Super Simple Steamed Eggplant Salad Recipe
Super Simple Steamed Eggplant Salad Recipe
Delicious Steamed Eggplant Side Dish with Seasonal Eggplants
Eggplants are a great deal when they’re on sale! This is a nutritious side dish that’s budget-friendly and wonderfully versatile. It’s fantastic mixed with rice on days when you don’t have much appetite. Today, I’ll guide you through making a simple yet delicious steamed eggplant salad, also known as ‘Gaji Namul’ or ‘Gaji Muchim’. Its soft texture and savory flavor, loved by everyone, will surely make your mealtime more enjoyable!
Main Ingredients- 3 Eggplants
- 1 stalk Green Onion
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the eggplants thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or impurities. Trim off the stems. Then, cut each eggplant into three equal parts lengthwise, and cut each of those parts in half again lengthwise. This step prepares them into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2
Arrange the prepared eggplant pieces neatly in a steamer basket. Fill the steamer with enough water and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, cover the steamer and cook for about 5 minutes. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become mushy. Steaming for about 5 minutes will achieve a wonderfully soft texture.
Step 3
Once steamed, let the eggplant cool down in the steamer for a moment until the initial steam dissipates. Be cautious as they will be hot. While still warm, gently press the eggplant pieces with your hands to squeeze out excess water. Avoid squeezing too hard, as this can remove the delicious moisture from the eggplant. Just press enough to remove excess liquid.
Step 4
Now, let’s make the delicious seasoning! In a large bowl, add 3 tablespoons of soy sauce. Next, add 2 tablespoons of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) for a touch of spiciness.
Step 5
Add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil for a nutty aroma and 1 tablespoon of oligosaccharide (or corn syrup) for sweetness. Finally, add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic for that savory depth. Stir everything well until the seasoning ingredients are evenly combined. Your flavorful seasoning is now ready!
Step 6
Prepare the green onion to further enhance the flavor of the dish. Finely chop 1 stalk of green onion. The chopped green onion will add a crisp texture and refreshing aroma when mixed with the seasoning.
Step 7
Place the pre-steamed eggplant into the bowl. Add all the prepared seasoning and the chopped green onion. Now, gently mix everything together with your hands. Be careful not to mash the eggplant; toss gently until the seasoning is evenly distributed.
Step 8
Ta-da! Your delicious steamed eggplant salad is complete – incredibly simple and quick to make! Isn’t it amazing how you can make such a tasty side dish with just a few common ingredients? It’s great as a simple side dish with rice, and it’s especially wonderful when used as a topping for bibimbap. Give it a try!
