Prepare to revolutionize your culinary experience with a mind-blowing Chinese Steamed Eggplant Salad that will make your taste buds dance with joy! This isn't just another boring vegetable dish – it's a flavor explosion that transforms humble eggplant into a restaurant-worthy delicacy that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. With just a few simple ingredients and an easy steaming technique, you'll create a mouthwatering side dish that's both incredibly healthy and irresistibly delicious.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Eggplant
- Garlic
- Soy sauce
- Sesame oil
- Green onions
- Cilantro
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 2 medium-sized eggplants, 3 cloves of garlic (minced), 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, 2 green onions (thinly sliced), and a handful of fresh cilantro (chopped).
- Rinse the eggplants under cold water to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a paper towel. Cut the eggplants into long strips, about 1 inch wide, or you can slice them into rounds if you prefer.
- Place the sliced eggplants in a colander and sprinkle them with a little salt. Let them sit for about 10 minutes. This will help to draw out excess moisture and bitterness from the eggplants.
- After 10 minutes, rinse the eggplants under cold water to remove the salt, then pat them dry with a clean paper towel.
- Prepare your steamer. Fill a pot with water and bring it to a boil. If you don’t have a steamer, you can use a heatproof plate placed on a trivet inside the pot.
- Once the water is boiling, place the eggplant slices in the steamer basket or on the plate. Cover and steam the eggplants for about 10 minutes, or until they are tender and cooked through.
- While the eggplants are steaming, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Mix well to combine.
- Once the eggplants are done steaming, carefully remove them from the steamer and transfer them to a serving dish.
- Drizzle the garlic-soy dressing over the warm eggplants, ensuring they are well coated.
- Garnish the dish with sliced green onions and chopped cilantro for added freshness and flavor.
- Serve the Chinese Steamed Eggplant Salad warm or at room temperature as a side dish or appetizer. Enjoy!
Tips
- Choose the right eggplants: Look for firm, glossy eggplants with smooth, unblemished skin for the best texture and flavor.
- Salt and drain technique: Don't skip the salting step! This crucial method removes excess moisture and reduces bitterness, ensuring your eggplant is perfectly tender.
- Steaming is key: Use a proper steamer or create a makeshift steaming setup to preserve the eggplant's delicate texture and nutritional value.
- Fresh is best: Use freshly minced garlic and just-chopped herbs to maximize the dish's aromatic qualities.
- Dressing matters: Mix your soy sauce and sesame oil dressing thoroughly to ensure every bite is perfectly seasoned.
- Serving suggestion: For an extra flavor boost, let the dressed eggplant sit for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 75kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
