Soft and Fragrant Summer Delicacy: Steamed Eggplant Salad (Gaji Namul Muchim)
Healthy and Delicious Summer Side Dish: Steamed Eggplant Salad (Gaji Namul Muchim)! (Summer Delicacy, Healthy Food, Side Dish)
Eggplant season is here, and there’s nothing quite as delightful as tender, steamed eggplant salad! This year, I’ve made it for the first time and I’m excited to share my recipe with you all. Let’s make this delicious dish together! The soft texture and savory seasoning make it a perfect accompaniment to any meal.
Main Ingredients
- 1 eggplant
- 1/2 Cheongyang chili pepper (add more if you like it spicy)
Seasoning Ingredients
- 1/2 Tbsp soup soy sauce (for umami)
- 1 pinch of salt (to taste)
- 1/2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds (for nutty flavor)
- 1/3 Tbsp sesame oil (for aroma at the end)
- 1 tsp minced garlic (to enhance flavor)
- 1/2 Tbsp soup soy sauce (for umami)
- 1 pinch of salt (to taste)
- 1/2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds (for nutty flavor)
- 1/3 Tbsp sesame oil (for aroma at the end)
- 1 tsp minced garlic (to enhance flavor)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Wash the eggplant thoroughly. Slice it lengthwise into manageable pieces, about 5-7 cm long. You can adjust the thickness to your preference.
Step 2
Place the sliced eggplant in a steamer basket over boiling water and steam for 5 minutes. Check the skin of the eggplant to determine doneness; it should be tender. Be careful not to overcook, as it can become mushy.
Step 3
In a bowl, combine all the seasoning ingredients except for the sesame oil: soup soy sauce, salt, toasted sesame seeds, and minced garlic. Mix them together and let them sit for a moment.
Step 4
After steaming, let the eggplant cool down slightly before mixing. This helps prevent excess water from releasing and allows the seasoning to be absorbed better. It should be warm to the touch, not hot.
Step 5
Add the cooled eggplant to the bowl with the seasonings. Gently toss and mix with your hands, being careful not to mash the eggplant. Ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the eggplant.
Step 6
Once the seasoning is well incorporated, add the sesame oil and toss lightly one more time. Your delicious steamed eggplant salad is ready! While it’s tasty warm, it’s even more refreshing and flavorful when chilled in the refrigerator, making it a perfect summer treat.
