Steamed and Seasoned Eggplant Salad Recipe
How to Make Steamed and Seasoned Eggplant Salad
A delightful and nutritious steamed eggplant salad that’s simple to make at home. Its tender texture and savory flavor make it a perfect side dish for any meal or a delicious snack.
Main Ingredients- 3 eggplants
Seasoning Ingredients- 1 Tbsp anchovy sauce (fish sauce)
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp sesame oil
- 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp chopped green onion
- 1 Tbsp sesame seeds
- Pinch of black pepper
- 1 Tbsp anchovy sauce (fish sauce)
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp sesame oil
- 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp chopped green onion
- 1 Tbsp sesame seeds
- Pinch of black pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare 3 eggplants. Wash them thoroughly under running water. Trim off the stems and ends. Cut each eggplant in half lengthwise, then cut each half in half again, creating four pieces per eggplant. This helps them cook more evenly and absorb seasoning better.
Step 2
Fill a steamer with water and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Once steam is actively rising, carefully arrange the cut eggplant pieces in the steamer basket. Cover and steam over medium heat for about 4-5 minutes. You want the eggplant to be tender but not mushy. Test by piercing with a chopstick; it should go through easily.
Step 3
While the eggplant is steaming, let’s make the delicious seasoning sauce. In a clean bowl, combine 1 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp anchovy sauce (fish sauce), 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic, 2 Tbsp finely chopped green onion, 2 Tbsp fragrant sesame oil, 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds, and a pinch of black pepper. Stir everything together with a spoon until well combined to create your flavorful seasoning sauce.
Step 4
Once the eggplant is steamed, let it cool slightly so it’s safe to handle. Gently tear the cooled eggplant into bite-sized pieces with your hands. You can tear them into longer strips for a nice texture or thinner pieces for better seasoning absorption, depending on your preference.
Step 5
Now, for a crucial step: gently squeeze out some of the excess moisture from the steamed eggplant. Be careful not to squeeze too hard, as this can make the eggplant dry and tough. Gently cup the eggplant pieces in your hands and lightly press to remove excess water. This ensures the seasoning coats the eggplant well, enhances the flavor, and prevents the salad from becoming watery or mushy.
Step 6
Add the lightly squeezed eggplant pieces to the bowl with the prepared seasoning sauce.
Step 7
Gently toss and mix the eggplant with the sauce using your hands. Ensure all the eggplant pieces are evenly coated with the seasoning. Mix delicately to avoid mashing the eggplant.
Step 8
Your aromatic and delicious steamed and seasoned eggplant salad is ready! Enjoy this simple yet nutritious and flavorful dish. ^^
