Soft Steamed Eggplant Salad (Gaji Namul)
Soft Steamed Eggplant Salad (Gaji Namul)
Simple Steamed Eggplant Salad: A Delicious Side Dish Made with a Steamer
Introducing a super simple side dish recipe using eggplant, a healthy purple vegetable. Lightly steamed and seasoned, this dish offers a soft texture and savory flavor that’s perfect with rice. It’s incredibly quick and easy to make, ensuring anyone can whip it up in no time.
Main Ingredients- 2 eggplants
Seasoning- 1.5 Tbsp Korean soup soy sauce (guk-ganjang)
- 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic
- 3 pinches of salt
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1.5 Tbsp Korean soup soy sauce (guk-ganjang)
- 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic
- 3 pinches of salt
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the eggplants thoroughly under running water. Then, trim off both ends of each eggplant and cut them into four lengthwise pieces. This preparation makes steaming easier and helps the seasoning penetrate better.
Step 2
Fill a steamer with water and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, place the cut eggplant pieces in the steamer, cover, and steam for about 4-5 minutes. It’s important not to overcook the eggplant, as it can become too mushy.
Step 3
After steaming, let the eggplant cool down slightly before handling it. Avoid touching it immediately while it’s very hot to prevent burns and to maintain the eggplant’s shape. This brief cooling period is necessary.
Step 4
Once slightly cooled, gently tear the steamed eggplant lengthwise into bite-sized strips. Tearing it along the natural fibers enhances its soft, tender texture and allows the seasoning to distribute evenly.
Step 5
Lightly squeeze the torn eggplant strips with your hands to remove excess moisture. Be careful not to squeeze too hard, as this can cause the eggplant to lose flavor. Gently press to remove only the water.
Step 6
Place the squeezed eggplant in a bowl. Add all the prepared seasoning ingredients (Korean soup soy sauce, minced garlic, salt, sesame oil, and toasted sesame seeds). Gently mix and toss everything together with your hands until well combined. Your delicious steamed eggplant salad is now ready to be enjoyed! It’s great served immediately or chilled.
