Teriyaki Eggplant

Similar to the delectable appetizer often found on Japanese restaurant menus, this pan-sautéed teriyaki eggplant couldn’t be easier to make. For heartier appetites, allow more than just one mini eggplant per serving, as this has an addictive flavor and goes down easy! Serve as an appetizer or side dish. Photos by Evan Atlas.

Teriyaki Eggplant

Similar to the delectable appetizer often found on Japanese restaurant menus, this pan-sautéed teriyaki eggplant couldn’t be easier to make.

5 from 1 vote

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Course: Appetizer / Vegetable side dish

Cuisine: Japanese

Diet: Vegan, Vegetarian

Prep Time: 12 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 27 minutes

Servings: 4 to 8

Author: Veg Kitchen

Ingredients

Teriyaki marinade

• ¼ cup reduced-sodium tamari or soy sauce
• ¼ cup sake or white wine
• 1 tablespoon dark sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons natural granulated sugar or agave nectar
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or other mild vinegar
• 1 to 2 cloves crushed or minced garlic optional
• 2 teaspoons grated fresh or jarred ginger or more, to taste
• Freshly ground pepper to taste

Eggplant and garnish

• 8 mini eggplants about 5 to 6 inches in length or Japanese eggplants
• 2 scallions green parts only, thinly sliced (for garnish)

Instructions

• Combine all the ingredients in a small container. If using sugar, let stand until it’s dissolved. Otherwise, whisk together.
• Stem the eggplants and cut in half lengthwise.
• Whisk the marinade again just before pouring ⅓ cup of it into a wide skillet. Heat lightly, then arrange the eggplants cut side down in a single layer.
• Cover and cook over medium heat until nearly tender and golden brown on the underside. Add more marinade as needed if the skillet gets dry. The time this will takes varies depending on the eggplant variety used, so check frequently.
• Flip the eggplants over and cook until tender but not overdone. Pour a little more marinade into the skillet, turn the heat up to high, and sear the eggplants’ underside for a minute or so.
• Remove to a plate and garnish with the scallions. Serve hot or at room temperature, and pass around any unused portion of the marinade for individual servings, if you’d like, or save for another use.

Vegan-ize any recipe!Grab our free vegan cheat sheet, packed with my favorite easy substitutions to make any recipe vegan.

• Here are more delicious recipes for using eggplant.
• Enjoy more tasty vegan appetizers.