16 Vietnamese Caramelized Eggplant Recipe Get Cooking And Enjoy!
Published on: Mar 19, 2024
Eggplant, also known as aubergine, is a versatile and delicious vegetable that can be found in cuisines all over the world. In Vietnam, eggplant is commonly used in dishes such as stir-fries, soups, and curries. One of the most popular and flavorful ways to prepare eggplant in Vietnamese cuisine is by caramelizing it. This sweet and savory dish is bursting with flavor and is sure to become a favorite in your household. In this article, we will guide you through the steps of creating a mouth-watering Vietnamese caramelized eggplant dish that is sure to impress your family and friends.
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Red Pepper, Zucchini, Onion, Balsamic
If you're looking for a vegetarian option, this Balsamic Roasted Vegetable Sandwich is the perfect choice. Roasted vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant are tossed in a flavorful balsamic vinegar marinade and then cooked on the grill alongside your beer can chicken. The end result is a delicious sandwich that is both satisfying and healthy.
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PLANTAIN LASAGNE WITH RAINBOW SLAW
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Spring Onions, Garlic, Ginger, Scotch Bonnet
For a unique twist on traditional lasagne, try this Plantain Lasagne with Rainbow Slaw. Instead of using pasta, this recipe utilizes plantains as the base for the layers. The rainbow slaw adds a crunchy and colorful element to the dish. And of course, your beer can chicken is the perfect meat to go along with this delicious and creative dish.
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Summer Vegetable Hash with Brown Rice + Poached Egg
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Zucchini, Yellow Squash, Green Beans
Make the most out of your summer vegetables with this Summer Vegetable Hash with Brown Rice + Poached Egg. This light and refreshing dish is packed with nutrients and flavor. The beer can chicken adds a protein element to the dish, making it a satisfying meal that is perfect for a hot summer day.
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Vegan BLTA
Main Ingredients: Maple Syrup, Olive Oil, Apple Cider Vinegar, Low Sodium
Who says vegans can't enjoy a BLT? This Vegan BLTA recipe is a delicious and healthy twist on the classic sandwich. Instead of bacon, this recipe uses tempeh as a protein source. The beer can chicken adds an extra layer of flavor to this satisfying and colorful sandwich. Serve it with a side of sweet potato fries for a complete meal.
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Roasted Vegetable Salad
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Butternut Squash, Medium Zucchini, Seeds
If you're looking for a light and fresh side dish to pair with your beer can chicken, this Roasted Vegetable Salad is the perfect choice. Seasonal vegetables such as asparagus, carrots, and red onion are tossed in a zesty dressing and then roasted to perfection. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a balanced and delicious meal.
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Low Carb Eggplant Bites
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Vegan Mayonnaise, Unsweetened Almond Milk
If you're following a low carb diet, these Eggplant Bites are the perfect appetizer to serve with your beer can chicken. These bite-sized pieces of eggplant are baked until crispy and then topped with a spicy and creamy dip. Your guests will love these low carb bites that are full of flavor and satisfying.
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Green Monster Veggie Burger
Main Ingredients: Frozen Peas, Kale, Florets, Broccoli, Celery Stalk
Looking for a meatless option to pair with your beer can chicken? This Green Monster Veggie Burger is the perfect choice. The patty is made from quinoa, spinach, and black beans, making it a protein-packed and flavorful option. Serve it with a side of sweet potato fries and a cold beer for the ultimate meal.
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Roasted Eggplant Sandwiches with Vegan Arugula Walnut...
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper, Arugula, Basil
Another great vegetarian option, these Roasted Eggplant Sandwiches with Vegan Arugula Walnut Pesto are a flavorful and nutritious addition to your beer can chicken. The eggplant is roasted until tender and then topped with a homemade pesto made from arugula and walnuts. The crunchy and savory pesto pairs perfectly with the juicy and flavorful chicken.
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Spinach and Eggplant Salad
Main Ingredients: Fresh Spinach Leaves, Cherry Tomatoes, Red Onion
This Spinach and Eggplant Salad is a light and refreshing side dish that is perfect for summer. The juicy and flavorful beer can chicken is the perfect addition to this colorful and nutritious salad. The spinach, eggplant, and chicken are tossed in a zesty dressing that adds a burst of flavor to every bite.
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Vegan Shuba (Eggplant under the sea)
Main Ingredients: Beetroot, Medium Carrots, Medium Potatoes, Purple
This Vegan Shuba recipe is a unique and delicious take on a traditional Russian dish. Instead of herring, this recipe uses eggplant as the base and is topped with colorful and flavorful vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, and beets. The beer can chicken adds an extra layer of flavor to this satisfying and unique dish.
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South Carolina Vegan Catfish and Coleslaw
Main Ingredients: Green Cabbage, Red Cabbage, Large Carrot, White Onion
If you're in the mood for some southern inspired dishes, this South Carolina Vegan Catfish and Coleslaw is a must-try. The catfish is made from tofu and seasoned with spices and hot sauce for a spicy and flavorful dish. Serve it with a side of coleslaw and your beer can chicken for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
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Scrumptious Roasted Vegetables
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Large Carrot, Red Onions, Red Bell Pepper
If you're in need of a simple and delicious side dish to go with your beer can chicken, these Scrumptious Roasted Vegetables are the perfect choice. Seasonal vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, and onions are roasted until tender and flavorful. The beer can chicken adds an extra layer of flavor to these simple yet delicious vegetables.
