Soft and Fragrant Steamed Eggplant Salad with Plum Syrup
Spicy and Sweet Steamed Eggplant Salad Enhanced with Plum Syrup
Try making this fragrant and delicious side dish with leftover eggplant from your fridge. The subtle sweetness and aroma of the plum syrup enhance the eggplant’s tenderness, making it a favorite for everyone.
Main Ingredients- 1 eggplant
- A small amount of chives or green onion (finely chopped)
Seasoning- 1 Tbsp Korean soup soy sauce (guk-ganjang)
- 1 Tbsp plum syrup (maesilcheong)
- 1 Tbsp perilla oil (deulgireum)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1/2 Tbsp red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp Korean soup soy sauce (guk-ganjang)
- 1 Tbsp plum syrup (maesilcheong)
- 1 Tbsp perilla oil (deulgireum)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1/2 Tbsp red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare 1 eggplant that has been washed clean.
Step 2
Cut the eggplant in half lengthwise, then cut each half in half again. This will result in four pieces, which helps them cook evenly.
Step 3
Place the cut eggplant in a steamer and steam over high heat for about 5 minutes. Be careful not to overcook it until mushy. It’s done when a chopstick can be inserted easily.
Step 4
While the eggplant is steaming, prepare the chives or green onion by finely chopping them. Using chives will add a lovely fragrance, or finely chop the white parts of green onions if you’re using those.
Step 5
Once the eggplant is steamed, let it cool slightly, then gently shred it by hand into bite-sized pieces. Shredding along the natural grain of the eggplant helps it absorb the seasoning better.
Step 6
Gently squeeze the shredded eggplant with your hands to remove excess water. Avoid squeezing too hard, as this can affect the tender texture of the eggplant. You just want to remove most of the moisture.
Step 7
Add the prepared chopped scallions (or chives) and minced garlic to the squeezed eggplant.
Step 8
Add 1 tablespoon of Korean soup soy sauce. Taste and add a little more if needed, depending on your preference.
Step 9
Add 1 tablespoon of plum syrup for a sweet and fragrant touch. Plum syrup not only balances any potential bitterness of the eggplant but also adds a subtle sweetness.
Step 10
Drizzle in 1 tablespoon of perilla oil for a rich, nutty flavor.
Step 11
Finally, sprinkle in some toasted sesame seeds and add 1/2 tablespoon of red pepper flakes for a touch of color and mild heat.
Step 12
Gently mix everything together with your hands until the seasonings are well combined. Be gentle to avoid mashing the eggplant. This eggplant salad is delicious served immediately or after chilling in the refrigerator for a short while.
