Best Sesame Eggplant Recipes

ROASTED EGGPLANT SALAD WITH SOY, SESAME AND CHARRED PEPPERS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Pour the olive oil into a baking sheet and top with a single layer of eggplant slices. Turn to coat both sides with the oil and sprinkle liberally with salt. Place in the center of the oven and roast until completely tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Remove and arrange in a single layer on a serving platter.
• Place the peppers directly on the burners of a gas range or grill and char on all sides, rotating with a pair of tongs. Remove from the heat and place them in the refrigerator to cool, 10 minutes. Use a paper towel to wipe off the charred skin. Remove the seeds and slice the pepper flesh into thin strips. Arrange over the top of the eggplant.
• Whisk together the soy, ginger, sesame oil, vinegar and garlic in a medium bowl. Taste for seasoning. Sprinkle the vinaigrette over the eggplant and peppers and top with the sesame seeds.

SPICY EGGPLANT SALAD WITH SESAME OIL

Steps:

• Cook the eggplants in a covered steamer over rapidly boiling water until tender, about 10 minutes. Let cool, then peel. Put the flesh in a fine meshed strainer to drain excess liquid.
• Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, vinegar, lime juice, salt and sugar. Add garlic, ginger, sesame oil, vegetable oil and hot pepper oil, if using.
• Put drained eggplants in a bowl. Using 2 forks, shred the eggplants a bit, then pour dressing over and toss, coating well. Leave to rest for 10 minutes, then taste and adjust seasoning.
• Just before serving, stir in chopped cilantro. Pile eggplants on a platter and sprinkle with scallions. Garnish with serrano chile, if using, and cilantro sprigs.

GRILLED SESAME CHICKEN AND EGGPLANT SALAD

Steps:

• Remove the tenderloins from the underside of the chicken breasts and reserve for another purpose. Trim breasts if necessary and flatten them slightly with a meat mallet. Season on both sides with salt and pepper and place in a shallow dish. Using a clean knife and cutting board, peel eggplant and cut into 1/2-inch slices, then season with salt and pepper. Place eggplant slices in a separate shallow dish.
• Prepare the marinade: stir together ginger, garlic, soy sauce, peanut oil, sesame oil, rice wine and chile paste in a small bowl. Pour half the marinade over chicken and remaining marinade over eggplant, turning over to coat well. Leave at room temperature for 30 minutes. (You may do this step up to 2 hours ahead and refrigerate. Return to room temperature before cooking.)
• Make the vinaigrette: whisk together rice vinegar, ginger, brown sugar, mustard, sesame oil, peanut oil, salt and lime juice. Set aside.
• Heat a stovetop grill pan over medium-high heat, or use a charcoal or gas grill. Grill eggplant slices until nicely browned and softened, about 3 minutes per side. Remove and hold at room temperature. Lay chicken breasts on the grill skin side down and let cook until nicely browned, about 5 minutes. Turn and cook on the other side until firm to the touch, about 2 minutes more. Remove breasts to a platter and let rest 5 minutes.
• Line a large platter with lettuce leaves. Cut chicken into 1/4-inch slices and arrange over lettuce. Arrange grilled eggplant around the platter. Lightly salt cucumbers and dress with 1 tablespoon vinaigrette, then scatter over salad. Spoon the rest of the vinaigrette evenly over salad. Top with scallions and cilantro, and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Garnish with optional jalapeño slices and lime wedges and serve.

SPICY SESAME EGGPLANT

Steps:

• Heat broiler. Slice eggplant into 3/4-inch-thick rounds; cut each round into 3/4-inch-wide strips. Transfer to a broiler-proof rimmed baking sheet; toss with coarse salt and ground pepper.
• In a small bowl, combine sauce ingredients; drizzle over eggplant, and toss to coat. Spread in an even layer.
• Broil, tossing once, until eggplant is browned and tender, about 15 minutes.

SESAME ROASTED EGGPLANT (THAI)

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
• In a large ovenpoof skillet over medium-high heat, add all of the marinade ingredients. Bring to a boil and cook until reduced by half. Add the eggplant and mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes.
• Put the pan into the oven and cook until the eggplant and mushrooms are soft and caramelized, about 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with sesame seeds.

