**Unleash the symphony of flavors with spicy eggplant salad, a culinary masterpiece that tantalizes your taste buds with a medley of bold and exotic flavors.** This delectable dish, deeply rooted in the traditions of Sichuan cuisine, captivates with its vibrant red color, emanating from the generous use of chili oil and the fiery heat of Sichuan peppercorns. Eggplant, the star ingredient, is roasted to perfection, resulting in a smoky and tender texture that harmonizes beautifully with the spicy dressing. Sesame oil adds a nutty depth of flavor, while garlic, ginger, and scallions contribute their aromatic essence.
Alongside the main recipe, this comprehensive guide presents an array of variations that cater to diverse preferences and dietary needs. For those who prefer a milder heat, a step-by-step guide outlines how to create a less spicy version. Those seeking a vegan alternative will discover a recipe that skillfully replaces the fish sauce with soy sauce, preserving the dish's umami-rich character. Additionally, a gluten-free option is provided, ensuring that everyone can savor this delectable creation. With its versatility and adaptability, this spicy eggplant salad promises an unforgettable culinary experience.
SPICY EGGPLANT SALAD WITH SESAME OIL
This Chinese-inspired salad has complex flavors and is quite refreshing. At the market, choose eggplants that are firm and shiny; they will taste sweeter and have fewer seeds. Make it several hours ahead or up to a day in advance. It's best served at room temperature or cool.
Provided by David Tanis
Categories salads and dressings, side dish
Time 40m
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Cook the eggplants in a covered steamer over rapidly boiling water until tender, about 10 minutes. Let cool, then peel. Put the flesh in a fine meshed strainer to drain excess liquid.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, vinegar, lime juice, salt and sugar. Add garlic, ginger, sesame oil, vegetable oil and hot pepper oil, if using.
- Put drained eggplants in a bowl. Using 2 forks, shred the eggplants a bit, then pour dressing over and toss, coating well. Leave to rest for 10 minutes, then taste and adjust seasoning.
- Just before serving, stir in chopped cilantro. Pile eggplants on a platter and sprinkle with scallions. Garnish with serrano chile, if using, and cilantro sprigs.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 105, UnsaturatedFat 5 grams, Carbohydrate 13 grams, Fat 6 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 2 grams, SaturatedFat 1 gram, Sodium 447 milligrams, Sugar 6 grams, TransFat 0 grams
ROASTED EGGPLANT SALAD WITH SOY, SESAME AND CHARRED PEPPERS
Provided by Alex Guarnaschelli
Categories side-dish
Time 1h45m
Yield 2 to 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Pour the olive oil into a baking sheet and top with a single layer of eggplant slices. Turn to coat both sides with the oil and sprinkle liberally with salt. Place in the center of the oven and roast until completely tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Remove and arrange in a single layer on a serving platter.
- Place the peppers directly on the burners of a gas range or grill and char on all sides, rotating with a pair of tongs. Remove from the heat and place them in the refrigerator to cool, 10 minutes. Use a paper towel to wipe off the charred skin. Remove the seeds and slice the pepper flesh into thin strips. Arrange over the top of the eggplant.
- Whisk together the soy, ginger, sesame oil, vinegar and garlic in a medium bowl. Taste for seasoning. Sprinkle the vinaigrette over the eggplant and peppers and top with the sesame seeds.
GRILLED SESAME CHICKEN AND EGGPLANT SALAD
This is a salad that is French by design and Chinese by flavor. The ginger and sesame notwithstanding, it is essentially very much like a salade composée, a "composed salad" where the ingredients are arranged and dressed but not tossed, with grilled chicken breast and a zesty vinaigrette. The jalapeño is optional, so you can turn down the heat.
Provided by David Tanis
Categories salads and dressings, main course
Time 1h
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 25
Steps:
- Remove the tenderloins from the underside of the chicken breasts and reserve for another purpose. Trim breasts if necessary and flatten them slightly with a meat mallet. Season on both sides with salt and pepper and place in a shallow dish. Using a clean knife and cutting board, peel eggplant and cut into 1/2-inch slices, then season with salt and pepper. Place eggplant slices in a separate shallow dish.
- Prepare the marinade: stir together ginger, garlic, soy sauce, peanut oil, sesame oil, rice wine and chile paste in a small bowl. Pour half the marinade over chicken and remaining marinade over eggplant, turning over to coat well. Leave at room temperature for 30 minutes. (You may do this step up to 2 hours ahead and refrigerate. Return to room temperature before cooking.)
- Make the vinaigrette: whisk together rice vinegar, ginger, brown sugar, mustard, sesame oil, peanut oil, salt and lime juice. Set aside.
- Heat a stovetop grill pan over medium-high heat, or use a charcoal or gas grill. Grill eggplant slices until nicely browned and softened, about 3 minutes per side. Remove and hold at room temperature. Lay chicken breasts on the grill skin side down and let cook until nicely browned, about 5 minutes. Turn and cook on the other side until firm to the touch, about 2 minutes more. Remove breasts to a platter and let rest 5 minutes.
- Line a large platter with lettuce leaves. Cut chicken into 1/4-inch slices and arrange over lettuce. Arrange grilled eggplant around the platter. Lightly salt cucumbers and dress with 1 tablespoon vinaigrette, then scatter over salad. Spoon the rest of the vinaigrette evenly over salad. Top with scallions and cilantro, and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Garnish with optional jalapeño slices and lime wedges and serve.