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Baked Eggplant
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Large Egg, Seasoned Breadcrumbs, Olive Oil
This Baked Eggplant recipe is a simple and delicious side dish that is perfect for pairing with your beer can chicken. The eggplant is sliced and baked until tender and golden brown. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
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Eggplant Parmesan
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Kosher Salt, Italian Seasoned Breadcrumbs
This Eggplant Parmesan recipe is a classic and delicious dish that is perfect for pairing with your beer can chicken. The eggplant is sliced and breaded before being baked and topped with marinara sauce and cheese. The beer can chicken adds an extra layer of flavor to this classic dish.
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Baked Ratatouille
Main Ingredients: Zucchini, Yellow Squash, Eggplants, Roma Tomatoes
This Baked Ratatouille recipe is a flavorful and colorful side dish that is perfect for pairing with your beer can chicken. Seasonal vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, and tomatoes are sliced and baked until tender and flavorful. The beer can chicken adds an extra layer of flavor to this delicious and healthy dish.
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Szechuan Eggplant
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Shallots, Minced Garlic, Chilli Sauce, Soya
If you're in the mood for some Asian flavors, this Szechuan Eggplant recipe is a must-try. The eggplant is sautéed with spices and chili paste for a spicy and flavorful dish. Serve it with your beer can chicken and some steamed rice for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
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Ratatouille
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Salt, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Medium
This Ratatouille recipe is another classic and delicious dish that pairs perfectly with your beer can chicken. Seasonal vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, and tomatoes are sautéed and simmered in a flavorful and tomato-based sauce. The beer can chicken adds an extra layer of flavor to this colorful and satisfying dish.
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Eggplant Fricassée
Main Ingredients: Eggplants, Tomatoes, Sweet Onions, Extra Virgin Olive
This Eggplant Fricassée recipe is a simple and delicious side dish that is perfect for pairing with your beer can chicken. The eggplant is cooked with garlic, tomatoes, and herbs for a flavorful and satisfying dish. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a complete and delicious meal.
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Grilled Eggplant
Main Ingredients: Eggplants, Salt, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Garlic
Last but not least, this Grilled Eggplant recipe is a simple and delicious side dish that is perfect for pairing with your beer can chicken. The eggplant is sliced and grilled until tender and charred, adding a smoky and flavorful element to the dish. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a satisfying and delicious meal.
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Tuscan Pork Sandwich
Main Ingredients: Pork Chops, Olive Oil, Dijon Style Mustard, Lemon
If you're in the mood for some Italian flavors, this Tuscan Pork Sandwich is the perfect choice. The pork is marinated in herbs and olive oil before being grilled to perfection. Serve it on a crusty ciabatta roll with some pesto, mozzarella cheese, and of course, your beer can chicken. This sandwich is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
The Secret Behind Vietnamese Caramelized Eggplant
The Art of Caramelization
Caramelization is a cooking technique that involves heating sugar until it turns into a golden-brown syrup. This process not only adds a rich and deep flavor to dishes but also gives them a beautiful color. In Vietnamese cuisine, caramelization is often used to enhance the flavor of meats and vegetables, including eggplant.
Caramelized eggplant is made by cooking eggplant in a mixture of caramel sauce and savory seasonings. As the eggplant cooks, it absorbs the caramel sauce and becomes tender and sweet, with a hint of smokiness. The result is a dish that is both sweet and savory, with a perfect balance of flavors.
Choosing the Right Eggplant
When making Vietnamese caramelized eggplant, it is important to choose the right type of eggplant. In Vietnam, the most common variety used is the Japanese eggplant, which has a long and slender shape with a dark purple skin. This type of eggplant has a delicate flavor and a tender texture, making it perfect for this dish. If you cannot find Japanese eggplant, you can also use Chinese eggplant or the classic American eggplant.
Key Ingredients for Vietnamese Caramelized Eggplant
Aside from eggplant, the key ingredients for this dish include fish sauce, garlic, shallots, chili peppers, and palm sugar. These ingredients can be found in most Asian grocery stores and are essential for creating the authentic flavors of Vietnamese cuisine. The fish sauce adds a salty and umami flavor, while the garlic and shallots provide a rich and savory taste. The chili peppers give a spicy kick and the palm sugar adds sweetness to balance out the dish.
Making the Dish
To make Vietnamese caramelized eggplant, start by peeling and slicing the eggplant into thin strips. Then, make the caramel sauce by heating palm sugar and water in a pan until it turns into a thick syrup. Next, add the garlic and shallots and cook until fragrant. Add the eggplant and chili peppers to the pan and stir until the eggplant is coated in the caramel sauce. Finally, add the fish sauce and simmer until the eggplant is tender and the sauce has thickened.
Serving Suggestions
Vietnamese caramelized eggplant is typically served as a side dish, but it can also be enjoyed as a main dish with steamed rice. You can also add other vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the dish for added flavor and texture. This dish is also great for meal prepping as it can be reheated and enjoyed throughout the week.
In conclusion, Vietnamese caramelized eggplant is a delicious and simple dish that is packed with flavor. With the right ingredients and cooking techniques, you can easily recreate this popular Vietnamese dish in your own kitchen. Impress your loved ones with this tasty and unique eggplant recipe that is sure to become a staple in your household.
