Japanese Country-Style Eggplant (Nasu No Inaka-Ni)

May 27, 2023May 27, 20230 4

Japanese Country-Style Eggplant (Nasu No Inaka-Ni) Recipe

by The Chefin Vegetarian

Prep

10 min

Cook

25 min

Ready In

35 min

Level

Easy

Rating

Ingredients

	8 Japanese eggplants ( or one large eggplant )
	3 tablespoons vegetable oil
	1/4 teaspoon chili pepper flakes , to taste
	1 packet dried bonito flakes ( katsuo-bushi , found in Asian grocery stores )
	3 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
	3 tablespoons mirin ( Japanese sweet cooking wine , or substitute vermouth with added sugar to taste )
	1 cup water

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe

Calories

128

Sugar

Fat

Nasu No Inaka-Ni is a delicious Japanese dish that is perfect as a side or a main course. This eggplant dish is often found in Japanese households and is typically made with simple ingredients like soy sauce, mirin, and chili pepper flakes, which add flavor to the dish. Japanese eggplants, which have a tender skin and are less bitter than regular eggplants, are used to make the dish, but if you can't find them, a regular eggplant can be used as a substitute. The dish is easy to make and can be whipped up in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Instructions

1.	Cut the eggplants into quarters lengthwise. If using a large eggplant, cut it into small chunks.
2.	Heat the oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the eggplant and cook for 5 minutes or until lightly browned.
3.	Add the chili pepper flakes and dried bonito flakes to the pan. Cook for another 1-2 minutes.
4.	Add the soy sauce, mirin, and water to the pan. Stir well and bring to a boil.
5.	Reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the eggplant is tender and the sauce has thickened.
6.	Serve hot with rice.

PROS

This Japanese-style eggplant dish is easy to make and can be customized to your taste.
It’s full of flavor and perfect as a side dish or a main course when paired with rice.

Eggplants are low in calories and high in fiber, making them a healthy addition to your diet.

CONS

Some people may not enjoy the texture of cooked eggplant, and the dish does require a few slightly less common ingredients like bonito flakes and mirin.

Additionally, the sodium content of the dish may be high for some individuals.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Eggplants are a great source of fiber, which can promote digestive health. They also contain antioxidants that may help lower the risk of certain diseases.
The chili pepper flakes used in this recipe contain capsaicin, which has been linked to reducing inflammation and pain. Soy sauce contains amino acids that may offer various health benefits, such as improving heart function and reducing the risk of some cancers.