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
This chicken salad nails it—creamy, herby, and endlessly riffable.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.
Like crispy gnocchi caprese and raspberry—brown butter skillet cake.
Like hot honey chicken with peaches and a dirty martini spritz.
The secret to flavorful, never-greasy eggplant parm? Brine the eggplant first.
Just as great with coffee for breakfast as it is with amaro for dessert.
Nutty, protein-packed, and batchable—perfect for hectic mornings.