a lower-heat side of the grill.
12. [6:09](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWhWK_s1_Z0&t=369s) Transfer the grilled eggplant to a baking sheet.
13. [6:21](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWhWK_s1_Z0&t=381s) Spread the miso glaze over the surface of each eggplant half.
14. [7:16](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWhWK_s1_Z0&t=436s) Place the tray on the cooler side of the grill and set up indirect heat.
15. [7:28](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWhWK_s1_Z0&t=448s) Cover the grill and cook until the miso glaze bubbles and chars slightly.
16. [7:44](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWhWK_s1_Z0&t=464s) Transfer the glazed eggplant to a serving board.
17. [8:12](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWhWK_s1_Z0&t=492s) Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped scallions.

## Equipment

- knife
- cutting board
- sheet pan
- bowl
- spoon
- paper towels
- gas grill
- tongs
- aluminum foil

## What the video didn't say

- exact brand of miso paste
- exact grill temperature settings
- servings count not stated
- total time not stated

Source page: https://recipesmd.com/v/kenji-lopez-alt-nasu-dengaku