Spicy sesame eggplant turns two humble eggplants into a glossy, aromatic side you'll put on everything. Strips of eggplant broil under a sauce of sesame oil, sesame seeds, garlic, lime, and fresh hot chilies until browned and soft. Serve it warm with grilled meats or chilled as a salad topper.
Spicy Sesame Eggplant
This versatile recipe tastes great with grilled meats, along with other roasted vegetables in a side dish, or chilled as a salad topper. It can also be used as a base for a burger dinner to replace the roll. The spicy chilies are what kick the spice up a notch and make this side even more intriguing. These flavorful eggplants also taste fantastic on the grill in the summer!
Serves 3–4
2 medium eggplants (about 2 pounds (907 g)), sliced and cut into 3⁄4"-wide strips
2 teaspoons (10 ml) sea salt
1⁄4 teaspoon ground pepper
2 tablespoons (30 ml) sesame seeds
2 tablespoons (30 ml) lime juice
1 tablespoon (15 ml) canola oil
1 tablespoon (15 ml) sesame oil
1 teaspoon (5 ml) fresh hot chilies
1 teaspoon (5 ml) finely minced garlic
- Preheat broiler. Place eggplant strips onto a baking sheet and toss with salt and pepper. Combine all remaining ingredients in a bowl, and mix well, forming a sauce.
- Top eggplant slices evenly with sauce mixture, coating all slices equally. Broil the eggplant for about 15 minutes, or until browned and soft, stirring once or twice during cooking. Remove from heat and serve warm. These can also be served chilled as a salad topping, or as a cold side on a hot summer day.
Pro Tips
- Salt the strips before broiling — it draws out the moisture that would otherwise make the eggplant steam instead of browning.
- Stir the eggplant once or twice during the 15-minute broil so the sauce coats every strip and the edges caramelize evenly.
- Toast the sesame seeds for the sauce if you have a minute; it deepens their nuttiness against the hot chilies.
- This recipe is a natural on the grill in summer — the smoky char plays beautifully with the sesame-lime sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I serve it cold?
Yes — it's excellent chilled as a cold side on a hot day, or as a salad topper straight from the fridge.
How spicy is it?
The fresh hot chilies are the main heat source. Use more or less depending on the chili — the sauce is otherwise nutty and tangy.
What can I use it for?
It's great with grilled meats and roasted vegetables, and it even works as a base for a burger dinner in place of the roll.
How long does it keep?
Up to 3 days in the fridge. It's just as good cold, which makes it a handy make-ahead side.
Recipe Card
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat broiler.
- Place eggplant strips onto a baking sheet and toss with salt and pepper.
- Combine all remaining ingredients in a bowl, and mix well, forming a sauce.
- Top eggplant slices evenly with sauce mixture, coating all slices equally. Broil the eggplant for about 15 minutes, or until browned and soft, stirring once or twice during cooking.
- Remove from heat and serve warm. These can also be served chilled as a salad topping, or as a cold side on a hot summer day.
