Why this fits a family on a budget
Eggplant is one of the most affordable produce items at roughly $1.00 each, keeping this flavorful dish at about $1.78 per serving. The air fryer cooks the eggplant quickly and hands-free while the rice simmers, making the 20-minute window very achievable for a novice cook.
1. Start rice first: combine 1.5 cups jasmine rice with 2.25 cups water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes undisturbed.
2. Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 2 minutes while you prep the eggplant.
3. Slice eggplant into 1-inch thick rounds. Brush both sides lightly with vegetable oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt.
4. Arrange eggplant rounds in a single layer in the air fryer basket (work in batches if needed). Air fry at 400°F for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through at 4 minutes, until rounds are golden-brown and fork-tender.
5. While eggplant cooks, mince garlic finely. In a small bowl, whisk together miso paste, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes until smooth.
6. When eggplant is done, brush the miso glaze generously over the tops of each round.
7. Return glazed eggplant to the air fryer at 400°F for 2 more minutes until the glaze is caramelized and bubbling at the edges.
8. Fluff rice with a fork. Slice scallions thinly for garnish.
9. Serve eggplant rounds over a bed of jasmine rice, sprinkle with sesame seeds and scallion slices, and drizzle any remaining glaze from the bowl over the top.
Contains: soy, gluten. Always double-check labels for your household's allergies.
Cost is a national-average estimate and varies by store and region.
This recipe was generated by Plento Pasto's AI from a library of family-friendly dishes and reviewed for a real photo before publishing. Cooking times, costs, and nutrition are estimates — use your judgment in the kitchen.