Light Miso-Garlic Eggplant Rice Bowls with Crispy Air-Fryer Tofu and Blanched Bok Choy

Ingredients

• 14 oz (400 g) firm tofu, drained and cut into 3/4-inch cubes
• 1 tbsp neutral oil (or 2 tsp if you want it extra light)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional, for extra depth)
• 1 large eggplant (about 1 to 1 1/2 lb), cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tbsp neutral oil
• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 2 tbsp white or yellow miso
• 2 tbsp water
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 to 2 tsp soy sauce (optional, to taste)
• 1/2 tsp toasted sesame oil (optional)
• 2 small heads bok choy (or 1 large), leaves separated, thick stems halved lengthwise
• 2 to 3 cups cooked white rice, for serving
• Toasted sesame seeds or sliced scallions (optional)

Instructions

1. Get your white rice cooking first so it’s hot when the toppings are ready.
2. Drain the tofu well: pat dry with towels and let it sit under a light weight for 5–10 minutes.
3. In a bowl, toss tofu with oil, cornstarch, salt, and (optional) garlic powder until each piece looks lightly dusted.
4. Air-fry at 400°F for 12–16 minutes, shaking halfway, until deeply golden on edges and crisp when you tap a piece with a spoon.
5. Stir together miso, water, and rice vinegar until smooth; set aside.
6. Add 2 tbsp oil and the minced garlic to the Thermomix bowl. Cook 3 min / 250°F (120°C) / speed 1, until fragrant (not browned).
7. Add eggplant cubes and a pinch of salt. Cook 10–12 min / 250°F (120°C) / reverse / speed soft, with the simmering basket on top (no measuring cup), until the eggplant looks collapsed and silky, not spongy.
8. Add the miso mixture (and optional soy sauce). Cook 1–2 min / 210°F (100°C) / reverse / speed soft, just until the sauce coats the eggplant with a glossy sheen. Taste—add a splash more vinegar if you want it brighter, or a touch more miso if you want it saltier.
9. (Optional) Stir in sesame oil off-heat for aroma.
10. Heat 2 tbsp oil in a wide skillet over medium-high. Add eggplant and a pinch of salt; cook 8–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned in spots and turning tender.
11. Add garlic; cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
12. Add the miso mixture (and optional soy sauce). Simmer 1–2 minutes until it lightly coats and the eggplant is jammy. (Optional) Finish with sesame oil.
13. Bring a pot of water to a boil and salt it lightly.
14. Add bok choy stems first for 30 seconds, then add leaves for 30–60 seconds more.
15. Drain and immediately rinse under cold water (or dunk in an ice bath) to keep it crisp and bright green. Squeeze gently to remove excess water, then season with a tiny pinch of salt.
16. Spoon hot rice into bowls.
17. Pile on jammy eggplant, crispy tofu, and bok choy.
18. Sprinkle with sesame seeds or scallions if you like, and add a tiny extra splash of rice vinegar at the table for a brighter, lighter finish.

Notes

Keep it light: go easy on oil and skip the sesame oil unless you want more aroma. If your eggplant is slow to soften, add 2–3 tbsp water and cover briefly; it should end silky and collapsed, not chewy. No sugar needed—miso provides enough roundness. Leftovers: keep tofu separate if you can; re-crisp in the air fryer 3–4 minutes at 400°F.