Eggplant is a versatile and nutritious vegetable found in various Asian cuisines. In this post, I will introduce you to 15 flavorful Asian eggplant recipes. From the delicate Chinese eggplant to the robust globe eggplant, there's a recipe for all eggplant lovers. Let's dive into the rich world of Asian eggplant recipes!
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Types of eggplants
Eggplants come in many varieties, each with unique shapes, sizes, colors, and flavors. Here are some of the main types of eggplants:
Globe eggplant/ American eggplant: This type of regular eggplant is large, oval, or teardrop-shaped with dark purple, glossy skin. American eggplant tastes mild and slightly bitter and becomes creamy when cooked.
Asian eggplant: Asian eggplant (Chinese or Japanese eggplant) is long, slender, and cylindrical with dark purple skin. It tastes tender and sweet with fewer seeds and less bitterness than globe eggplants. Its thinner skin offers quick cooking time. This type of eggplant is perfect for stir-frying, braises, and sauteing, which provides the best result! You can find these long eggplants easily in most Asian grocery stores.
White eggplant: White eggplants are oval or pear-shaped with smooth, white skin. They have slightly denser flesh and a milder, less bitter taste than purple varieties.
Indian eggplant (Baby eggplant): They are small, round, and dark purple. Indian eggplant tastes sweet and tender. You can see people often use it in Indian cuisine, including curries, stuffing, and roasting.
Chinese
This delicious Chinese eggplant recipe is inspired by Panda Express. It is a vegetarian-friendly recipe that combines tofu and eggplant in a flavorful stir fry sauce, which includes light soy sauce, corn starch, Zhejiang vinegar(you can also use red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar), etc.
Chinese eggplant and pork is a hearty and flavorful stir-fry dish that highlights the combination of tender ground pork and the unique texture of Chinese eggplant. It is a popular Asian eggplant recipe. The savory sauce ties all the ingredients together, making it a comforting and delicious meal.
This vegan Chinese eggplant dish is a flavorful and satisfying vegan dish that combines tender eggplant and is cooked in a savory ginger garlic sauce, making it a hearty meal. It uses vegan oyster sauce and all vegan-friendly ingredients in this recipe. It's a perfect choice for those looking to mix more plant-based proteins into their diet while enjoying the rich flavors of Chinese cuisine.
Egyptian and Lebanese
Eggplant dips are excellent accompaniments to a variety of dishes. They pair well with fresh vegetables, pita bread, crackers, and grilled meats, adding a flavorful and creamy element to meals. The best part is the cooking process which is quite easy.
This Lebanese moussaka features a delightful combination of ingredients such as eggplant, tomato, onions, garlic, and chickpeas. These ingredients meld together during cooking to create a complex and rich flavor.
Japanese
This is a Japanese-inspired dish where eggplant is baked with a sweet and savory miso glaze. It is easy to prepare and a perfect side dish.
This recipe is another Japanese eggplant dish that is cooked in a pan instead of baked. The miso glaze adds natural sweetness and umami, creating a satisfying taste.
Korean
Korean eggplant dishes are typically light, flavorful, and easy to prepare. They are a great way to enjoy the unique texture and mild flavor of eggplant, with the addition of Korean seasonings that enhance the overall taste.
Indian
Ringan na Patika nu Saak is a hearty and flavorful dish that highlights the eggplants in Indian cuisine. The combination of garam masala, cumin seeds, red chilli powder(or red pepper flakes), and spices creates a complex and satisfying flavor.
Bharli Vangi is a flavorful and comforting dish. Before being fried, you fill the baby eggplants with a mixture of roasted coconut, peanuts, sesame seeds, and spices. You then coat each eggplant with a rich and spicy sauce.
This is another stuffed eggplant dish you can enjoy with roti, paratha, or steamed rice. Bharva Baingan is a popular Indian dish where small eggplants are stuffed with a flavorful spice mixture and then cooked until tender.
This dish features eggplants and potatoes cooked in a mildly spiced curry. It has the simplicity and richness of Gujarati home cooking. It is perfect for family meals and brings tradition to the table.
Thai, Filipino, and Vietnamese
Thai basil eggplant is a popular Thai stir-fry dish featuring eggplant cooked with Thai basil and other aromatic ingredients. It's a versatile dish that can be customized with your choice of vegetables and spice level. You will surely enjoy its bold flavors and textures!
I love ensaladang talong, the Filipino eggplant salad. This recipe is packed with vegetables and easy to make. This combination of grilled eggplant, tomato, green chili ..etc, is incredibly delicious!
Vietnamese Grilled Eggplant with Scallion Oil is a rustic Southern dish. After being cooked until charred, whole eggplants are served with roasted peanuts, fish sauce dressing, and fragrant scallion oil. You can enjoy it as a side dish, part of a larger meal, or even as a main course when served with rice or noodles. You can also roast the eggplants at 400F in the oven for 40-60 minutes instead of grilling them.
Final thoughts
I hope you enjoyed this post. Next time, experiment with these delicious Asian eggplant recipes and discover your new favorite ways to cook this versatile vegetable!
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