Nasu no Kushi Yaki

Nasu no Kushi Yaki is a delightful vegetarian Japanese dish featuring grilled eggplant skewers marinated in a savory-sweet sauce. Perfectly charred and bursting with umami, it's a satisfying dish that showcases the flavors of traditional Japanese cuisine.

Ingredients

• Eggplant - 2 medium-sized
• Soy sauce - 30 ml
• Mirin - 30 ml
• Sugar - 1 tablespoon
• Sesame oil - 1 tablespoon
• Garlic - 1 clove, minced
• Ginger - 1 teaspoon, grated
• Green onion - 2 stalks, chopped
• Sesame seeds - 1 tablespoon, toasted
• Skewers - 4 (soaked in water for 30 minutes if wooden)

Steps

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Cut the eggplants into 1-inch thick slices and then into quarters to form bite-sized pieces.
3. In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, mirin, sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger to create the marinade.
4. Add the eggplant pieces to the marinade and let them soak for at least 10 minutes.
5. Thread the marinated eggplant onto skewers, packing them closely but not too tightly.
6. Place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until the eggplant is tender and slightly caramelized.
8. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 180
• Protein: 4 g
• Carbs: 22 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Water: 0.25 L

Health Benefits

• Eggplants are rich in antioxidants, which can help protect cells from damage.
• This dish is low in calories and high in fiber, promoting digestive health.

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