Skip to main content

Spicy Eggplant

3.6

(9)

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Serves 6

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds Asian or other small eggplants (each about 1 1/2 inches in diameter)
4 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 cups water
1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons Japanese soy sauce
3 tablespoons mirin
1 1/2 teaspoons instant dashi granules
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon dried hot red pepper flakes
Garnish: julienne strips of peeled fresh gingerroot, chopped fresh cilantro leaves, and radish sprouts

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Cut eggplants crosswise into 1-inch-thick rounds. In a 5-quart heavy kettle heat 2 tablespoons oil over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking and brown cut sides of eggplant in 2 batches (adding remaining 2 tablespoons oil before second batch), turning eggplant occasionally with tongs.

    Step 2

    In kettle combine eggplant and remaining ingredients. Simmer mixture, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until eggplant is very tender but not falling apart, about 15 minutes. With a slotted spoon carefully transfer eggplant to a bowl. Boil liquid remaining in kettle, skimming froth, until reduced to about 1/2 cup and add sauce to eggplant.

  2. Step 3

    Serve eggplant warm or at room temperature with some sauce and garnished with gingerroot, cilantro, and sprouts.

Read More
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
The golden, crunchy corners are worth fighting over.
Not stuffed shells. But not not stuffed shells either.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Like spicy carrot rigatoni and weeknight-fancy ravioli with peas.
A veg-forward main or gets-along-with-everyone side.
Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.
The most efficient method takes less than an hour, but you might not even need it.