Are you craving a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful dinner? Look no further! This Japanese eggplant grilled recipe is your answer. It's surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner cooks, and delivers a depth of flavor that will impress even the most seasoned foodie. The smoky char from the grill perfectly complements the eggplant's tender flesh, creating a truly unforgettable dish. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal, a summer barbecue, or even a sophisticated appetizer. Let's dive in!
Ingredients:
- 2 medium Japanese eggplants (also known as globe eggplants), washed and sliced lengthwise into ½-inch thick slices
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon mirin (sweet rice wine)
- 1 tablespoon sake (optional, adds depth of flavor)
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
- Green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Eggplant
Pat the eggplant slices dry with paper towels. This helps them to char nicely on the grill and prevents them from becoming soggy.
Step 2: Make the Marinade
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, mirin, sake (if using), ginger, and garlic. The marinade is the key to unlocking the eggplant's full potential!
Step 3: Marinate the Eggplant
Place the eggplant slices in a large bowl and pour the marinade over them, ensuring each slice is evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes for maximum flavor.
Step 4: Grill the Eggplant
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Grill the eggplant slices for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are tender and have beautiful grill marks. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Once grilled, transfer the eggplant to a serving platter. Drizzle with sesame oil and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and green onions, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy! This delicious dish is wonderful on its own, or as a side to grilled meats or fish.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Grilled Eggplant:
- Choose the right eggplant: Japanese eggplants are ideal for grilling because of their smaller size and tender flesh.
- Don't overcrowd the grill: Give the eggplant slices enough space to cook evenly. Work in batches if necessary.
- Adjust grilling time: Depending on your grill and the thickness of your eggplant slices, the cooking time may vary. Check for doneness by piercing the eggplant with a fork; it should be tender.
- Get creative with marinades: Experiment with different flavors! Try adding chili garlic sauce for a spicy kick or using a teriyaki marinade for a sweeter taste.
Variations:
- Add some spice: Include a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a little heat.
- Vegetarian/Vegan Delight: This recipe is naturally vegetarian and easily adaptable to be vegan by ensuring your soy sauce is vegan-friendly.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve the grilled eggplant over rice or quinoa with a side of miso soup for a satisfying and healthy meal.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 100-120
- Protein: 2-3g
- Fat: 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: 15-18g
- Fiber: 3-4g
This easy Japanese eggplant grilled recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients can create a truly remarkable dish. The combination of smoky char, savory soy sauce, and subtle sweetness of mirin makes it a fantastic addition to your repertoire of healthy meals and quick dinner ideas. Enjoy!