Asian Marinated Eggplant Food

MARINATED EGGPLANT

Steps:

• Wash and pare the eggplant. Slice 1/2" thick, then cut the slices into 1/2" strips. Drop strips into a pan of boiling water. When the water returns to a boil, remove the pan from the heat and let stand for 15 minutes. Drain into a colandar and and place a small plate on top of the eggplant, adding a heavy weight, such as a gallon jug of water. Let it drain for at least an hour.
• Put the eggplant in a bowl and add garlic, red pepper, salt, oregano, vinegar and olive oil. Stir gently but, well.
• Pack into small Ball canning jars and process in a hot water bath for 5 minutes.

ASIAN MARINATED EGGPLANT

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients, except eggplants, in a blender. Process until smooth.
• Prick the eggplants several times with a fork and pull off the leaves. Cut in half lengthwise. On the open side of each half, make three deep diagonal slashes in each direction. Place eggplants skin side down in a 13-by-9-by-2-inch oval dish.
• Spoon 1 1/2 teaspoons of the marinade over each eggplant half. Rub the marinade into the flesh so that it runs into the cuts. Turn eggplants skin side up. Pour remaining marinade into dish. Let stand for 45 minutes.
• Turn eggplants skin side down. Cover tightly with microwave plastic wrap. Cook at 100 percent power in a high-power oven for 10 minutes. Prick plastic to release steam.
• Remove from oven and uncover. Spoon sauce over eggplants.

STIR-FRIED ASIAN EGGPLANT

Steps:

• Cut each eggplant in half lengthwise, then cut diagonally into 1/2-inch slices. Cover the eggplants with water, add the salt, and stir to dissolve the salt. Soak the eggplants for 5 minutes, then drain well.
• In a small bowl, mix the oyster sauce with the sugar and sesame oil and set aside.
• Heat a wok or nonstick skillet over high heat. Add the vegetable oil, garlic, chile peppers, and eggplants and stir-fry for 2 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons water and continue stir-frying for 2 more minutes. Add the oyster sauce mixture and stir well to mix. Remove to a platter and serve hot or cold.

GRILLED JAPANESE EGGPLANT

Steps:

• Place eggplant in a large shallow baking dish. Mix together the soy sauce, sherry, sesame oil, and garlic in a small bowl. Pour the marinade over the eggplant and let marinate at room temperature for 1 hour. Preheat grill. Season the eggplant with salt and pepper to taste and grill on each side for 3 minutes, basting occasionally with the remaining marinade. Serve topped with the toasted sesame seeds.

RED CURRY-MARINATED JAPANESE EGGPLANT

Steps:

• Purée chiles, garlic, lemongrass, oil, ginger, cumin, sugar, and 1 tsp. salt in a blender or food processor until smooth. Score cut sides of eggplant in a cross-hatch pattern with the tip of a sharp knife. Coat each eggplant liberally with curry paste; set aside any remaining paste. Let eggplants sit at least 10 minutes and up to 1 hour.
• Prepare a grill for medium-high heat. Lightly season eggplants with salt and grill, turning occasionally, until browned and tender, about 5 minutes per side. Serve with reserved curry paste.
• Marinade can be made 3 days ahead. Cover and chill.

COLD BARBECUED CHINESE EGGPLANT

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a wok or cast-iron skillet over medium heat until hot. Add eggplant and, stirring constantly, cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat. Using the back of a large slotted spoon, press the eggplant against the side of the pan to squeeze out excess oil. Set the eggplant aside.
• Return the skillet to medium heat. Add the ginger, garlic and bean paste. Stir and cook for one minute. Stir in the broth, soy sauce and sugar. Bring the liquid to a boil. Add the eggplant and cook for 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Stir in the vinegar and sesame oil. Put the eggplant in a large bowl. Set aside to cool. Garnish with minced scallion and serve.

GRILLED JAPANESE EGGPLANT WITH AN ASIAN VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Wash eggplants and pat dry with paper towels, set aside.
• In a small mixing bowl combine the Chinese 5-spice powder, onion powder, garlic salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
• Slice the eggplants in half lengthwise, brush with olive oil and rub the mixed spices on both sides.
• Grill over low heat for about 5 minutes on each side, or until tender.
• Arrange cabbage on serving plates and top with grilled eggplant; drizzle with the asian vinaigrette.
• Top with the fresh mint, feta, and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.
• Asian Vinaigrette:.
• In a blender or food processor, combine all the ingredients except the vegetable and sesame oils. With the blender/processor running, slowly pour in the vegetalbe oil followed by the sesame oil. Process for 10 to 15 seconds longer. Refrigerate until ready to serve. (If necessary, whisk before serving.).
• COOK'S TIP: Leftover vinaigrette makes for a tasty salad dressing or marinade for fish.