Steamed Eggplant Salad Recipes

Steps:

• Quarter 2 pounds Japanese eggplants lengthwise and cut into 2-inch pieces; season with salt. In two batches, cook the eggplants in a steamer over medium-high heat, tossing halfway, until softened, 6 minutes. Let cool on paper towels. Whisk 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 2 teaspoons each sesame oil and minced garlic, 1 teaspoon fish sauce, 1 teaspoon gochugaru and 1 teaspoon rice vinegar in a large bowl. Toss the eggplants in the sauce; top with chopped scallions and toasted sesame seeds.

Steps:

• Place the rice in a bowl, cover with water and swirl the rice around. Drain and repeat this step two or three more times until the water runs clear. Drain, place the rice in a medium-sized, heavy saucepan, and add enough water to cover the rice by a little more than 1/2 inch. (Measure by placing the tip of your index finger on the surface of the rice; the water should come to just below the first joint.) Add salt if desired, and bring to a boil. Allow the water to boil hard for about 15 seconds, then reduce the heat, cover and cook over very low heat for 15 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time.
• Turn off the heat, and leave the lid on the rice. Let stand for five to ten minutes. Remove the lid, and gently turn the rice with a paddle to bring the rice up from the bottom of the pot. Return the lid, and let stand while you prepare the eggplant.
• Heat a panini grill to high, or prepare a hot grill. Brush the eggplant slices with canola oil. Grill for three to four minutes in the panini grill (five to eight minutes per side on a regular grill) until the slices are slightly browned and tender all the way through. As each batch is done, remove to a bowl. When all of the eggplant has been grilled, cover the bowl tightly and allow the eggplant to steam and eventually to cool.
• Coarsely chop the eggplant, and toss together with the herbs and diced tomato. Mix together the lime juice, fish sauce, sugar and chile. Toss with the eggplant mixture. Allow to sit for 30 minutes to an hour, then taste and adjust seasoning.
• Place the rice on a platter or on individual plates, top with the eggplant mixture and serve.

Steps:

• Cut eggplant lengthwise into 1.5 cm (3/4 in) slices, then cut each slice into 1.5 cm (3/4 in) strips.
• Place eggplant in a colander and rinse well under cold running water. Drain and pat dry with kitchen paper.
• Arrange eggplant in one layer on a heatproof plate that will fit inside a steamer basket.
• Place plate inside steamer and position over a deep saucepan or wok of boiling water and steam, covered, for 6 minutes or until eggplant is just tender when pierced with a knife.
• Carefully remove plate from steamer and allow eggplant to cool slightly.
• To serve, arrange eggplant on a platter and spoon over reserved dressing.
• Sprinkle with spring onions, roasted sesame and pepper.
• Sprinkle eggplant with salt on both sides and lay on a tray in one layer. Set aside for 10 minutes.
• Dressing.
• Meanwhile, To make the dressing, place all ingredients in a small heavy-based saucepan and bring to the boil.
• Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 2 minutes or until slightly reduced, then set aside.

Steps:

• Whisk together the soy sauce, vinegar, lime juice, sugar, sesame or walnut oil, and canola oil. Add the optional ginger and/or garlic. Set aside.
• If you can find Japanese eggplant, cut them in half lengthwise. If using large globe eggplants, cut them lengthwise into quarters. Place in a steamer and steam 10 to 15 minutes, until thoroughly tender. Remove from the heat and cut in 3/4-inch wide slices. Season with salt. Toss gently with the dressing (it's okay if the eggplant falls apart a little) and half the chives while warm, and chill for 1 hour. Toss again and serve on a bed of baby arugula. Sprinkle the remaining chives over the top.