Izakaya Sakura Nasu Miso (Miso Glazed Japanese Eggplant)

Quick, easy and light....all the hallmarks of a great side dish or simple lunch.

• Ready In: 20 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 3  tablespoons  vegetable oil
• 4  Japanese eggplants, cut in half lengthwise flesh scored 1/4 inch deep
• 1⁄3 cup yellow miso or 1⁄3 cup red miso
• 2  tablespoons light brown sugar, packed
• 2  tablespoons sake or 2  tablespoons white wine
• 1⁄4 teaspoon  chili pepper flakes
• 1⁄4 cup cilantro leaf
• 1  teaspoon sesame seeds, toasted

Directions

1. Preheat broiler with a rack 4 inches from heat source.
2. Heat oil in an ovenproof frying pan over high heat. Add eggplant, flesh side down, and cook until flesh starts to brown and soften (4 minutes).
3. In a small bowl, combine miso, sugar, sake and chili flakes. Turn eggplant flesh side up and brush mixture over it.
4. Broil eggplant in pan until glaze starts to brown (3 minutes). Sprinkle with cilantro and sesame seeds.