Soft Steamed Eggplant with Dried Anchovies
Steamed Eggplant with Dried Anchovies for a Tender, Flavorful Dish!
We’ve created an even softer steamed eggplant dish by incorporating dried anchovies. Steaming the eggplant brings out its wonderful tenderness, while the anchovies add a delightful chewiness and savory depth. This recipe offers a perfect balance of delicate eggplant and a flavorful anchovy seasoning, making it a fantastic side dish or a star appetizer. Enjoy this healthy and delicious steamed eggplant dish!
Main Ingredients
- 2 medium eggplants
- 1/2 cup dried anchovies (for stir-frying)
Anchovy Stir-fry Seasoning
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 Tbsp sugar
- 1/2 Tbsp corn syrup (or other liquid sweetener)
- 1/2 Tbsp sesame oil
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of black pepper
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 Tbsp sugar
- 1/2 Tbsp corn syrup (or other liquid sweetener)
- 1/2 Tbsp sesame oil
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of black pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the eggplants and dried anchovies for the dish. Wash the eggplants thoroughly and remove the stems.
Step 2
We’re making ‘Steamed Eggplant with Dried Anchovies,’ a dish that beautifully balances the soft texture of eggplant with the pleasant chewiness of dried anchovies, adding a rich umami flavor.
Step 3
Cut the eggplants into approximately 3cm (about 1.2 inch) pieces. Make shallow cross-shaped incisions on the cut surfaces of the eggplant pieces. This scoring helps the seasoning penetrate deeply and keeps the eggplant’s shape nicely when cooked.
Step 4
It’s okay not to season the eggplant separately. The natural tenderness of the eggplant will be enhanced as it absorbs the flavors from the anchovy seasoning later.
Step 5
In a bowl, combine all the seasoning ingredients for the anchovy stir-fry: 1 Tbsp soy sauce, 1/2 Tbsp sugar, 1/2 Tbsp corn syrup, 1/2 Tbsp sesame oil, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Mix well to create the seasoning sauce. Add the dried anchovies to this sauce and gently toss to coat them evenly.
Step 6
Evenly place the seasoned dried anchovies over the prepared eggplant pieces. You can also tuck some of the anchovies into the incisions for extra flavor.
Step 7
Steam the prepared eggplant and anchovy mixture using your oven’s steam function or a steamer for about 4 minutes and 30 seconds to 5 minutes. The key is to steam until the eggplant is tender and the anchovy seasoning has infused into it. (If using a regular steamer, place it over boiling water and steam on high heat for about 5 minutes.)
Step 8
Once the steamed eggplant is ready, sprinkle the finely chopped chives or green onions over the top as a garnish. This adds a vibrant color and fresh aroma, making the dish even more appealing.
Step 9
Your delicious and tender Steamed Eggplant with Dried Anchovies is now complete! Enjoy it immediately while warm to best appreciate the soft eggplant and savory anchovies. It’s a satisfying dish to enjoy with a bowl of rice.