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Soy-glazed eggplant stew with sesame served
Nutritious and tasty eggplant stew with sesame

Soy-Glazed Braised Eggplant with Sesame

Author: Flavelo
Recipes Vegetarian & Vegan Dishes Main Courses Quick Meals
In this dish, we exploit eggplant's special ability: its sponge-like structure soaks up rich flavors of tomato and soy sauce. This braising technique—steaming under a lid with little liquid—yields juicy, butter-soft results mimicking the fullness of meat stews. Toasted sesame seeds at the end aren't just garnish but add crunchy texture and fragrant oils.
🕒 Prep Time 15 mins
🍳 Cook Time 20 mins
⌛ Total Time 35 mins
🍽️ Servings 2 servings
🔥 Calories 260 kcal
🌍 Cuisine Asian

Ingredients

Equipment Needed

  • Deep skillet with lid
  • Kitchen paper towels

Allergen Information

⚠️ Sesame
⚠️ Soy

Instructions

1 ✓

Dice eggplant into 1-inch pieces. Lightly salt, let sit for 10 minutes, then pat thoroughly dry with paper towels.

Tip: Salting draws water from cells, causing walls to collapse slightly. Because of this, eggplant won't act like an oil sponge when frying. (Osmosis and collapse).
2 ✓

Heat oil in skillet and sauté chopped onion until translucent.

Tip: Onion sugars start caramelizing here, providing the base flavor.
3 ✓

Add eggplant and fry over higher heat until cube edges start browning.

Tip: Let eggplant get color; this browning gives 'meaty' deep flavor. (Maillard reaction).
4 ✓

Stir in crushed garlic, tomato paste, soy sauce, and spices. Fry for 1 minute while stirring.

Tip: The combo of tomato and soy sauce creates rich taste sensation, making the dish feel filling without meat. (Umami synergy).
5 ✓

Pour in approx 1/4 cup water, cover, and steam on low heat for 10-15 minutes until eggplant is completely soft.

Tip: In steam, eggplant interior becomes creamy while sauce thickens.
6 ✓

Before serving, stir in chopped herbs and sprinkle generously with toasted sesame seeds.

Tip: Sesame crunch adds exciting contrast to soft stew.

Recipe FAQ

Why is eggplant bitter?
Modern varieties are rarely bitter, but salting helps remove any residual bitter juices and compacts the flesh.
What if it's too salty?
Boil a halved raw potato in it for a few minutes to absorb excess salt, or add a little sugar to balance.

Ingredients

  • 2 medium Eggplants
  • 1 medium Red Onion
  • 2 cloves Garlic
  • 3 tbsp Tomato Paste
  • 3 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 2 tbsp Soy Sauce
  • 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
  • 2 tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds
  • 1 bunch Fresh Parsley (or Cilantro)
  • 1/2 tsp Ground Black Pepper