Savory Grilled Eggplant with Zesty Peanut Sauce
Discover a delicious and satisfying dish that celebrates the rich flavors of grilled eggplant paired with a spicy, creamy peanut sauce. This recipe is perfect for vegetarians and can be served as a flavorful side dish or a main course. The delightful combination of sesame oil, fresh lime juice, and crunchy peanut butter creates a sauce that is both zesty and indulgent. Pair it with Chicken Satay for a perfectly balanced meal that will satisfy both vegetarians and meat lovers alike. This dish is not only simple to prepare, but it also showcases the versatility of eggplant, making it an excellent option for gatherings and summer barbecues.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
sesame oil
4 teaspoons (heated)
garlic
4 cloves (minced)
crushed red pepper flakes
1-2 teaspoons (to taste)
crunchy peanut butter
2/3 cup
tamari
4 teaspoons
fresh lime juice
4 teaspoons
sugar
2 teaspoons
water
2/3 cup
medium eggplants
2 (sliced 1/2 inch thick)
vegetable oil
as needed (for brushing)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, heat the sesame oil over medium heat until shimmering.
2
Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3
Reduce the heat to low, then whisk in the crunchy peanut butter, tamari, fresh lime juice, sugar, and water. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring until smooth and well combined.
4
If the sauce is too thick, add a touch more water until you achieve the consistency of hot fudge sauce. Keep the sauce warm over low heat.
5
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, ensuring it's well-prepped for optimal grilling.
6
Slice the eggplants into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Brush both sides generously with vegetable oil and lightly season with salt.
7
Place the eggplant slices on the grill, cooking for 8-10 minutes. Flip halfway through, until they are tender and have beautiful grill marks.
8
Remove the grilled eggplant from the grill and brush lightly with the warm spicy peanut sauce. Serve immediately with the remaining sauce on the side for dipping.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Grilled Eggplant with Zesty Peanut Sauce?
It is a flavorful vegetarian dish featuring grilled eggplant rounds paired with a creamy, spicy peanut sauce made with sesame oil, lime juice, and tamari.
Is this grilled eggplant recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is entirely vegetarian-friendly.
What are the main ingredients for the zesty peanut sauce?
The sauce consists of sesame oil, minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, crunchy peanut butter, tamari, fresh lime juice, sugar, and water.
How should I prepare the eggplant for the grill?
Slice the eggplants into 1/2-inch thick rounds, brush both sides with vegetable oil, and lightly season them with salt.
How long does it take to grill the eggplant?
The eggplant should be grilled for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and marked with grill lines.
What grill temperature is recommended?
The grill should be preheated to medium-high heat.
What is the secret to the sauce's consistency?
The sauce should have the consistency of hot fudge; you can add extra water if it becomes too thick during cooking.
Can I serve this as a main course?
Yes, it can be served as either a flavorful side dish or a satisfying vegetarian main course.
What pairs well with Savory Grilled Eggplant?
This dish pairs perfectly with Chicken Satay for a balanced meal of vegetables and protein.
How do I cook the garlic for the sauce?
Sauté the minced garlic and red pepper flakes in sesame oil over medium heat for about 1 minute until fragrant.
What type of peanut butter is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for crunchy peanut butter to add texture to the sauce.
How do I finish the dish before serving?
Remove the eggplant from the grill, brush it lightly with the warm peanut sauce, and serve immediately.
Can I serve the peanut sauce on the side?
Yes, any remaining sauce should be served on the side for dipping.
How thick should the eggplant slices be?
The eggplant should be sliced into rounds approximately 1/2-inch thick.
Is this recipe suitable for summer barbecues?
Absolutely, it is an excellent option for summer barbecues and outdoor gatherings.
What kind of oil should I use for brushing the eggplant?
Vegetable oil is recommended for brushing the eggplant slices before grilling.
Does the recipe use tamari or soy sauce?
The recipe specifically calls for tamari.
How do I keep the sauce warm while grilling?
Keep the sauce over low heat on the stovetop once it is smooth and well combined.
What provides the spicy kick in the sauce?
The spice comes from 1-2 teaspoons of crushed red pepper flakes.
How much sesame oil is needed?
You will need 4 teaspoons of sesame oil.
Is there sugar in the peanut sauce?
Yes, 2 teaspoons of sugar are added to balance the flavors.
What gives the sauce its zesty flavor?
The fresh lime juice provides the zesty, citrusy profile.
How many eggplants are required?
The recipe uses 2 medium eggplants.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
You will need 4 cloves of minced garlic.
What is the first step in making the sauce?
The first step is heating the sesame oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to your personal taste.
How much peanut butter is used?
The recipe requires 2/3 cup of crunchy peanut butter.
What is the primary cooking method for the eggplant?
The primary cooking method is grilling.
Is this a simple recipe to follow?
Yes, it is described as simple to prepare while showcasing the versatility of eggplant.
What is the total number of ingredients used?
This recipe uses a total of 10 ingredients.