Savory Warm Eggplant Salad with Sesame and Shallots
This delightful warm eggplant salad combines tender, steamed eggplant with a rich and flavorful sesame dressing, enhanced by the sweetness of shallots and the freshness of mint or basil. Perfect as a side dish or a light appetizer, this recipe showcases the umami of Japanese cuisine while providing easy substitutes for any hard-to-find ingredients. The balance of flavors and textures will surely impress your family and friends, making it an ideal addition to any gathering.
N/A
Servings
80
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Eggplant
1 lb (Trimmed and cut lengthwise)
Superfine Sugar
2.5 tablespoons (N/A)
Soy Sauce
1 tablespoon (N/A)
Sake or Dry Sherry
1 tablespoon (N/A)
Rice Vinegar
1 tablespoon (N/A)
Sesame Seeds
2 tablespoons (Coarsely ground)
Sesame Paste or Peanut Butter
2 tablespoons (N/A)
Shallot
1/4 cup (Thinly sliced)
Fresh Mint or Basil Leaves
5 leaves (Cut into strips)
Instructions
1
Begin by trimming the stems off the eggplant. Slice the eggplant in half lengthwise and soak the pieces in cold water for about 5 minutes. Drain and pat the eggplant dry.
2
Arrange the eggplant halves on a microwave-safe plate, cover with plastic wrap, and microwave for 3 to 6 minutes, or until the eggplant is soft and tender. Alternatively, you can steam the eggplant for 5 to 7 minutes until it becomes limp. Once done, let it sit for a few minutes to finish cooking.
3
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the superfine sugar, soy sauce, sake (or dry sherry), rice vinegar, coarsely ground sesame seeds, and sesame paste (or peanut butter) to create a smooth dressing.
4
Cut the cooked eggplant into strips measuring about 1/2 inch wide and 3 inches long. To remove excess moisture, take a handful of eggplant strips and wrap them in paper towels, squeezing gently.
5
On a serving plate, arrange the eggplant strips in a mound. Drizzle the sesame dressing generously over the top, ensuring all the eggplant is coated.
6
Finish by scattering the thinly sliced shallots and freshly cut mint or basil leaves on top of the salad. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor.
Nutrition Information
4.5g
Fat
8.5g
Carbs
1.75g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main ingredient of the Savory Warm Eggplant Salad?
The main ingredient is 1 lb of eggplant, trimmed and cut lengthwise.
Is this eggplant salad suitable for vegans?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as both vegetarian and vegan.
How many calories are in a serving of this salad?
There are approximately 80 calories per serving.
What are the cooking methods for the eggplant?
You can microwave the eggplant for 3 to 6 minutes or steam it for 5 to 7 minutes until tender.
What can I use as a substitute for Sake?
Dry sherry is a suitable substitute for Sake in this recipe.
What can be used if I don't have sesame paste?
Peanut butter is an easy substitute for sesame paste in the dressing.
How long should I soak the eggplant before cooking?
The eggplant pieces should be soaked in cold water for about 5 minutes.
What herbs are used for garnishing the salad?
Fresh mint or basil leaves, cut into strips, are used as a garnish.
What is the fat content of this dish?
This recipe contains 4.5g of fat.
How many grams of carbohydrates are in the salad?
The salad contains 8.5g of carbohydrates.
What is the protein content of the eggplant salad?
There is 1.75g of protein per serving.
What type of vinegar is required for the dressing?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar.
How should the sesame seeds be prepared?
The sesame seeds should be coarsely ground before being added to the dressing.
How do I remove excess moisture from the eggplant?
Wrap the eggplant strips in paper towels and squeeze them gently to remove excess water.
What size should the eggplant strips be after cooking?
The cooked eggplant should be cut into strips about 1/2 inch wide and 3 inches long.
Should the salad be served cold?
The salad is best served warm or at room temperature for the best flavor.
How much sugar is used in the dressing?
The recipe uses 2.5 tablespoons of superfine sugar.
What type of cuisine does this recipe represent?
It showcases Japanese flavors and Asian cuisine, specifically focusing on umami.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients in total.
What kind of onions are used in this salad?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of thinly sliced shallots.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy recipe and is relatively low in calories.
What is the preparation for the eggplant before soaking?
Trim the stems off and slice the eggplant in half lengthwise.
How much soy sauce is in the dressing?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of soy sauce.
How do I finish the salad assembly?
Arrange the strips in a mound, drizzle with dressing, and scatter shallots and herbs on top.
What texture should the eggplant have after cooking?
The eggplant should be soft, tender, and limp.
Can I use regular sugar instead of superfine sugar?
The recipe specifically recommends superfine sugar for a smooth dressing consistency.
How much sesame paste is needed?
The dressing requires 2 tablespoons of sesame paste or peanut butter.
What is the purpose of the plastic wrap when microwaving?
It covers the plate to help steam the eggplant so it becomes soft and tender.
Is this a main course dish?
No, it is intended as a side dish or a light appetizer.
What flavor profile does the dressing provide?
The dressing provides a rich, savory, and nutty flavor with a balance of sweetness and acidity.