Wondering How To Freeze Japanese Eggplant and keep it fresh for future meals? I’ve got you covered! In this post, I’ll share all my best tips for freezing this versatile veggie so it holds onto its texture and flavor. Whether you're saving leftovers or preserving your garden harvest, I’ll walk you through the easy steps on freezing Japanese eggplant to enjoy later in your favorite dishes!
If you have plenty of eggplants, then you'll want to harvest them and store them for future use. The best way to do this is to store it in the fridge. However, if you have an abundance of eggplant, you'll need to freeze your eggplant to allow it to last longer.
Jump to:
Japanese Egg Plant
A Japanese Eggplant is a name for a long, thin, oval-shaped vegetable that is used in many types of Asian cooking.
Japanese eggplant can be harvested in several ways. While some people prefer to pick them when they're still small, others choose to wait until they are larger and then scoop out the flesh from the inside.
The best time to harvest Japanese eggplants is when the eggplant has grown to a length of 7 to 10 inches. These are typically ripe eggplants and will turn from green to yellow and eventually purple.
It's a vegetable that can be used in many ways and having a stash of eggplant cubes in the freezer is always handy. It can bulk up any meal, is great for vegetarian dishes and there is very little prep time needed.
How to Freeze Japanese Eggplants?
First, wash your eggplant well, then peel it and cut it into 1 or 2-inch cubes. Then freeze it in individual bags and remove as many cubes as you need for a recipe.
- Chop your eggplant thinly into small cubes
- Add them to your airtight freezer lock bags
- Label the date and product and store in the fridge.
How Long Can I Keep Eggplant in the Freezer?
You can typically keep Japanese eggplant in the freezer for up to one year. However, eggplant can last much longer than a year and still be safe to eat.
Will Freezing Damage Eggplant?
Freezing will not damage your eggplant as long as you store it at 0 degrees and keep it in an airtight container or ziplock bag. If the eggplant cubes or slices are not airtight, then they can get freezer-burned and become ruined.
How Do I Defrost Egg Plant?
To defrost your eggplant, most people will simply put the frozen cubes or slices in a bowl and allow them to defrost in the fridge overnight with a plate underneath to catch any liquid. You can also use warm water to thaw out the cubes but it takes much longer.
Can You Refreeze Japanese Eggplant?
You can refreeze eggplant after it has been defrosted, but it's best not to. It's better to freeze in small cubes or slices so you can take what you need as you need.
Do You Need to Salt Japanese Eggplant?
Some people say that you should salt Japanese eggplant after slicing it. This helps remove the excess liquid from the eggplant so it won't throw off the rest of your recipe. It is said to be a must when cooking certain dishes, but not all recipes require this extra step.
How to Cook Japanese Egg Plant
Now that you've got your eggplant cut up (fresh or defrosted) you're ready to start cooking with them. One of the best things to do is make some Filipino-style eggplant or an Indian eggplant dish. However, you can eat grilled eggplant, add it to stir-fry, or use it in an air fryer or deep fryer to make crispy eggplant chips. You can also make Pickled Eggplant using our best pickled Aubergine recipe.
Cooking Japanese Egg Plant
If you're planning on cooking your Japanese eggplant in a skillet, oven, or grill, then it's best to brush the cubes or slices with some canola oil, sesame oil, or olive oil. Cook them until they have a nice char on them.
Roasting Egg Plant
You can also roast your eggplant to create a light side dish that is delicious and sweet. Add flavor and spices to the pan to create an amazing taste or combine with other vegetables to make a roast vegetable medley. Roasted Japanese eggplant is a popular dish and can taste delicious when cooked with the right flavors.
Japanese Eggplant Recipes
Some popular Japanese Eggplant recipes include:
- Nasu Dengaku
- Nasu Agebitashi
- Stir Fry eggplant
- Grilled eggplant
- Eggplant Chips
- Deep-Fried Eggplant
Nasu Dengaku
This is one of my favorite dishes to make with Japanese eggplant. It is sweet, savory, and very delicious. The eggplant is covered in a glaze made of mirin, sugar, and soy sauce.
Nasu Agebitashi
This Japanese eggplant recipe is a great way to utilize your leftovers or not have to cook them the next day. Nasu Agebitashi is an eggplant cooked in a dashi marinade or miso glaze. it can be served with rice or vegetables and has so much flavor.
Stir Fry Eggplant
Stir fry is one of the most delicious ways to cook Japanese eggplant. It works well with other vegetables and can be paired up with other foods like tofu, sesame seeds, onions, broccoli, carrots, or anything else you like.
Nasu Dengaku
Pair your Nasu Dengaku (miso-glazed eggplant) with one of these complementary options for a balanced meal:
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: The mild flavor of jasmine rice allows the sweet and savory miso glaze on the eggplant to shine.
- Pickled Vegetables: Add a tangy, refreshing contrast with pickled cucumbers or daikon to balance the richness of Nasu Dengaku.
- Miso Soup: A light and comforting bowl of miso soup can create a harmonious blend of flavors alongside the miso-glazed eggplant.
These sides create a complete meal with Nasu Dengaku, highlighting its umami-rich flavors!
Grilled Eggplant
Grilled Eggplant is a great way to add some flavor and spice to your eggplant. It has been marinated in a sweet soy marinade and brings tons of flavor when it's grilled.
Eggplant Chips
Make Eggplant Chips with your Japanese eggplants by slicing them thin like fries, dusting them with cornstarch, and baking them in the oven at 450 degrees for about 20 minutes or until crispy. Once they are cooked, salt them to taste or put on some balsamic vinegar, garlic, ginger, or sriracha sauce.
Deep Frying Eggplant
If you want to deep fry eggplant then you certainly can, be sure to use a paper towel to remove excess oil and enjoy the great flavor of fried eggplant with salt. You can also dip deep-fried eggplant into a creamy horseradish dressing or another of your favorite sauce dips.
Wrapping Up
Now, after this comprehensive guide on freezing Japanese Eggplant. You can save it for later use. You can enjoy the same taste and smell by defrosting the frozen Japanese eggplant for your recipe.
Recipes With Eggplant You Will Enjoy:
This easy and flavorful Grilled Eggplant And Lemon Dip recipe! Perfectly charred on the outside and tender on the inside, these eggplant slices make a delicious side dish or a hearty addition to any meal.
