Steps

1. Prepare an "Ai Wrap" (or microwave-safe plastic bag) by opening it.
   🕒 01:15
2. Trim the woody ends off the eggplants (3 pcs), leaving just a tiny bit. Peel the eggplants, then carefully remove the tough green part just under the skin with the tip of a knife.
   🕒 01:42
3. Cut the eggplants into 4 lengthwise pieces. (Key Tip!) To evaporate moisture and prevent sogginess, cut them with the cut sides exposed. This pre-heating step will remove any raw texture before grilling in the toaster.
   🕒 02:05
4. Place the cut eggplants into the plastic bag and microwave on 600W for 5 minutes.
   🕒 03:45
5. After microwaving, open the bag and let the eggplants sit to finish cooking with the residual heat.
   🕒 03:55
6. Cut off the root end of the onion (1/2 pc) with an angled cut and scoop it out. Cut the onion in half, then into several wedges, and finally into strips.
   🕒 04:03
7. Turn the onion strips sideways and cut them into strips of similar width to create dice. (Key Tip!) Cut them slightly larger than minced to retain a pleasant texture.
   🕒 05:19
8. Wrap the diced onions in plastic wrap.
   🕒 05:43
9. Trim the root end of the garlic cloves (2 pcs), cut them in half lengthwise, and peel.
   🕒 06:27
10. Roughly mince the garlic and wrap it in plastic wrap. (Key Tip!) Using minced garlic instead of grated provides a refreshing accent within the rich flavors of tomato and beef.
    🕒 07:21
11. Prepare a plastic bag and add the canned whole tomatoes (1 can). Crush the tough stem end with your hands to break them down evenly.
    🕒 08:16
12. Seal the plastic bag. Add Cooking Sake (Rice Wine) 3 tbsp to the remaining tomato residue inside the can, scrape it out with a rubber spatula, and dissolve it.
    🕒 09:39
13. Place the beef fat (1 pc) in a cold frying pan and heat over medium-low heat until melted.
    🕒 10:24
14. Once the beef fat has melted, add the ground beef (200g). Break it up lightly, spread it out flat, and stir-fry until it develops a fragrant browned color.
    🕒 10:50
15. Add salt (2 pinches) and sugar (1 tsp) to the beef and mix thoroughly. (Key Tip!) The sugar enhances the beef's sweetness and the tomato's acidity, creating a flavor profile familiar to Japanese palates. The browned surface develops flavor through the Maillard reaction.
    🕒 12:44
16. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, and stir-fry until the onion becomes translucent.
    🕒 13:49
17. Add the tomato water with sake and the crushed whole tomatoes. Simmer over medium-low heat for 5-10 minutes. (Key Tip!) Simmer until almost all the liquid has evaporated to concentrate the tomato's sweetness and acidity, resulting in a rich meat sauce. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
    🕒 14:38
18. Once the sauce is no longer watery, turn off the heat and keep it spread out in the frying pan, ready for use.
    🕒 16:49
19. Place unsalted butter (20g) in a large microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 40 seconds until melted.
    🕒 17:06
20. Add rice flour (20g) to the melted butter and mix thoroughly, ensuring the butter is absorbed by the flour. (Key Tip!) Using rice flour instead of wheat flour helps prevent lumps in the béchamel sauce even when prepared in the microwave.
    🕒 17:40
21. Gradually add milk (200ml) while mixing until smooth.
    🕒 18:24
22. Add salt (1 pinch) and microwave on 600W for 2 minutes.
    🕒 19:01
23. While the sauce is microwaving, whisk 1 egg until well beaten, ensuring no lumps of egg white remain.
    🕒 19:15
24. Remove from the microwave and whisk vigorously with a whisk for about 2 minutes.
    🕒 19:52
25. Microwave again on 600W for 2 minutes to heat through.
    🕒 20:09
26. Remove from the microwave and continue whisking for 2-3 minutes until the sauce becomes glossy and smooth, creating a luscious white sauce.
    🕒 20:51
27. While still warm, gradually add the whisked egg and mix well. Then, add Parmesan cheese (20g) and mix.
    🕒 21:54
28. Arrange the microwaved eggplants in a baking dish and spread the meat sauce evenly over them.
    🕒 23:00
29. Pour the egg-enriched white sauce beautifully over the meat sauce. Top generously with melting cheese as desired.
    🕒 23:52
30. Bake in a toaster oven or broiler for approximately 10 minutes, or until the surface is golden brown and bubbly.
    🕒 24:43