SESAME EGGPLANT

Steps:

• Cut a Japanese eggplant (which is longer and more slender than the usual hulking kind) into small cubes and steam until tender. Dress with sesame oil, toasted sesame seeds, the juice of half a lemon and salt to taste.

LIME AND SESAME GRILLED EGGPLANT

Steps:

• In a small bowl, whisk the first 7 ingredients until blended; brush 2 tablespoons juice mixture over both sides of eggplant slices. Grill, covered, over medium heat until tender, 4-6 minutes on each side., Transfer eggplant to a serving plate. Stir honey and pepper flakes into remaining juice mixture; drizzle over eggplant. Sprinkle with green onion and sesame seeds.

COLD EGGPLANT SALAD WITH SESAME DRESSING

Steps:

• Trim eggplant, and cut into cubes of 1/2 to 1 inch. If using large eggplant, sprinkle with salt, put in a colander, and let sit at least 30 minutes, preferably an hour. Rinse.
• Boil large pot of water. Blanch eggplant in boiling water 2 minutes, no more. It will become just tender. Drain in colander as you would pasta.
• Toast sesame seeds in small dry skillet over medium heat, shaking frequently until they color slightly. Dry eggplant with paper towels. Combine remaining ingredients, and toss with eggplant and sesame seeds in bowl. Serve at room temperature, or refrigerate until ready to serve. Covered well, the salad will remain flavorful for a day.

SESAME EGGPLANT (AUBERGINE) SALAD

Steps:

• Place wok or skillet over high heat, when hot, add 2tbs oil and swirl to coat the pan.
• When hot but not smoking, about 1 minute, add eggplant, stir fry about 1 minute.
• Add water, or more as needed, and continue to stir-fry moving pan off and on the heat as necessary to prevent scorching, until water evaporates and eggplant is tender when pierced, about 5 minutes.
• Transfer to a bowl and let cool to room temperature.
• Mix all dressing ingredients in a bowl, whisk to blend. Pour over cooled eggplant and toss to coat well.
• To serve, mound on a serving plate and garnish with onions.

ROASTED EGGPLANT AND PEPPER SALAD WITH PITA BREAD AND SESAME SPREAD

Steps:

• To make the salad:
• Position rack in top third of oven and preheat to 450°F. Spray large heavy baking sheet with nonstick vegetable oil spray. Combine eggplant, peppers, garlic and oil in large bowl. Toss well. Transfer to prepared sheet. Bake until eggplant is brown and vegetables are tender, stirring every 10 minutes, about 50 minutes. Remove garlic and reserve. Scrape vegetables and all pan juices into bowl.
• Combine vinegar, cumin, salt, pepper and cayenne in processor. Peel roasted garlic; add to processor. Puree until smooth. Toss vegetable mixture with 1/4 cup garlic dressing. Cool, tossing occasionally. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill vegetables and remaining dressing separately. Bring to room temperature.)
• Mound salad in center of large platter. Surround with pita wedges. Serve, passing remaining dressing and Sesame Spread separately.
• To make the sesame spread:
• Beat margarine, sesame seeds and salt to blend in small bowl. (Can be prepared 2 days ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature before serving.)

COLD STEAMED EGGPLANT WITH SESAME SOY DRESSING

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.

EGGPLANT WITH SESAME SEED SAUCE

Steps:

• Heat 1 tablespoon oil in heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add onions; sauté until golden, about 12 minutes. Add chili powder and next 4 ingredients. Cook until spices are fragrant, about 2 minutes. Mix in garlic, cloves, cardamom and bay leaves. Set aside. Cook sesame seeds in medium skillet over medium heat until golden, stirring frequently, 5 minutes. Transfer to processor; grind to coarse powder. Add 3 tablespoons oil, onion mixture, 1 tablespoon water and ginger; blend until mixture forms paste. Season with salt. Spread 1/3 cup paste over scored side of eggplants (reserve remaining paste in processor). Steam eggplants, paste side up, until tender, about 12 minutes.
• Meanwhile, add broth to remaining sesame paste in processor; blend well. Transfer to small saucepan and cook over medium-high heat until reduced to sauce consistency, about 8 minutes. Transfer eggplants to plate. Spoon sauce over. Garnish with cilantro.

