10-Minute Steamed Aubergine with Spicy Sesame Peanut Sauce
When life gets busy but your still want to eat a flavourful and quick meal, this steamed aubergine recipe is sure to save the day. It’s everything you could want – quick, easy, healthy, and absolutely delicious. The rich, nutty sesame peanut sauce with a hint of spice perfectly complements the tender aubergine, making it a dish that feels indulgent yet light.
Oh, and did I mention it takes just 10 minutes to make? Yes, including the cooking time. With the help of a microwave (or steamer if you prefer), you’ll have a stunning dish ready in no time. Whether you're whipping this up for lunch, a side dish, or even a healthy snack, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen – trust me on this one.
Hey, I'm Verna!
About this recipe..
This recipe is a love letter to simplicity. With minimal prep and a handful of pantry staples, you can transform humble aubergine into a flavour-packed dish that feels like it took way more effort than it actually did.
The star here is the sauce: a creamy, nutty, slightly spicy sesame peanut dressing that you’ll want to drizzle on everything. It’s made with a blend of peanut butter, sesame oil, soy sauce, and rice vinegar for that perfect balance of savoury and tangy.
Whether you're serving it as a light meal, a side dish, or part of a bigger spread, this steamed aubergine with sesame peanut sauce hits every note – easy, fast, and undeniably tasty. Give it a go, and let your microwave do the work!
Ingredients
- 1 large aubergine (eggplant)
- 1 tbsp smooth peanut butter
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce (or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp minced ginger
- 1 tbsp mild red chilli, chopped
- Handful of spring onions, chopped
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Optional:
- Chilli oil if you like it more spicy
Pair it with
Instructions
- Prepare the aubergine:
- Slice the aubergine into long strips or rounds, depending on your preference.
- Place the slices in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a lid or cling film, and microwave on high for 6-8 minutes, or until tender.
- Make the sauce:
- In a bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, sesame oil, soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Adjust the consistency with a splash of water if needed – it should be thick but pourable.
- Assemble the dish:
- Once the aubergine is cooked, transfer it to a serving plate. Drizzle the sauce generously over the top.
- Add garnishes:
- Sprinkle with chopped spring onions, sesame seeds, and mild red chilli. For an extra layer of heat, add a drizzle of chilli oil.
- Serve & enjoy:
- Best served warm as a side dish or on its own with some steamed rice.
Tips
- No microwave? Steam the aubergine in a steamer basket for 10-12 minutes until soft.
- Adjust the sauce: Prefer it nuttier? Add more peanut butter. Want it spicier? Go wild with chilli oil.
- Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavours deepen over time!
Video demonstration
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This recipe is featured in my debut cookbook "Have You Eaten?", if you liked this recipe, then I'd encourage you to buy my cookbook for even more exclusive and delicious recipes!
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