Spicy and Sweet Grilled Eggplant Salad
Tired of Mushy Eggplant? Try This Delicious Recipe for a Crispy Exterior and Tender Interior
Eggplant is renowned for its skin benefits, particularly for acne. It’s packed with anthocyanins for its price and rich in dietary fiber, also aiding digestive health. However, some people dislike eggplant due to its mushy texture. If that’s been holding you back, pay attention to this recipe! By grilling the eggplant beforehand, we can eliminate the mushiness and achieve a much more appealing texture – slightly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. This side dish is so good, it’ll become a staple on your table! Let’s get started!
Main Ingredients- 2 eggplants
- 1/2 stalk of green onion
Seasoning Ingredients- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp oligo syrup (or corn syrup)
- 1 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1/2 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp oligo syrup (or corn syrup)
- 1 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1/2 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Wash the eggplants thoroughly and remove the stems. Cut them into approximately 4-5cm lengths, then cut each piece into 4 wedges. This ensures even seasoning distribution and consistent cooking.
Step 2
Heat a dry pan (no oil) over medium heat. Place the eggplant wedges, cut-side down, and grill them until lightly browned and slightly firm. Turn them over and grill the other sides until tender. Transfer the grilled eggplant to a wire rack to cool slightly. This grilling process helps to reduce excess moisture, preventing a mushy texture and enhancing a chewier consistency.
Step 3
Wash the green onion, including the white and green parts, and finely chop it. The thinner the chop, the better it will integrate with the seasoning and enhance the flavor.
Step 4
In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, oligo syrup, gochugaru, and minced garlic. Stir well with a spoon until all ingredients are fully incorporated, creating a smooth dressing. You can substitute corn syrup for oligo syrup, and adjust the sweetness to your preference.
Step 5
Place the cooled grilled eggplant in a mixing bowl. Add the prepared dressing, chopped green onion, toasted sesame seeds, and sesame oil. Gently toss everything together using your hands or a spatula, being careful not to mash the eggplant. Mix until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Your delicious seasoned eggplant is ready! This makes a wonderful side dish to enrich your home-cooked meals. Enjoy! ^^
