Steamed Eggplant With Peanuts And Scallions Recipes

KUNG PAO EGGPLANT

Steps:

• For the marinade: Put the eggplant in a large mixing bowl, then add the cornstarch, mirin and soy sauce and toss together until fully coated. Set aside.
• For the sauce: Add the soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, cornstarch, ginger and garlic to a small mixing bowl, then whisk to combine.
• For the stir-fry: In a wok or large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon coconut oil over high heat. Add the eggplant with its marinade and cook until lightly golden brown and tender, about 8 minutes, deglazing the pan if bits of food get stuck on by adding 1/4 cup water, wine or broth and stirring the bits up with a wooden spoon. Transfer the cooked eggplant back to the large mixing bowl and set aside.
• Turn heat down to medium-high. Add the remaining tablespoon coconut oil to the pan; add the dried chiles and cook, stirring, until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the bell pepper and cook until just tender, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the cooked eggplant, peanuts, scallions and sauce and toss to coat. Cook until the sauce is thickened, 1 minute.
• Serve immediately with brown rice and scallions, for garnish.

PAN-ROASTED EGGPLANT WITH PEANUT-CHILE SAUCE

Steps:

• Prepare two heavy skillets: One large skillet and one medium skillet that fits inside the large one. Wrap the medium skillet in foil.
• Using a vegetable peeler, peel wide strips of skin off the eggplants lengthwise, so that they are striped. Cut them crosswise into 3/4-inch thick rounds, and sprinkle them with about 1 teaspoon salt.
• Make the sauce: In a bowl, combine the peanuts, cumin, garlic, 2 tablespoons chile paste, a pinch of salt and 3 tablespoons oil. Taste and adjust the seasonings with chile paste and salt.
• Heat the oven to 200 degrees and place a large baking sheet in it to warm.
• In the large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons oil over medium heat until just shimmering. Working in batches, add a single layer of eggplant slices and place the medium skillet on top to press the eggplant flat. Cook, adjusting the heat so you hear the sound of sizzling (not popping, which would indicate burning). Check the color after 3 minutes. When nicely browned all over, about 5 minutes, flip the rounds and place the medium skillet on top again. Cook the other side until lightly browned, about 4 minutes, and transfer to the hot sheet pan in the oven. Add more olive oil to the pan and repeat with remaining eggplant.
• When all the eggplant slices are cooked, lightly wipe out the large skillet and reheat over low heat. Add 1 tablespoon oil, swirl to heat through and add ginger. Let sizzle, stirring, until just beginning to brown, then scrape the cooked ginger and oil into the peanut sauce. Stir and taste again.
• To serve, arrange the eggplant slices on a platter. Use a spoon to drizzle sauce over the top (you might not use all the sauce). Scatter scallions and cilantro on top.

STEAMED EGGPLANT WITH SPICY PEANUT SAUCE

Steps:

• In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, 1/3 cup water, soy sauce, sugar, lime zest, lime juice, sambal olek and garlic.
• Trim the ends of the eggplant. If using baby eggplant, peel them. Place in a steamer basket set over a pan of simmering water. Cover and cook until tender, about 10 minutes. (Alternatively, you can wrap the eggplants individually in parchment and microwave until tender, 3 to 4 minutes.) Halve eggplants lengthwise.
• Transfer eggplants to a platter, cut side up. Spoon peanut sauce over eggplant. Garnish with peanuts and scallions.

STEAMED EGGPLANT

Steps:

• Quarter 2 pounds Japanese eggplants lengthwise and cut into 2-inch pieces; season with salt. In two batches, cook the eggplants in a steamer over medium-high heat, tossing halfway, until softened, 6 minutes. Let cool on paper towels. Whisk 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 2 teaspoons each sesame oil and minced garlic, 1 teaspoon fish sauce, 1 teaspoon gochugaru and 1 teaspoon rice vinegar in a large bowl. Toss the eggplants in the sauce; top with chopped scallions and toasted sesame seeds.

STEAMED EGGPLANT AND MUSHROOMS WITH PEANUT SAUCE

Steps:

• Fill a large pot with about 1 inch water; bring to a boil. Add eggplant and mushrooms. Reduce heat to medium-high; steam until tender, 8 to 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, place peanut butter in a small bowl. Gradually whisk in vinegar, then soy sauce, ginger, brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt until smooth.
• With a slotted spoon, transfer steamed eggplant and mushrooms to a large bowl. Add scallions and peanut sauce; toss gently to coat. Serve with rice, if desired.

STEAMED EGGPLANT SALAD

Steps:

• Place a steamer insert into a saucepan and fill with water to just below the bottom of the steamer. Bring water to a boil. Add eggplant, cover, and steam until tender, 5 to 7 minutes. Let cool enough to handle, about 10 minutes.
• Peel eggplant and dice; transfer to a bowl. Add tomatoes, onions, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and ginger. Stir in chile pepper and garlic; mix all together well.
• Chill for at least 30 minutes. Serve cold.

STEAMED EGGPLANT AND MUSHROOMS WITH PEANUT SAUCE

Steps:

• Fill a large pot with about 1 inch water; bring to a boil. Add eggplant and mushrooms. Reduce heat to medium-high; cover, and steam until tender, 8 to 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, make sauce: Place peanut butter in a small bowl. Gradually whisk in vinegar, then add soy sauce, ginger, brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt; whisk until smooth and combined. (Alternatively, combine everything in a blender and puree until smooth.)
• With a slotted spoon, transfer steamed eggplant and mushrooms to a large bowl. Add scallions and peanut sauce; toss gently to coat. Serve immediately, over rice if desired.