What To Serve With Miso Aubergine (24+ Delicious Ideas)

Miso aubergine, also known as nasu dengaku, is a traditional dish with a deep history rooted in celebrating Japanese spring rice planting. 

It’s rich in beautiful umami flavours, with the glaze providing a perfect savoury saltiness that makes the meal so popular. 

If you’re looking for ideas for pairings and accompaniments, you’re in the right place! 

Here’s the quick answer… 

The best choices for what to serve with miso aubergine include plain steamed rice, sushi rice, fried rice, soba noodles, udon noodles, steamed greens, tempura vegetables, pickled radishes, grilled chicken thighs, tofu, sumashi soup, and seaweed salad. 

Keep reading for more ideas… 

Rice Pairings

Choosing the right rice to accompany your miso aubergine can enhance the dish’s overall flavour.

Consider these specific rice varieties that complement the savoury richness of miso.

Plain Steamed Rice

A bowl of plain steamed rice is the perfect backdrop for miso aubergine.

The simplicity of the rice balances the complexity of the miso flavour.

• Best for: Letting the aubergine shine
• Texture: Fluffy and light

Sushi Rice

Sushi rice, seasoned with a touch of vinegar, sugar, and salt, adds a subtle tang that can lift the umami elements of your dish.

• Best for: A slight acidic contrast
• Texture: Sticky and tender

Fried Rice

Enhance your meal with fried rice that’s been tossed with vegetables, soy sauce, and a hint of sesame oil for an indulgent experience.

• Best for: A heartier meal
• Ingredients: Peas, spring onions, and egg (optional)
• Texture: Crisp and satisfying

(You’ll also enjoy reading what to serve with miso chicken!) 

Noodle Options

When pairing miso aubergine with noodles, you’ll want to choose varieties that complement its rich and umami flavours.

Soba Noodles

Soba noodles, made from buckwheat, have a nutty taste that harmonises with the savoury depth of miso aubergine.

Serve them cold or stir-fried, and for added texture, mix in some sesame seeds or spring onions.

Udon Noodles

Udon noodles are thick and chewy, adding a satisfying bite that stands up to the soft texture of aubergine.

These noodles are best served in a warm broth or lightly tossed in soy sauce, mirroring the miso’s saltiness.

Ramen

Ramen noodles provide a versatile base for miso aubergine.

Whether in a soup or as part of a stir-fry, ensure the noodles are well drained to prevent sogginess, allowing the aubergine to be the star.

Add a drizzle of chilli oil to enhance the dish with a subtle heat.

Vegetable Side Dishes

For a fresh, light contrast to your meal, consider veggie sides for what to serve with miso aubergine. 

Steamed Greens

You can steam a variety of greens, such as broccoli, spinach, or kale, to complement miso aubergine.

Steamed greens are not only healthy but also work well to cleanse the palate.

• Broccoli: Steam until vibrant and tender, about 3-4 minutes.
• Spinach: Quick steam, approximately 1-2 minutes; be sure not to overdo it, or it will wilt excessively.
• Kale: A longer steaming time of 5-7 minutes, until leaves are tender but still have a slight bite.

Tempura Vegetables

For a delightful crunch, consider tempura vegetables.

They bring a contrasting texture to the softness of the miso aubergine.

• Sweet Potato: Cut into thin slices for a crisp finish.
• Bell Peppers: Slice into rings or strips and dip into the tempura batter.
• Courgette: Cut into sticks or rounds and coat evenly before frying.

Pickled Radishes

Pickled radishes offer a sharp, tangy element that cuts through the umami-rich miso flavour.

They are quick to prepare and provide a refreshing zest.

• Quick Pickle Recipe:
  • Thinly slice radishes and submerge in a mixture of vinegar, sugar, and salt.
  • Allow to sit for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Protein Complements

Pairing your miso aubergine with the right protein can transform it into a hearty meal.

Choose from lean meats, plant-based options, or seafood for a well-rounded dish.

Grilled Chicken

Grilled chicken is a superb match for the rich umami flavours of miso aubergine.

Opt for chicken thighs, as they bring more juiciness and flavour compared to chicken breasts.

• Preparation: Lightly marinate chicken thighs in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and a hint of lemon to complement the miso.
• Cooking: Grill over medium heat until well-cooked and lightly charred.

Tofu Varieties

Tofu, with its versatile texture and ability to absorb flavours, makes for an excellent vegetarian protein choice.

