Soft Steamed Eggplant Side Dish (Classic Style)
Easy Side Dish #3: Nostalgic Eggplant Namul
I’m reminded of the old days when we’d steam eggplants until tender, then tear them apart and season them. While you can easily steam them in the microwave, today I’ll stick to the traditional method using a steamer for a healthier approach. This dish brings back fond memories!
Ingredients- 4 eggplants (medium-sized)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp chopped green onions
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce (for seasoning)
- 1/2 Tbsp soup soy sauce (for added depth of flavor)
- 1 tsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, optional for a hint of spice)
- 2 Tbsp sesame oil (for richness and aroma)
- A pinch of sesame seeds (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Wash the eggplants thoroughly and cut them into bite-sized pieces, about 2-3 cm long. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, place a steamer basket over the pot and arrange the cut eggplant pieces in a single layer. Cover with a lid and steam for about 15 minutes, or until the eggplant is very tender. Steaming until soft is key to achieving the desired texture. If you don’t have a steamer, you can use a steamer insert or a fine-mesh sieve placed over the boiling water. Let the steamed eggplant cool slightly as it will be hot.
Step 2
Once the eggplant has cooled down a bit, transfer it to a mixing bowl. Gently squeeze out any excess water with your hands. If any pieces are thick, tear them apart lengthwise; this helps the seasoning to penetrate better. Add the minced garlic, chopped green onions, soy sauce, soup soy sauce, and gochugaru (if using). Gently mix everything together with your hands until the seasoning is evenly distributed. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding a little more soy sauce or soup soy sauce for a deeper flavor.
Step 3
Finally, drizzle in the sesame oil generously and sprinkle with sesame seeds. The fragrant aroma of sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds will enhance the dish. This eggplant side dish is delicious served immediately, but it’s also a delightful treat when chilled from the refrigerator.
