Sesame Eggplant Salad

Sesame Eggplant Salad Recipe - Indonesian and Japanese cuisine inspired

Region / culture: Indonesia, Japan | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Sesame Eggplant Salad is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the unique taste of Japanese eggplants with a savory sesame dressing. This salad is perfect as a side dish or a light meal on its own.

History

The origins of Sesame Eggplant Salad can be traced back to Asian cuisine, where eggplants are commonly used in a variety of dishes. The combination of sesame seeds, soy sauce, and rice vinegar in the dressing gives this salad a distinct Asian flavor profile.

Ingredients

2 tbsp canola oil
1.5 lb (680 g) japanese eggplants, thinly sliced crosswise
0.25 cup water

Dressing

2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
2 tbsp unseasoned rice vinegar
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp dark sesame oil
1 tbsp canola oil
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp minced ginger
0.5 tsp minced garlic (adjust to taste)
0.5 tsp Asian chili sauce (adjust to taste)
3 tbsp minced or slivered green onions, including tops

How to prepare

Place a wok or skillet over high heat.
When the wok or skillet is hot, add 2 tbsp of oil and swirl it to coat the pan.
When the oil is hot but not smoking, approximately 1 minute, add the eggplant and stir fry for about 1 minute.
Add water, or more if needed, and continue to stir fry. Move the pan off and on the heat as necessary to prevent scorching. Cook until the water evaporates and the eggplant is tender when pierced, approximately 5 minutes.
Transfer the cooked eggplant to a bowl and let it cool to room temperature.
In a separate bowl, mix all the dressing ingredients and whisk them together to blend.
Pour the dressing over the cooled eggplant and toss it well to coat.
To serve, mound the dressed eggplant on a serving plate and garnish it with onions.

Variations

Add diced tofu or cooked shrimp for added protein.
Substitute the Japanese eggplants with regular eggplants or zucchini.
Add sliced bell peppers or snap peas for extra crunch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to slice the eggplants thinly to ensure even cooking.

- Stir fry the eggplants over high heat to achieve a nice char and tender texture.

- Adjust the amount of garlic and chili sauce to suit your taste preferences.

- Let the dressed eggplant sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Sesame Eggplant Salad can be served as a side dish with grilled meats or as a light lunch option. It pairs well with steamed rice or quinoa.

Cooking Techniques

Stir frying the eggplants over high heat ensures that they cook quickly and retain their texture. Be sure to keep the pan moving to prevent burning.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute the canola oil with vegetable oil or olive oil. You can also use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar in the dressing.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dressed eggplant ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Sesame Eggplant Salad with additional toasted sesame seeds and chopped cilantro for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Sesame Eggplant Salad with grilled chicken skewers or teriyaki salmon for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Sesame Eggplant Salad contains approximately 180 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Sesame Eggplant Salad contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Sesame Eggplant Salad contains approximately 12 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Sesame Eggplant Salad contains approximately 3 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Eggplants are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy sauce, which may contain gluten. It is important to use gluten-free soy sauce if you have a gluten allergy.

Summary

Sesame Eggplant Salad is a nutritious dish that is rich in vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. It is a great option for those looking for a light and flavorful meal.

Summary

Sesame Eggplant Salad is a simple yet flavorful dish that highlights the natural sweetness of Japanese eggplants. With a savory sesame dressing and a hint of spice, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy it as a side dish or a light meal for a healthy and satisfying dining experience.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a joyful one. It was a warm summer day, much like today, when I stumbled upon the most delicious sesame eggplant salad I had ever tasted. The flavors were so vibrant and unique, I knew I had to learn how to make it myself.

I was visiting my dear friend, Mrs. Chang, in her cozy kitchen. Mrs. Chang was a master in the art of Chinese cooking, and she generously shared her culinary secrets with me. As we chatted over tea, she casually mentioned this sesame eggplant salad that she had picked up from a street vendor in Shanghai many years ago.

Intrigued, I asked her if she could teach me how to make it. Mrs. Chang's eyes twinkled with delight as she agreed, and we set to work right away. She showed me how to select the perfect eggplant, how to cook it just right to achieve that perfect texture, and how to make the sesame dressing that brought all the flavors together.

I watched in awe as Mrs. Chang effortlessly chopped, sautéed, and stirred, her movements graceful and precise. She explained each step to me in detail, making sure I understood the importance of each ingredient and technique. I took notes furiously, determined to recreate this dish in my own kitchen.

After a few hours of cooking and chatting, the sesame eggplant salad was finally ready. Mrs. Chang plated it beautifully, garnishing it with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. The aroma wafted through the kitchen, teasing our taste buds with its tantalizing scent.

I took my first bite, and my taste buds exploded with flavor. The eggplant was perfectly tender, infused with the aromatic sesame dressing that was both savory and slightly sweet. The crunch of the sesame seeds added a delightful contrast in texture, making every bite a symphony of flavors.

Mrs. Chang smiled as she watched me savoring every mouthful, her eyes twinkling with pride. "You've done well, my dear," she said, patting my hand affectionately. "I have no doubt that you will master this recipe in no time."

And she was right. Over the years, I practiced and perfected the recipe for sesame eggplant salad, making it my own with a few tweaks and adjustments here and there. I shared it with friends and family, who raved about its deliciousness and begged me for the recipe.

I have since passed on this recipe to my own grandchildren, who now love to make it with me in the kitchen. It has become a beloved family favorite, a dish that never fails to bring smiles and satisfaction to those who taste it.

As I sit here now, reminiscing about that fateful day in Mrs. Chang's kitchen, I am filled with gratitude for the knowledge and wisdom she shared with me. The sesame eggplant salad will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the joy of discovery and the beauty of passing down traditions from one generation to the next.

And as I take a bite of the salad I made today, I can't help but smile, knowing that the legacy of this delicious dish will live on for many more generations to come.