• Silken Tofu: Delicate and smooth, best served raw or lightly pan-fried.
• Firm Tofu: Hold their shape well, ideal for grilling or baking. Marinate in a glaze that echoes the miso’s savoury notes.

Seafood Selections

Seafood can add a light, fresh contrast to the dish’s deep flavours, especially with items like salmon or cod.

• Salmon: Rich in Omega-3s, a fillet of salmon can be glazed with miso and broiled for a caramelised top layer.
• Shellfish: Items like prawns or scallops can be quickly sautéed and tossed into the dish for a more decadent feel.

Soup Accompaniments

When thinking about what soups to serve with miso aubergine, consider these three delightful options that complement its rich flavours.

Miso Soup

Miso soup is a harmonious choice to pair with miso aubergine. Its umami depth will echo the primary taste of your main dish while offering a lighter, comforting balance.

Recommended pairing:

• Tofu: Cubes of soft tofu add a satisfying bite.
• Spring Onions: Thin slices for a fresh, sharp accent.

Clear Broth

A clear broth offers a soothing contrast to the robust profile of miso aubergine, cleansing the palate.

For a satisfying match, try adding:

• Mushrooms: Shiitake or enoki for an earthy touch.
• Greens: Spinach or pak choi, wilted in the broth for a fresh dimension.

Sumashi Soup

Sumashi soup is a clear, delicate soup that will bring a light yet aromatic quality to your meal.

Perfect additions include:

• Seafood: Delicate prawns or white fish complement the soup without overpowering.
• Herbs: Mitsuba or nori strips for a subtle hint of the sea.

Salads and Cold Dishes

Pairing your miso aubergine with refreshing salads and cold dishes can create a balanced and delightful meal.

Cool, crisp textures complement the rich, umami flavours of the aubergine.

Seaweed Salad

Opt for a seaweed salad for its unique oceanic taste and abundance of minerals.

It often includes wakame, dressed lightly in sesame oil, rice vinegar, and a touch of sugar for a subtle sweetness.

It’s a nutrient-rich option that carries a pleasant chewiness.

Soba Salad

Prepare a soba salad combining cold buckwheat noodles with a soy-based dressing.

You might add slivers of cucumber, spring onions, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

For extra protein, consider including edamame beans or shredded chicken.

Sunomono

Sunomono refers to a variety of Japanese vinegar-based dishes.

They frequently feature thinly sliced cucumbers and can include seafood such as crab or prawns.

The dressing is a simple mix of rice vinegar, sugar, and sometimes soy sauce, garnished with sesame seeds.

It’s a great traditional choice for what to serve with miso aubergine! 

Beverage Suggestions

Pairing the right drink with your miso aubergine can elevate your dining experience.

Choose a beverage to complement the dish’s rich umami and subtle sweetness.

Green Tea

• Sencha: A steaming cup of sencha, with its grassy notes and slight bitterness, balances the savoury depth of miso.
• Matcha: For a bolder choice, matcha offers an intense, earthy flavour that can stand up to the robustness of miso aubergine.

Sake

• Junmai Sake: Opt for a junmai variety, which, with its pure rice flavour, brings out the sweetness in the aubergine.
• Ginjo Sake: A chilled ginjo sake can cleanse your palate between bites. It’s known for its fruity and floral notes.

Japanese Beer

• Asahi Super Dry: The crispness and dry finish of Asahi Super Dry beer provide a refreshing contrast to the dish’s richness.
• Sapporo Premium: Alternatively, Sapporo Premium has a gentle malt flavour that complements the creamy texture of miso aubergine.

Finishing Touches

Enhancing your miso aubergine dish is simple when you apply the right finishing touches.

These details bring out the best in your dish, providing flavours and textures that complement the creamy, umami-rich aubergine.

Garnishes

• Spring Onions: Slice thinly for a fresh, sharp bite.
• Sesame Seeds: Toast lightly and sprinkle over for a nutty crunch.
• Coriander: Chop roughly to add a burst of colour and a fragrant aroma.

Sauces

• Teriyaki: Drizzle sparingly for a sweet and tangy glaze.
• Soy Sauce: A few drops add depth and a savoury note.

Condiments

• Pickled Ginger: Offer on the side to refresh your palate.
• Wasabi: Serve a small dollop for those who enjoy a spicy kick.

Do you have a go-to choice when it comes to what to serve with miso aubergine? 

Share your thoughts in the comments section below! 

If you enjoyed this guide, you’ll also enjoy sides for miso soup, and sides for miso cod!