Grilled Vegetables with Miso Glaze

Grilled Vegetables with Miso Glaze Recipe - Chinese Cuisine

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Grilled vegetables with miso glaze is a delicious and healthy dish that combines the smoky flavor of grilled vegetables with the umami richness of miso glaze. This recipe is perfect for a light and flavorful meal that is sure to impress your family and friends.

History

Grilled vegetables with miso glaze is a modern twist on traditional Japanese cuisine. Miso, a fermented soybean paste, has been a staple in Japanese cooking for centuries. The addition of miso glaze to grilled vegetables adds a depth of flavor that is both savory and sweet.

Ingredients

0.25 cup of vegetable broth
3 tbsp of mirin
2 tbsp of sugar
1 tbsp of soy sauce
2 tbsp of red miso
1 tbsp of vegetable oil
1 tbsp of sesame oil
2 medium-sized Asian eggplants, each about 5 inches long
1 small acorn squash
2 fresh shiitake mushrooms
8 baby corn cobs
1 tsp of sesame seeds

How to prepare

In a small saucepan, combine vegetable broth, mirin, sugar, and soy sauce. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and whisk in miso until the glaze is smoothly blended.
In a small bowl, combine vegetable and sesame oils.
Cut the eggplants diagonally to make ovals about 0.25 inch thick and 3 inches long. Cut the squash crosswise into 0.5 inch-thick slices. Discard mushroom stems and cut caps in half.
Place sesame seeds in a small frying pan over medium heat. Cook, shaking the pan frequently, until lightly browned, for 3 to 4 minutes. Immediately remove from the pan and let it cool.
Preheat the electric grill to 350°F, or heat the grill pan over medium heat. Brush the grill with some oil mixture.
Place the vegetables on the grill and brush them with oil. Cook, turning once and brushing again with oil, until the vegetables are tender. It takes about 2 to 3 minutes on each side for squash, 1 to 2 minutes for mushrooms and eggplant, and 1 minute for baby corn.
Reduce the heat to low. Brush half of the miso glaze on the vegetables and cook for 30 seconds. Turn the vegetables, brush them with the remaining glaze, and cook for another 30 seconds. Place them on a serving plate and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Variations

Try using different vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes.
Add a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley for added flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to brush the vegetables with oil before grilling to prevent them from sticking to the grill.

- Be sure to cook the vegetables until they are tender but still have a slight crunch to them.

- Brushing the vegetables with miso glaze while they are still hot will help the glaze to adhere to the vegetables and create a delicious caramelized crust.

Serving Suggestions

Grilled vegetables with miso glaze can be served as a side dish or as a main course. It pairs well with steamed rice or quinoa for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Grilling the vegetables over medium heat ensures that they cook evenly and develop a nice charred flavor. Brushing the vegetables with oil helps to prevent them from sticking to the grill.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have mirin, you can substitute it with rice vinegar or white wine vinegar. You can also use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar in the miso glaze.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the miso glaze and cut the vegetables ahead of time. Store the glaze in an airtight container in the refrigerator and the vegetables in a resealable bag until ready to grill.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the grilled vegetables on a platter and garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Grilled vegetables with miso glaze pairs well with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light lager beer. It also goes well with a side of pickled vegetables or a simple green salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover grilled vegetables can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the vegetables in a microwave-safe dish and heat on high for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

180

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 25g

- Dietary Fiber: 5g

- Sugars: 10g

Fats

- Total Fat: 8g

- Saturated Fat: 1g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 4g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 10% DV

- Vitamin C: 20% DV

- Calcium: 4% DV

- Iron: 6% DV

Alergens

Contains soy

Summary

Grilled vegetables with miso glaze is a nutritious dish that is low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals. It is a great source of fiber and protein, making it a healthy and satisfying meal option.

Summary

Grilled vegetables with miso glaze is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light and healthy meal. With a delicious combination of grilled vegetables and savory miso glaze, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Grilled Vegetables with Miso Glaze. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Japan. My grandmother was the one who taught me how to make it, and I still remember the way she carefully mixed the miso paste with the soy sauce and sugar to create the perfect glaze.

Growing up, my grandmother was known in our village for her incredible cooking skills. She had a knack for taking simple ingredients and turning them into delicious meals that would leave everyone craving more. I would often watch her in the kitchen, marveling at the way she moved with such grace and precision as she chopped, stirred, and seasoned her dishes.

One day, as I was helping her prepare a meal, she pulled out a sheet of paper from her recipe box and handed it to me. It was a recipe for Grilled Vegetables with Miso Glaze, a dish that she had learned from a friend many years ago. As she explained the ingredients and steps to me, I could see the passion and pride in her eyes.

The recipe called for a variety of fresh vegetables, including bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms. We would marinate them in a mixture of miso paste, soy sauce, sugar, and a touch of sesame oil before grilling them to perfection. The miso glaze would caramelize beautifully on the vegetables, giving them a savory and slightly sweet flavor that was simply irresistible.

I remember the first time we made the dish together. The aroma of the vegetables grilling over the charcoal fire filled the air, making my stomach growl with anticipation. My grandmother carefully brushed each piece with the miso glaze, watching as it sizzled and caramelized on the hot grill.

When the vegetables were finally done, we plated them up and took a bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth – the smoky char from the grill, the umami richness of the miso glaze, and the natural sweetness of the vegetables all came together in perfect harmony. I couldn't believe something so simple could taste so amazing.

From that day on, Grilled Vegetables with Miso Glaze became a staple in our household. We would make it for special occasions, family gatherings, or simply as a quick and delicious weeknight meal. My grandmother would always say that the secret to a good dish was to put love and care into every step of the cooking process, and I could see that reflected in every bite of this dish.

As I grew older and moved away from home, I carried the recipe with me wherever I went. I would make it for friends, coworkers, and eventually for my own family. Each time I cooked the dish, I would think of my grandmother and the times we spent together in the kitchen, bonding over our love for good food and shared traditions.

Now, as I sit here reflecting on that memory, I realize just how much that recipe has shaped me as a cook and as a person. It taught me the importance of passing down traditions, of cherishing the moments spent with loved ones, and of creating something delicious and meaningful with my own two hands.

So, if you ever find yourself craving a taste of something truly special, I urge you to give this recipe for Grilled Vegetables with Miso Glaze a try. I promise you won't be disappointed. And who knows? Maybe one day, you'll pass it down to someone you love, just like my grandmother did for me.