For the crispy rice cakes, bring the water to a boil and add the rice and salt. Stir, cover, turn down to lowest heat possible and cook 10 minutes, then remove from heat and sit, without uncovering, for 15 mins. Remove lid, fluff and cool slightly.
For the eggplant, sprinkle both sides with salt and rest 30 minutes. Rinse off, pat dry and fry in saucepan with oil both sides, on medium-high for 3-4 minutes a side (do not let them get soggy, they should still be firm but tender). Remove and place on a foil-lined baking tray. Mix the miso, mirin, sugar and sake and spread on the eggplant. Preheat oven grill/broiler to high and grill/broil approximately 4 minutes, checking regularly, until glaze is starting to bubble and caramelise. Remove and sprinkle with sesame seeds, keep warm.
To serve, place a rice cake on each plate, top with a slice of eggplant, slices of pickle, barbecued chicken, then scatter coriander, chilli and spring onion over. Serve with limes. Drizzle with extra marinade as a sauce.