Delightful Steamed Eggplant Salad with Sesame Dressing
This Delightful Steamed Eggplant Salad with Sesame Dressing is a vibrant and nourishing dish that showcases the delicate flavors of tender steamed eggplant. Paired with a savory and tangy sesame dressing, this salad is perfect as a light appetizer or a flavorful side dish. The combination of fresh spring onions, roasted sesame seeds, and the umami-rich sauce transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet experience. This recipe is not only incredibly delicious but also simple to prepare, making it ideal for both everyday meals and special occasions.
N/A
Servings
54
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Large Eggplant (Aubergine)
1 (Peeled and cut into 1.5 cm (3/4 in) slices, then strips.)
Sea Salt
2 teaspoons (For sprinkling on eggplant.)
Spring Onion (Scallions)
1 tablespoon (Finely sliced.)
Roasted Sesame Seeds
1 tablespoon (For garnish.)
White Pepper
1 pinch (For garnish.)
Malt Vinegar
1/4 cup (For dressing.)
Shaoxing Wine (or Dry Sherry)
2 tablespoons (For dressing.)
Garlic Cloves
3 (Finely diced.)
Brown Sugar
1 tablespoon (For dressing.)
Light Soy Sauce
1 tablespoon (For dressing.)
Sesame Oil
1/2 teaspoon (For dressing.)
Instructions
1
Begin by cutting the large eggplant lengthwise into slices about 1.5 cm (3/4 inch) thick. Then, cut each slice into strips of the same width.
2
Place the cut eggplant into a colander and rinse it thoroughly under cold running water to remove excess bitterness. Drain well and gently pat dry with kitchen paper.
3
Lay the eggplant pieces in a single layer on a heatproof plate that can fit inside your steamer basket.
4
Position the plate in the steamer and place it over a deep saucepan or wok filled with boiling water. Cover and steam the eggplant for approximately 6 minutes or until it is just tender when pierced with a knife.
5
Once cooked, carefully remove the plate from the steamer and let the eggplant cool slightly.
6
While the eggplant is steaming, prepare the dressing. In a small heavy-based saucepan, combine malt vinegar, shaoxing wine (or dry sherry), finely diced garlic, brown sugar, light soy sauce, and sesame oil. Bring the mixture to a boil.
7
Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the dressing simmer uncovered for about 2 minutes, allowing it to slightly reduce. Remove from heat and set aside.
8
To serve, arrange the cooled eggplant attractively on a platter and generously spoon the reserved dressing over the top.
9
Finish by sprinkling the salad with sliced spring onions, roasted sesame seeds, and a pinch of white pepper for added flavor.
10
As an extra step, sprinkle salt evenly on both sides of the steamed eggplant before serving, if desired.
Nutrition Information
1.75
Fat
8.5
Carbs
1.5
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Delightful Steamed Eggplant Salad with Sesame Dressing?
It is a vibrant and nourishing dish that pairs tender steamed eggplant with a savory, tangy sesame dressing and fresh garnishes.
Is this eggplant salad recipe vegan?
Yes, this recipe is vegan as it uses plant-based ingredients like eggplant, vegetables, and oils.
How many calories are in a serving of this dish?
There are approximately 54 calories per serving of this eggplant salad.
What type of eggplant is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for a large eggplant, also known as an aubergine.
How long does it take to steam the eggplant?
The eggplant should be steamed for approximately 6 minutes or until it is just tender when pierced with a knife.
Can I use dry sherry instead of Shaoxing wine?
Yes, dry sherry is a suitable substitute for Shaoxing wine in the sesame dressing.
What ingredients are in the sesame dressing?
The dressing consists of malt vinegar, Shaoxing wine, garlic, brown sugar, light soy sauce, and sesame oil.
Is this steamed eggplant salad gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe is tagged as gluten-free, though you should ensure your light soy sauce is a gluten-free variety.
How should I prepare the eggplant before steaming?
Cut the eggplant into 1.5 cm thick slices, then into strips of the same width, rinse under cold water, and pat dry.
Should the eggplant be peeled for this recipe?
Yes, the ingredients specify that the large eggplant should be peeled before slicing.
How thick should the eggplant strips be cut?
The eggplant should be cut into strips about 1.5 cm or 3/4 inch thick.
Why should I rinse the eggplant after cutting it?
Rinsing the cut eggplant under cold running water helps to remove excess bitterness.
What garnishes are used for this salad?
The salad is finished with sliced spring onions, roasted sesame seeds, and a pinch of white pepper.
Is this recipe intended as a main dish?
This recipe is best served as a light appetizer or a flavorful side dish.
How much fat is in this recipe?
There are 1.75 grams of fat in a serving of this salad.
How many carbohydrates does this dish contain?
This eggplant salad contains 8.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is there protein in this steamed eggplant salad?
Yes, there is 1.5 grams of protein per serving.
What type of sugar is used in the sesame dressing?
The recipe uses one tablespoon of brown sugar for the dressing.
Can I use sea salt with this recipe?
Yes, 2 teaspoons of sea salt are used for sprinkling on the eggplant.
How long should the dressing simmer?
The dressing should simmer uncovered for about 2 minutes after reaching a boil to allow it to reduce slightly.
What kind of vinegar is used in the dressing?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of malt vinegar.
Can I steam the eggplant in a wok?
Yes, you can position the steamer plate over a wok filled with boiling water.
How much garlic is needed for the dressing?
The recipe requires 3 garlic cloves, finely diced.
What is the role of sesame oil in this recipe?
Sesame oil is added to the dressing mixture to provide a rich, nutty flavor.
What does white pepper add to the salad?
A pinch of white pepper is used as a garnish to add a layer of mild heat and flavor.
Can the dressing be prepared while the eggplant steams?
Yes, the instructions suggest preparing the dressing while the eggplant is in the steamer.
How do I know when the eggplant is cooked?
The eggplant is done when it is just tender when pierced with a knife.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients total in this eggplant salad recipe.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is a healthy dish that is low in calories and fat while focusing on steamed vegetables.
How should the eggplant be arranged for serving?
Once slightly cooled, arrange the eggplant attractively on a platter and spoon the dressing over the top.