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10-Min-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.

Servings
Feeds
2
Prep Time
5
mins
Cook Time
5
mins

Hey, I'm Verna!

I'm a content creator and influencer with a passion for Asian-inspired recipes, travelling, and restaurant reviews. Over the years, I've managed to accumulate hundreds of thousands of followers on Instagram and TikTok, and I'd like to think I've become a trusted source for culinary inspiration and travel recommendations for many.
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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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Assemble the dish:
    • Once the aubergine is cooked, transfer it to a serving plate. Drizzle the sauce generously over the top.
  4. 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.
  5. 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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