Steaming aubergines helps keep them soft and tasty, without depriving them of their nutrients. Steamed eggplants are a healthy and delicious option for lunch, dinner, or a quick snack. By using a good steaming basket made of metal or bamboo and preparing the eggplant properly, you can bring them to the table in the blink of an eye. You can also add sauces and seasonings to maximize the flavor of this vegetable.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Slice the Eggplant and Prepare the Steamer Basket
Step 1. Cut each aubergine diagonally to make strips
Then, cut it lengthwise, so as to obtain strips with a thickness of about 1.5 cm. This will help to steam aubergines quickly and evenly.
Alternatively, if you prefer, you can cut them into cubes of about 1.5 cm
Step 2. Fill a wok or saucepan with water and put the pan on the stove
Use a wok or a flared pot, as this will ensure that the basket does not come into contact with the water. Pour the water into the pan until it is about 3 cm full.
Step 3. Place the steamer basket in the wok or pot
Place the basket in the pan, slightly above the water. Make sure it does not touch the surface of the water and that there is some space between the liquid and the basket.
If you are using a colander instead of a steamer basket, place it in the wok with the concave side facing up, so that it is slightly above the surface of the water
Part 2 of 4: Using the Steamer Basket
Step 1. Place the eggplant in the basket and close the pot
Spread the aubergines over the surface of the basket creating an even layer. If you are using a metal basket, close the top so that the eggplant can cook.
If using a bamboo or makeshift basket, put the lid on it making sure it fits snugly
Step 2. Turn the heat to high and steam the aubergines for 10-20 minutes
Let the basket do its job. Do not lift the lid and do not remove it until completely cooked. If you prefer the aubergines to be a little more crunchy, you can steam them for just 10 minutes. If you want them softer, cook them for 20-25 minutes.
Step 3. Remove the cooked eggplant from the basket
Once they have reached the desired degree of doneness, open the basket or remove the lid. Remove the eggplants from the basket with tongs or a fork. Be careful, as they will be hot. At that point you can serve and season to your liking with salt and pepper or a sauce.
Step 4. Remove the pulp from the eggplant if desired
If you prefer them without peel, you can remove the cooked pulp with the help of a spoon. Try to remove only the pulp and leave the seeds.
Part 3 of 4: Season the Eggplant
Step 1. Make a dressing using soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic
In a bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of white or rice vinegar, 1 clove of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of extra-fine sugar. Once the sauce has been prepared, pour it over the steamed aubergines.
Then the aubergines can be garnished with a finely chopped small red pepper and a handful of chopped coriander
Step 2. Add a sauce made with ginger, sesame oil and spring onion
In a bowl, mix 1 teaspoon of chopped ginger, 25 g of sliced spring onion, 60 ml of sesame oil, and 60 ml of canola oil. Add a splash of soy sauce and a pinch of kosher salt to taste. Then, pour the sauce over the steamed eggplant and serve them.
Step 3. Season the aubergines with a ready-made sauce or oil
If you'd rather buy a sauce for steamed eggplant dressing, look for Chinese garlic or ginger. You can also buy chilli oil and pour a little over the eggplant to flavor them.
Step 4. Serve the eggplant
You can serve them alone as a side dish or as a light snack. Place them on a bed of white rice and add some tofu to make a vegetarian main course. You can also serve them with beef, chicken or pork for another main course.
Part 4 of 4: Choosing a Basket
Step 1. Use a metal basket
The most popular steam cooking baskets are those in stainless steel, suitable for pots with a diameter of 22 cm. The basket must be opened to place the aubergines inside. Then, put a lid on it to steam the vegetables.
- Metal steamer baskets can be found at stores that sell household items or on the internet.
- Metal baskets are generally dishwasher safe, so they are easy to clean and use.
Step 2. Try a bamboo basket
The bamboo baskets consist of 2 pieces: a round bamboo bowl and a lid of the same material with an interlocking closure. These steamer baskets are great for those who want to cook a large amount of vegetables at a time.
- Look for a 25-30cm diameter bamboo steamer basket at a store that sells household items or on the internet.
- Bamboo baskets can also be used for other foods, such as meat or stuffed pasta.
Step 3. Make a makeshift steamer basket with a colander and heat resistant plate or lid
If you don't have a basket, make one with a metal colander and heat-resistant plate or pot lid. Make sure the lid or plate fits snugly in the colander.
