Zesty Thai Grilled Eggplant Salad with Fresh Herbs
This Zesty Thai Grilled Eggplant Salad with Fresh Herbs is a delightful blend of smoky, tender eggplant mixed with vibrant flavors of cilantro and lime. Perfectly roasted on the grill or baked, the eggplant absorbs the tangy, sweet, and savory notes from fish sauce, lime juice, and a hint of spice from green chili. Featuring crisp shallots and green onions, this salad is both refreshing and satisfying. Ideal as a side dish or a light main course, it can be served at room temperature or chilled, making it a versatile addition to any meal. Share this delicious recipe with friends and family for a taste of Thailand in your kitchen!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Japanese eggplant
1 lb (halved lengthwise)
Shallots
2 tablespoons (thinly sliced)
Cilantro
2 tablespoons (coarsely chopped, plus leaves for garnish)
Green onions
2 (thinly sliced)
Garlic
2 teaspoons (coarsely chopped)
Fish sauce
3 tablespoons (none)
Lime juice
3 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
Sugar
1 tablespoon (none)
Hot green chili peppers
1 tablespoon (coarsely chopped or 1 teaspoon dried red chili, coarsely ground)
Dried shrimp
1 tablespoon (coarsely chopped (optional))
Instructions
1
Preheat your grill or oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Slice the Japanese eggplants in half lengthwise and lightly brush with oil.
3
Place the eggplant halves skin-side down on the grill for about 5-7 minutes until they are tender and have grill marks. If using the oven, place them cut-side up on a baking sheet and roast for approximately 15 minutes, or until soft and lightly browned.
4
Once cooked, remove the eggplant from the grill or oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then cut the eggplant into 2-inch chunks, optionally peeling the skin off if desired.
5
In a medium bowl, combine the thinly sliced shallots, coarsely chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, coarsely chopped garlic, fish sauce, freshly squeezed lime juice, sugar, and chili (either fresh or dried).
6
Add the cooled eggplant chunks to the bowl with the dressing and gently toss to combine, ensuring the eggplant is well-coated.
7
Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
8
Before serving, garnish with additional cilantro leaves. This salad can be served at room temperature or chilled, paired with your favorite Thai dishes.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Thai Grilled Eggplant Salad?
It is a flavorful Thai-inspired dish featuring smoky grilled or roasted eggplant tossed in a tangy lime and fish sauce dressing with fresh herbs.
What type of eggplant is best for this recipe?
Japanese eggplants are ideal because they are slender, tender, and cook quickly on the grill or in the oven.
How do I prepare the eggplant for cooking?
Slice the eggplants in half lengthwise and lightly brush the cut sides with oil before grilling or roasting.
What is the recommended grilling time?
Grill the eggplant halves skin-side down for about 5 to 7 minutes until they are tender and show visible grill marks.
Can I make this salad in the oven?
Yes, roast the eggplant at 400°F (200°C) on a baking sheet for approximately 15 minutes or until soft.
Should I peel the eggplant?
Peeling is optional; you can choose to remove the skin after the eggplant has cooled if you prefer a softer texture.
What size should I cut the eggplant?
After cooking and cooling slightly, cut the eggplant into bite-sized chunks about 2 inches in length.
What are the ingredients for the Thai dressing?
The dressing is made from shallots, cilantro, green onions, garlic, fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and chili.
Is this recipe spicy?
Yes, it has a spicy kick from hot green chili peppers or dried red chili, though you can adjust the amount to your taste.
How do I make this recipe vegan?
To make it vegan, replace the fish sauce with soy sauce or a vegan fish sauce alternative and omit the dried shrimp.
Is the Thai Grilled Eggplant Salad gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free, but always check your fish sauce label to ensure it is certified gluten-free.
What is the purpose of adding sugar to the dressing?
Sugar is used to balance the salty flavors of the fish sauce and the acidity of the lime juice for a traditional Thai flavor profile.
Can I use dried chili instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute 1 tablespoon of fresh chili with 1 teaspoon of coarsely ground dried red chili.
Are dried shrimp necessary?
Dried shrimp are optional but they add an authentic savory depth and extra texture to the salad.
How should I prepare the shallots?
The shallots should be thinly sliced so they distribute evenly throughout the salad.
Can I serve this salad cold?
Yes, this salad is versatile and can be served at room temperature or chilled in the refrigerator.
How long should the salad sit before serving?
It is recommended to let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to allow the eggplant to fully absorb the dressing.
What garnish should I use?
Garnish the finished dish with extra fresh cilantro leaves for added color and fragrance.
What herbs are used in this recipe?
The recipe primarily uses fresh cilantro and green onions for its vibrant herbal notes.
Can I use regular Italian eggplant?
You can, but you may need to peel it or slice it into smaller pieces and adjust the cooking time as they are thicker than Japanese eggplants.
How much lime juice is required?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lime juice for maximum tanginess.
Does the eggplant need to be salted before cooking?
Japanese eggplants are generally less bitter, so salting them beforehand is not necessary for this specific recipe.
Is this a main course or a side dish?
It can be served as a light main course or as a refreshing side dish alongside other Thai favorites.
What temperature should the grill be?
Aim for a medium-high heat around 400°F (200°C) to get good grill marks without burning the eggplant.
How do I prepare the garlic?
The garlic should be coarsely chopped to ensure it adds a bold flavor to the dressing.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a few hours in advance and keep it chilled, as the flavors continue to meld over time.
How much eggplant do I need?
The recipe is designed for 1 pound of Japanese eggplant.
What provides the saltiness in the dish?
The primary source of salt and umami flavor is the 3 tablespoons of fish sauce.
How many green onions are used?
The recipe uses two green onions, which should be thinly sliced.
What does 'smoky eggplant' refer to?
It refers to the characteristic flavor achieved by grilling the eggplant over a flame or at high heat.