Tokyo Recipes by Nadia

Sweet and Tangy Glazed Eggplant

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Melt-in-your-mouth goodness! A side dish that gets rave reviews!

This quick and easy eggplant dish always gets compliments — “So delicious!”

Tender eggplant slices are coated in a sweet and tangy glaze that tastes just like something you'd get at an izakaya (Japanese pub). It pairs wonderfully with both rice and drinks!

Topped with chopped green onions for a pop of color, this dish looks as good as it tastes.

Perfect as a side dish or appetizer for any occasion.

Sweet and Tangy Glazed Eggplant
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COOKING TIME

15 minutes

RATE
Rinaty
Artist

Rinaty

About Me I was born and raised in Fukuoka in 1995. I love discovering delicious food just as much as I love eating it! As of January 2025, I’m grateful to have around 850,000 followers on Instagram—thank you so much for your amazing support. My Recipe Philosophy Through cooking, I hope to share many moments of happiness. Whether you’re someone who cooks daily for your family despite a busy schedule, or someone who wants to prepare a delicious meal for a loved one, I want my recipes to be your go-to. I focus on recipes that are easy to make using familiar ingredients and everyday seasonings found in any home. My dishes are not so much “fancy” in flavor as they are warm, home-style meals—simple, quick, and budget-friendly. I would be delighted if my recipes could bring a small sense of warmth and joy to both those who cook and those who eat. The happiness of making something tasty, the joy of hearing “It’s delicious!”, the smiles around the dining table, and the fun of cooking together with children—these are the heartwarming little moments I hope to deliver through my cooking."

PROFILE

INGREDIENTS

SERVES 3

Original recipe (1X) yields 3 servings

When scaling the recipe, the ratios of some ingredients may require slight adjustments. Adjust as necessary and season to taste.

  • 2 medium-sized Japanese eggplants
  • Potato starch (or cornstarch) for dredging
  • 6 tbsp. vegetable oil
  • 2 tbsp. rice vinegar
  • 2 tbsp. soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp. sugar
  • Chopped green onions to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

  • 1

    Prepare the Eggplant
    Cut off the stems of the eggplants and slice diagonally into ½-inch (1 cm)-thick pieces. Soak in water for about 10 minutes to remove bitterness.
    Meanwhile, mix the vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar in a small bowl and set aside.

    Sweet and Tangy Glazed Eggplant Process1
  • 2

    Dry and Coat
    Pat the eggplant slices dry with paper towels and lightly coat them with potato starch or cornstarch.

    Sweet and Tangy Glazed Eggplant Process2
  • 3

    Pan-fry the Eggplant
    Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
    Add the eggplant slices and cook slowly on both sides until golden brown and tender.
    Note: The eggplant will initially soak up oil, but as it cooks,it will release the excess oil and moisture.

    Sweet and Tangy Glazed Eggplant Process3
  • 4

    Remove Excess Oil
    Wipe off any excess oil and liquid from the pan using paper towels.

    Sweet and Tangy Glazed Eggplant Process4
  • 5

    Add the Sauce
    Pour in the prepared sauce and increase to high heat.
    Toss quickly and evenly to coat the eggplant until the sauce thickens and glazes the eggplants thoroughly.

    Sweet and Tangy Glazed Eggplant Process5
  • 6

    Garnish
    Sprinkle chopped green onions over the top and serve warm.

    Sweet and Tangy Glazed Eggplant Process6

RecipeID

185

Tips & Notes

Once the sauce is added, cook over high heat and toss quickly. The vinegar will evaporate fast, leaving the dish glossy and flavorful with a thick glaze.

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