Super Simple Microwave Eggplant Salad (Namul Muchim)
Quick and Easy Microwave Eggplant Salad (Namul Muchim) Recipe
Let’s make a super simple eggplant salad using the microwave! This recipe is incredibly easy, creating a tender and flavorful dish with minimal effort.
Main Ingredients
- 2 eggplants (about 300-400g)
Seasoning Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce (Guk-ganjang or regular)
- 1/2 Tbsp Dark Soy Sauce (for depth of flavor)
- 1/2 Tbsp Red Pepper Flakes (for color and mild spice)
- 1 Tbsp Plum Extract/Syrup (for sweetness and aroma)
- 1/2 Tbsp Anchovy Sauce (for umami boost)
- 1/2 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 1/2 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds
- 2 Tbsp White part of Green Onion (finely chopped)
- 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce (Guk-ganjang or regular)
- 1/2 Tbsp Dark Soy Sauce (for depth of flavor)
- 1/2 Tbsp Red Pepper Flakes (for color and mild spice)
- 1 Tbsp Plum Extract/Syrup (for sweetness and aroma)
- 1/2 Tbsp Anchovy Sauce (for umami boost)
- 1/2 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 1/2 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds
- 2 Tbsp White part of Green Onion (finely chopped)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare 2 fresh eggplants. (The eggplants in the photo were home-grown, so using fresh ingredients is key to the flavor!)
Step 2
First, cut the eggplants into manageable lengths of about 7-10 cm. If they are too long, they might not cook evenly in the microwave.
Step 3
Cut each eggplant piece into 4 lengthwise strips. Arrange them evenly in the steamer.
Step 4
Take a microwave-safe deep dish. Add about 1-2 cm of water to the bottom. Place a steamer basket on top and arrange the cut eggplants inside. Make sure the water does not touch the steamer basket.
Step 5
Cover with a microwave lid or plastic wrap (pierce a few holes if using wrap), and microwave on high power for 4 to 5 minutes. Adjust the cooking time based on the size of the eggplant and your microwave’s wattage.
Step 6
Check for doneness by piercing the eggplant with a chopstick; it should be tender and easily pierceable. If it’s still firm, microwave for additional 1-minute intervals until cooked through.
Step 7
While the eggplant is still warm, let it cool slightly, then shred it into bite-sized pieces by hand. Place the shredded eggplant in a bowl. Gently squeeze out excess water – avoid squeezing too hard, as this can make the salad dry.
Step 8
Finely chop the white parts of the green onion. In a small bowl, combine the seasoning ingredients: 1 Tbsp soy sauce, 1/2 Tbsp dark soy sauce, 1/2 Tbsp red pepper flakes, 1 Tbsp plum extract, 1/2 Tbsp anchovy sauce, 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic, 1 Tbsp sesame oil, and 1/2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds. Mix well.
Step 9
Add the finely chopped green onion to the mixed seasoning and stir again to combine. The green onion adds a wonderful aroma and flavor.
Step 10
Add the shredded eggplant to a mixing bowl. Pour all the prepared seasoning over the eggplant. Gently toss using your hands or chopsticks, ensuring the seasoning coats the eggplant evenly. Be careful not to mash the eggplant too much.
Step 11
And there you have it! Your super simple microwave eggplant salad is ready in under 10 minutes. Enjoy this tender and flavorful dish that’s perfect as a side for any meal. Eggplant is incredibly healthy, so make sure to incorporate it into your diet often!
