Ginger Marinated Eggplant and Okra
Tender pan seared eggplant and okra are chilled in a refreshing ginger soy marinade. This easy Japanese side dish is light, savory, and perfect for warm days.
This Ginger Marinated Eggplant and Okra is a simple Japanese side dish that brings together tender vegetables and a bright, savory marinade. Pan searing the eggplant gives it a rich, silky texture, while the okra keeps a pleasant bite.
The marinade combines ginger, vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar for a refreshing balance of tanginess, sweetness, and umami. Letting the vegetables chill in the marinade allows them to soak up all that flavor, making this an ideal make ahead dish for summer meals.
Serve it straight from the refrigerator as a side dish or pair it with sake for a light appetizer.
What you'll need
- 2 Japanese eggplants
- 7 to 8 okra
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- <Marinade>
- 1 tbsp grated ginger, or about 5 cm ginger paste
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar
- White sesame seeds, to taste
How to make it
Cut each eggplant lengthwise into 6 long wedges and trim the stem ends from the okra. In a bowl or shallow container, combine the ginger, vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar until well mixed.
Heat the olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the eggplant and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and tender. Remove from the pan, then cook the okra in the same pan, turning until cooked through.
Add the cooked eggplant and okra to the prepared marinade and toss gently to coat. Refrigerate until thoroughly chilled, turning the vegetables occasionally so the marinade coats them evenly.
Once chilled and well seasoned, transfer to a serving plate. Sprinkle with white sesame seeds if desired and serve cold.
Tips
- Turn the eggplant as it cooks so every side develops a nice golden brown color. This gives it a richer flavor and tender texture.
- Toss the vegetables occasionally while they chill so the ginger soy marinade coats them evenly.
- This dish is especially refreshing when served thoroughly chilled. White sesame seeds add a pleasant nutty aroma just before serving.
What to drink with it
