Crispy and Flavorful Eggplant Pepper Soybean Paste Salad
Revitalize Your Appetite with This Refreshing Eggplant and Pepper Soybean Paste Salad
When the summer heat makes your appetite dwindle, this delicious salad is the perfect way to perk it up! The delightful crunch of the vegetables combined with the savory, salty notes of soybean paste will have you reaching for your chopsticks again and again. It’s a simple yet incredibly satisfying summer side dish.
Main Ingredients- 5 Korean eggplants (or similar small, tender eggplants)
- 1/3 red bell pepper
- 1/3 yellow bell pepper
Seasoning- 1/4 onion (finely minced)
- 2-3 Tbsp commercial soybean paste (doenjang) (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 onion (finely minced)
- 2-3 Tbsp commercial soybean paste (doenjang) (adjust to taste)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Wash the fresh Korean eggplants and vibrant bell peppers thoroughly. Trim the stems off the eggplants. For the bell peppers, remove the seeds and membranes. Then, chop both the eggplants and bell peppers into bite-sized pieces, about 1-1.5 cm thick. This size ensures even seasoning distribution and makes them easy to eat.
Step 2
For this salad, using commercial soybean paste (doenjang) is recommended over homemade paste for a brighter, more balanced flavor. Since doenjang can be quite salty, finely mince the onion. This adds a touch of sweetness and helps to mellow out the saltiness. Mix the minced onion thoroughly with the soybean paste. A small drawback is that the onion might release some moisture, so it’s best to prepare and serve this salad in smaller batches to enjoy its freshest texture.
Step 3
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity – no complicated seasonings are needed! Skip the garlic, chili powder, or sugar. Simply place the prepared eggplant and bell peppers in a mixing bowl. Gently toss them with your hands or use chopsticks to combine everything. Ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed without over-mashing the vegetables. The savory depth of the soybean paste paired with the crisp freshness of the vegetables creates a truly delightful taste experience.
