Skip to main content

Sesame-Eggplant Salsa

4.4

(27)

Image may contain Food Bread Bowl Pork Plant Dish Meal and Cracker
Sesame-Eggplant SalsaNoel Barnhurst

This was inspired by a similar dish served at the now defunct China Moon restaurant in San Francisco. Serve the salsa with a bowl of Parmesan Pita Crisps.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes about 4 cups

Ingredients

2 (1- to 1 1/4-pound) eggplants
1 tablespoon vegetable oil or peanut oil
3/4 cup (packed) plus 1 tablespoon minced green onions
2 1/2 tablespoons minced peeled fresh ginger
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon chili-garlic sauce*
3 tablespoons (packed) golden brown sugar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
2 large plum tomatoes, seeded, chopped
3/4 cup (packed) plus 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh cilantro
1 1/2 teaspoons oriental sesame oil
*Available at Asian markets and in the Asian foods section of many supermarkets.

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    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.

    Step 2

    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.

    Step 3

    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.)

    Step 4

    Garnish eggplant salsa with 1 tablespoon each green onions and cilantro. Serve with Parmesan Pita Crisps.

Read More
A fancy-feeling dish that comes together in 20 minutes.
Enchiladas meet pumpkin in this cozy weeknight dinner.
A sheet-pan wonder with lots of crispy rice.
Full of crunchy veg and a miso-maple dressing.
A fam-favorite, 30-minute dinner we have on repeat.
Yes, you can use the pre-cut squash.
This skillet dinner is a delightful way to use up a jug of cider.
The Thanksgiving staple makes for a stellar weeknight dinner.