SESAME-EGGPLANT SALSA

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425°F. Pierce eggplants all over with fork. Place on baking sheet. Roast in oven until eggplants are very soft and deflated, turning once, about 1 hour. Cool slightly.
• Cut eggplants in half; scrape flesh into strainer set over large bowl (do not allow bottom of strainer to touch bowl). Let eggplant drain 30 minutes. Transfer eggplant to processor. Using on/off turns, process until almost smooth.
• Heat vegetable oil in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3/4 cup green onions, ginger, garlic and chili-garlic sauce; sauté just until onions soften, about 45 seconds. Stir in brown sugar, soy sauce, vinegar and lemon juice. Bring to simmer, stirring constantly. Mix in eggplant puree and cook until heated through, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in tomatoes, 3/4 cup cilantro and sesame oil. Cool to room temperature. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to medium bowl. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature before serving.)
• Garnish eggplant salsa with 1 tablespoon each green onions and cilantro. Serve with Parmesan Pita Crisps.

BAKED SESAME EGGPLANT SUBS WITH FIRE-ROASTED TOMATO AND RED PEPPER SAUCE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400°F. In a shallow bowl, combine the bread crumbs, Parmigiano, sesame seeds, and 2 tablespoons of the EVOO.
• Dust the eggplant slices in the flour, then dip in the eggs and press into the breadcrumb mixture. Arrange the eggplant on a large nonstick cookie sheet and bake in the center of the oven until deep golden all over, 15 to 17 minutes.
• While the eggplant cooks, in a medium sauce pot over medium heat, sauté the garlic in the remaining 2 tablespoons of EVOO. Puree the roasted peppers in a food processor. Add the peppers and tomatoes to the garlic, season with salt and pepper, and heat through.
• Turn the oven from bake to broil. Fill the sub rolls with sauce, breaded sesame eggplant, and smoked mozzarella, then place the subs under the broiler. Brown the cheese until it bubbles, then serve up the subs nice and hot.

VEGAN SESAME MISO EGGPLANT

Steps:

• Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium heat; cook and stir eggplant and orange bell pepper until softened, 8 to 10 minutes.
• Whisk miso, soy sauce, ginger, vinegar, water, and garlic together in a bowl until sauce is evenly combined; add to eggplant mixture. Cook and stir eggplant mixture until sauce is thickened and glossy, 3 to 4 minutes. Top mixture with sesame seeds.

TWICE-COOKED EGGPLANT WITH CILANTRO-SESAME PESTO

Steps:

• 1. To roast the eggplant: Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
• 2. Toss the eggplant with the oil in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Spread on an 18-by-13-inch half-sheet pan. Roast, stirring occasionally, until tender and lightly browned, about 15 minutes. Let cool completely. (The eggplant can be covered and stored at room temperature for up to 4 hours.)
• 3. To make the pesto: With the machine running, drop the garlic through the feed tube of a processor to mince it. Add the cilantro, lemon juice, sesame oil, and sesame seeds and process until pureed. With the machine running, pour the olive oil through the feed tube to make a smooth sauce. Season to taste with salt and pepper. (The pesto can be covered tightly and stored at room temperature for up
• to 4 hours.)
• 4. To make the mayonnaise: Whisk all of the ingredients together in a small bowl. Set aside for up to 1 hour.
• 5. To finish the eggplant: Heat a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add the oil and swirl the wok to coat the sides. Add the eggplant and spread it out in a single layer. Let cook until the underside is seared, about 1 minute. Stir-fry until hot, about 1 minute more. Remove the wok from the heat. Add 3 tablespoons of the pesto, the pine nuts, the cilantro leaves, and the sesame seeds. Transfer to a serving bowl, drizzle with the mayonnaise, and serve hot, with the remaining pesto passed on the side. (Leftover pesto is delicious stirred into plain steamed rice or used to flavor vinaigrette.)

