Eggplants are in peak season here in Texas. Many varieties, from small purple ones to long purple and green eggplants, are filling farm stands at farmers markets. To tell if an eggplant has been freshly picked, give it a gentle squeeze. It should feel firm and springy to the touch. If it is soft, the eggplant is past its prime; as it ages, it loses flavor and turns bitter.
45 Min
DF
NF
Braised Eggplant with Soy & Sesame
For the best pick of the season, shop a farmers market for freshly harvested eggplants. The long, slender green ones at Animal Farm or the purple ones at Plant It Forward are excellent choices, as are the tubby little purple ones that Eli sells at his farm stand.
Salting eggplant before cooking draws out excess moisture, helping it brown more evenly and develop a better texture. This quick, Chinese-inspired recipe comes together in minutes and will work with all varieties. Enjoy it with steamed rice or atop a green salad.
Eggplants are in peak season here in Texas. Many varieties, from small purple ones to long purple and green eggplants, are filling farm stands at farmers markets. To tell if an eggplant has been freshly picked, give it a gentle squeeze. It should feel firm and springy to the touch. If it is soft, the eggplant is past its prime; as it ages, it loses flavor and turns bitter.
For the best pick of the season, shop a farmers market for freshly harvested eggplants. The long, slender green ones at Animal Farm or the purple ones at Plant It Forward are excellent choices, as are the tubby little purple ones that Eli sells at his farm stand.
Salting eggplant before cooking draws out excess moisture, helping it brown more evenly and develop a better texture. This quick, Chinese-inspired recipe comes together in minutes and will work with all varieties. Enjoy it with steamed rice or atop a green salad.
Cook Time
45 Minutes
Serves
6
Directions
Step 1
Cut the eggplants lengthwise and sprinkle them evenly with salt. Let stand for 30 minutes, then pat dry, removing the excess moisture.
Step 2
Heat the sesame oil in a large frying pan over high heat. Add the eggplants, cut side down. Reduce the heat to medium, add the black pepper and garlic, and cover the pan.
Step 3
Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the eggplants are golden brown. Flip them over, cover the pan again and continue cooking for 2 to 3 more minutes.
Step 4
Meanwhile, whisk together the ginger, soy sauce, mirin, chili sauce and cornstarch. Pour the mixture over the eggplant and cook for about 1 minute, until slightly thickened. Turn off the heat and serve warm, garnished with the minced mango, cilantro and sesame seeds.
Notes & Variations
- When salting the eggplant, do not leave it for more than 30 minutes or it may brown and discolor.
- Sweet soy sauce refers to the Indonesian condiment kecap manis. Plain soy sauce will also work. Chili sauce refers to sambal oelek. Replace it with red chile powder if needed.
- Instead of mirin, use rice wine vinegar.
Ingredients
Step 1
Cut the eggplants lengthwise and sprinkle them evenly with salt. Let stand for 30 minutes, then pat dry, removing the excess moisture.
Step 2
Heat the sesame oil in a large frying pan over high heat. Add the eggplants, cut side down. Reduce the heat to medium, add the black pepper and garlic, and cover the pan.
Step 3
Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the eggplants are golden brown. Flip them over, cover the pan again and continue cooking for 2 to 3 more minutes.
Step 4
Meanwhile, whisk together the ginger, soy sauce, mirin, chili sauce and cornstarch. Pour the mixture over the eggplant and cook for about 1 minute, until slightly thickened. Turn off the heat and serve warm, garnished with the minced mango, cilantro and sesame seeds.
Notes & Variations
- When salting the eggplant, do not leave it for more than 30 minutes or it may brown and discolor.
- Sweet soy sauce refers to the Indonesian condiment kecap manis. Plain soy sauce will also work. Chili sauce refers to sambal oelek. Replace it with red chile powder if needed.
- Instead of mirin, use rice wine vinegar.
Tags:
45 Min
DF
NF
Tags:
45 Min
DF
NF
Speaking of chinese-inspired...
Here are some more recipes from the Eastern hemisphere!
