Description
A savory, umami-rich Japanese-inspired plant-based dish featuring miso-glazed roasted aubergine, chewy soba noodles, and crispy pan-fried smoked tofu, garnished with spring onions, sesame seeds, and fresh coriander.
Ingredients
2 medium aubergines (eggplants), halved lengthwise
2 tablespoons white miso paste
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon soy sauce
180g soba noodles
200g smoked tofu, cut into cubes
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
2 spring onions, finely sliced
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (toasted)
Fresh coriander, for garnish
Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Score the flesh of the aubergines in a criss-cross pattern without cutting through the skin.
- Mix white miso paste, maple syrup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and soy sauce in a bowl until smooth.
- Brush the miso glaze generously over the cut sides of the aubergines and place them cut-side up on a lined baking tray.
- Roast for 30–35 minutes until tender and caramelized on top.
- Cook soba noodles in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside.
- Toss tofu cubes in cornstarch to coat evenly.
- Heat vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and fry tofu for 6–8 minutes until crispy and golden. Drain on paper towels.
- Divide soba noodles between two bowls. Add roasted aubergine halves and crispy tofu.
- Top with spring onions, toasted sesame seeds, and fresh coriander. Optionally, drizzle with extra soy sauce or sesame oil before serving.
Notes
Use 100% buckwheat soba noodles for a gluten-free option.
Swap smoked tofu with marinated tempeh or grilled mushrooms for variation.
Add chili oil or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat tofu in a skillet or air fryer to restore crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Roasting, Frying
- Cuisine: Japanese-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 385 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
