Bold Spicy Sesame Eggplant Delight
Experience the robust flavors of our Bold Spicy Sesame Eggplant Delight – a delightful vegetarian dish that perfectly balances the creaminess of roasted eggplant with a spicy kick from chili-garlic sauce, all while enhanced by nutty sesame oil and seeds. This easy-to-make recipe is ideal for gatherings or a simple weeknight dinner. The eggplant is broiled to perfection, creating a smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the bright zing of fresh lime juice. Serve it as a side dish or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. Perfect for spice lovers and vegetable enthusiasts alike!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Eggplant
1.5 lb (sliced into 3/4" rounds, then cut into 3/4" wide strips)
Vegetable oil
1 tablespoon (none)
Toasted sesame oil
1 tablespoon (none)
Asian chili sauce
2 teaspoons (look for chili-garlic sauce)
Sesame seeds
2 tablespoons (none)
Fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your broiler to high, ensuring the rack is positioned about 6 inches from the heat source.
2
Prepare the eggplant: Slice the eggplant into 3/4 inch rounds, then cut each round into strips that are roughly 3/4 inch wide.
3
Place the eggplant strips on a broiler-safe baking sheet. Sprinkle them generously with coarse salt and ground black pepper, tossing to mix thoroughly.
4
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, toasted sesame oil, Asian chili sauce, sesame seeds, and fresh lime juice until well combined.
5
Drizzle the sauce mixture over the eggplant strips and toss to ensure all pieces are evenly coated.
6
Arrange the coated eggplant in a single layer on the baking sheet. Broil in the preheated oven, tossing once halfway through cooking, until the eggplant is browned and tender, which should take about 15 minutes.
7
Once cooked, carefully remove from the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Bold Spicy Sesame Eggplant Delight!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bold Spicy Sesame Eggplant Delight?
It is a robust vegetarian dish that features roasted eggplant strips tossed in a spicy chili-garlic and sesame sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the recipe is categorized as vegetable and is completely vegetarian.
Is this dish vegan?
Yes, all ingredients including eggplant, vegetable oil, sesame oil, chili sauce, seeds, and lime juice are vegan-friendly.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
How should I prepare the eggplant for this recipe?
Slice the eggplant into 3/4 inch rounds, then cut each round into strips roughly 3/4 inch wide.
What type of chili sauce is recommended?
The recipe suggests using an Asian chili-garlic sauce for the best spicy flavor.
How long does the eggplant need to cook?
The eggplant should be broiled for approximately 15 minutes until it is browned and tender.
Do I need to turn the eggplant while it cooks?
Yes, you should toss the eggplant strips once halfway through the 15-minute broiling process.
Where should the oven rack be positioned?
Place the oven rack about 6 inches away from the heat source for optimal broiling.
What is the purpose of the lime juice?
Fresh lime juice provides a bright zing that balances the smoky and spicy flavors of the dish.
What can I serve with this dish?
It is excellent served as a side dish or over a bed of rice for a more filling meal.
Does this recipe use toasted sesame oil?
Yes, one tablespoon of toasted sesame oil is used to provide a deep, nutty flavor.
How many main ingredients are required?
There are 6 main ingredients: eggplant, vegetable oil, toasted sesame oil, Asian chili sauce, sesame seeds, and lime juice.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy recipe focused on vegetables and fresh ingredients.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, you can modify the amount of Asian chili sauce to suit your personal spice preference.
What temperature should the broiler be set to?
Set your broiler to the high setting.
Do I need to salt the eggplant?
Yes, the instructions recommend sprinkling the strips generously with coarse salt and pepper before adding the sauce.
What gives the dish its nutty flavor?
The nuttiness comes from both the toasted sesame oil and the two tablespoons of sesame seeds.
How do I know when the eggplant is finished?
The eggplant is done when it appears browned on the outside and feels tender to the touch.
Should the eggplant be in a single layer?
Yes, arrange the eggplant in a single layer on the baking sheet to ensure even cooking.
Is this an easy recipe for beginners?
Yes, it is tagged as an 'easy recipe' and involves simple preparation and a short cooking time.
What type of cuisine is this dish?
This dish is categorized as Asian cuisine.
Can I make this for a gathering?
Absolutely, the recipe description mentions it is ideal for gatherings or simple weeknight dinners.
What kind of oil should I use?
The recipe calls for a combination of vegetable oil and toasted sesame oil.
Is there any cholesterol in this recipe?
While specific values are not listed, the plant-based ingredients naturally contain no cholesterol.
Does the eggplant taste smoky?
Yes, broiling the eggplant creates a smoky flavor profile.
How much eggplant do I need?
You will need 1.5 pounds of eggplant.
Should I let it cool before eating?
The instructions recommend letting the dish cool for a few minutes after removing it from the oven.
Can I use bottled lime juice?
While fresh lime juice is specified for the best 'zing', bottled juice can be used in a pinch.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include vegetarian, spicy, eggplant, sesame, broiler, sidedish, asian cuisine, healthy, vegan option, and easy recipe.