SPICY EGGPLANT SALAD WITH TOASTED SESAME OIL
Categories Vegetable
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Cook the eggplants in a covered steamer over rapidly boiling water until tender, about 10 minutes. Let cool, then peel. Put the flesh in a fine meshed strainer to drain excess liquid. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, vinegar, lime juice, salt and sugar. Add garlic, ginger, sesame oil, vegetable oil and hot pepper oil, if using. Put drained eggplants in a bowl. Using 2 forks, shred the eggplants a bit, then pour dressing over and toss, coating well. Leave to rest for 10 minutes, then taste and adjust seasoning. Just before serving, stir in chopped cilantro. Pile eggplants on a platter and sprinkle with scallions. Garnish with serrano chile, if using, and cilantro sprigs.
COLD STEAMED EGGPLANT WITH SESAME SOY DRESSING
Steamed eggplant has a delicate, silky texture. You may have tasted similar light, refreshing eggplant dishes in Asian restaurants. Dress the eggplant while it's still hot; it will drink up the sauce so that flavor runs through and through. Then refrigerate and serve the salad cold.
Provided by Martha Rose Shulman
Time 1h30m
Yield Serves 6
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Whisk together the soy sauce, vinegar, lime juice, sugar, sesame or walnut oil, and canola oil. Add the optional ginger and/or garlic. Set aside.
- If you can find Japanese eggplant, cut them in half lengthwise. If using large globe eggplants, cut them lengthwise into quarters. Place in a steamer and steam 10 to 15 minutes, until thoroughly tender. Remove from the heat and cut in 3/4-inch wide slices. Season with salt. Toss gently with the dressing (it's okay if the eggplant falls apart a little) and half the chives while warm, and chill for 1 hour. Toss again and serve on a bed of baby arugula. Sprinkle the remaining chives over the top.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 126, UnsaturatedFat 8 grams, Carbohydrate 10 grams, Fat 10 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 2 grams, SaturatedFat 1 gram, Sodium 405 milligrams, Sugar 6 grams, TransFat 0 grams
EGGPLANT WITH SPICY GINGER SAUCE
Provided by Julia Moskin
Categories dinner, main course, side dish
Time 45m
Yield 4 side dish servings, 2 main dish servings
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil, then add onions, ginger and garlic. Cook, stirring, about 2 minutes. Add eggplant and cook, stirring, until lightly browned and tender, 8 to 10 minutes.
- Add 6 tablespoons water, the ponzu, chili-garlic sauce, sesame oil and half the cilantro. Reduce heat to medium, cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until eggplant is tender and liquid is absorbed. Serve hot, on brown rice, sprinkled with remaining cilantro.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 107, UnsaturatedFat 3 grams, Carbohydrate 17 grams, Fat 4 grams, Fiber 6 grams, Protein 4 grams, SaturatedFat 1 gram, Sodium 591 milligrams, Sugar 8 grams
COLD EGGPLANT SALAD WITH SESAME DRESSING
Provided by Mark Bittman
Categories easy, salads and dressings, side dish
Time 20m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Trim eggplant, and cut into cubes of 1/2 to 1 inch. If using large eggplant, sprinkle with salt, put in a colander, and let sit at least 30 minutes, preferably an hour. Rinse.
- Boil large pot of water. Blanch eggplant in boiling water 2 minutes, no more. It will become just tender. Drain in colander as you would pasta.
- Toast sesame seeds in small dry skillet over medium heat, shaking frequently until they color slightly. Dry eggplant with paper towels. Combine remaining ingredients, and toss with eggplant and sesame seeds in bowl. Serve at room temperature, or refrigerate until ready to serve. Covered well, the salad will remain flavorful for a day.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 192, UnsaturatedFat 2 grams, Carbohydrate 42 grams, Fat 2 grams, Fiber 21 grams, Protein 8 grams, SaturatedFat 0 grams, Sodium 1634 milligrams, Sugar 25 grams
SPICY SESAME EGGPLANT
This Asian-themed side dish is great with fried rice with chicken, meat, or fish.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Quick & Easy Recipes
Time 25m
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Heat broiler. Slice eggplant into 3/4-inch-thick rounds; cut each round into 3/4-inch-wide strips. Transfer to a broiler-proof rimmed baking sheet; toss with coarse salt and ground pepper.
- In a small bowl, combine sauce ingredients; drizzle over eggplant, and toss to coat. Spread in an even layer.
- Broil, tossing once, until eggplant is browned and tender, about 15 minutes.
Tips:
- For the best flavor, use fresh eggplant that is firm and shiny.
- To prevent the eggplant from absorbing too much oil, salt it and let it sit for 30 minutes before cooking.
- If you don't have time to salt the eggplant ahead of time, you can roast it in the oven instead of frying it.
- Be careful not to overcook the eggplant, or it will become mushy.
- Use a good quality sesame oil for the best flavor.
- Add the chili peppers and garlic to taste. If you like it spicy, add more chili peppers. If you don't like it spicy, omit the chili peppers altogether.
- Serve the salad immediately, or it will lose its crispness.
Conclusion:
This spicy eggplant salad is a delicious and easy-to-make side dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is also a great way to use up leftover eggplant. The combination of flavors and textures in this salad is sure to please everyone at your table. So next time you are looking for a new and exciting side dish, give this spicy eggplant salad a try!
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