WARM EGGPLANT SALAD WITH SESAME AND SHALLOTS

Steps:

• Cut off stems of eggplant and cut in half lengthwise. Soak in cold water 5 minutes, drain and pat dry. Arrange on a microwave-safe plate, cover with plastic wrap and cook until softened and tender (3-6 minutes). Let stand a few minutes to finish cooking. Or steam eggplant 5-7 minutes or until limp and tender.
• In a bowl combine sugar, soy sauce, sake (or sherry), vinegar, sesame seeds and sesame paste (or peanut butter).
• Cut (skinned if desired) eggplant into strips about 1/2 inch wide and 3 inches long. A handful at a time, wrap strips in paper towels and squeeze to get rid of extra water. Mound on serving plate.
• Drizzle sauce over eggplant, and scatter myoga (or shallots) and shiso (or herbs) on top. Serve warm or at room temperature.
• For Vegan if using Sake make sure the Sake is Vegan friendly.

TAHINI GRILLED SALMON WITH SAUTEED SPINACH, BEETS WITH SESAME SEEDS, EGGPLANT PUREE AND TAHINI SAUCE

Steps:

• For the tahini grilled salmon: Preheat the grill to medium and lightly oil the grates. Mix the soy sauce and tahini in a bowl. Brush the salmon on both sides with the tahini soy sauce and place on the grill. Cook the salmon for about 3 minutes on each side and remove from the grill.
• For the crispy salmon skin: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Sprinkle the salmon skin with salt and pepper and place on the grill skin-side down. Once the skin begins to bubble, flip and grill until the salmon skin is completely crisp. Remove the salmon skin from the grill, place on a paper towel, cut in half and set aside.
• For the sauteed spinach: Heat the oil in a saute pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the garlic and shallots and saute until tender. Add the spinach and toss to incorporate until the spinach has wilted. Season with salt and pepper and remove from the heat.
• For the beets with sesame seeds: Place the red wine vinegar, salt, sugar and beets in a pot filled with cold water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove the beets from the liquid and cool slightly. Wearing gloves, remove the skins of the beets and cut into bite-size pieces. Before serving, place the beets on a plate and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
• For the eggplant puree: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
• Place the eggplant skin-side up on the prepared tray and roast until the eggplant has caramelized and cooked, about 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and scoop the flesh into a food processor. Add the tahini and olive oil and puree until smooth.
• For the tahini sauce: Place the sour cream, milk, tahini, honey, sesame oil, lemon juice and salt to taste in a bowl and stir to incorporate. Cover and place in the fridge until serving.
• To assemble: Spoon the eggplant puree in the center of a plate. Place the sauteed spinach on top of the puree. Place the tahini grilled salmon over the sauteed spinach. Drizzle the tahini sauce around the center of the dish. Scatter the beets with sesame seeds around the plate. Garnish with the crispy salmon skin.

SESAME EGGPLANT (AUBERGINE)

Steps:

• Combine cracker crumbs, cheese, sesame seeds, and pepper.
• Spread eggplant slices with mayo on both sides.
• Coat with crumb mixture, and press crumbs into eggplant lightly to make sure they stick.
• Cut slices into quarters, to make 4 triangles.
• Place triangles on greased baking sheets.
• Bake at 400 F until bottoms are golden, about 10-12 minutes.
• Turn and then bake 5-7 minutes longer.

FRIED EGGPLANT WITH HONEY, MINT, AND SESAME SEEDS

Steps:

• Place eggplant in large bowl. Add 4 cups water and 2 teaspoons salt. Let soak 30 minutes. Drain well; pat eggplant dry with paper towels.
• Mix flour, baking powder, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt in medium bowl. Whisk in milk and eggs.
• Heat enough oil to come 1/2 inch up sides of pan in heavy large skillet over medium heat. Working in batches, dip eggplant rounds in batter, then fry in oil until golden, about 30 seconds per side. Transfer to paper towels to drain.
• Warm honey in small saucepan over medium heat. Place eggplant rounds on platter. Drizzle with honey. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and mint; serve warm or at room temperature.