Ganjang Gaji Muchim (Soy-Seasoned Eggplant)
A summer side dish of microwave-steamed eggplant tossed in a sweet and savory soy sauce dressing.
Translated from Korean by AI and not yet checked by a native speaker. Amounts and numbers are taken directly from the original recipe. Read the Korean original →
A no-cook-stove summer side dish made easily in the microwave. Thickly sliced eggplant is cooked for 4 to 5 minutes and gently pressed to keep its soft, spongy texture. With a mild, sweet-savory soy seasoning, it is also great for children.
- Servings
- about 3–4 servings
- Cook time
- 5 minprep not included
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Spiciness
- Not spicy
Ingredients
Ingredients
- Eggplant3, 300 g
Seasoning
- Soup soy sauce (guk-ganjang)1 tbsp
- Regular soy sauce (jin-ganjang) (or brewed soy sauce (yangjo-ganjang))1 tbsp
- Minced garlic1/2 tbsp
- Sugar1 tsp
- Minced green onion2 tbsp
- Salta little
- Ground toasted sesame seeds1 tbsp
- Toasted sesame oil1 tbsp
- Based on 3 small eggplants, which equals about 2 large ones.
Steps
Prepare the ingredients
These are 3 small eggplants. It is about the amount of 2 large ones.
Slice the eggplant
For a nice bite, cut each eggplant lengthwise into 3 thick slices.
Arrange them neatly on a plate, cover with plastic wrap, and microwave for 4 to 5 minutes.
Microwave and drain
Let cool completely, then cut into bite-sized pieces.
Drain in a strainer as it cools, then gently press with your palms to remove remaining moisture without crushing it.
Toss with seasoning
Add all seasoning ingredients and mix well, then add the eggplant and toss gently by hand.
Taste, and if it is too bland, season with salt.
Complete
Instead of sweet and sour, this eggplant dish is sweet and savory like bulgogi.
Cooked briefly in the microwave to keep its texture, it absorbs the seasoning like a sponge, making it perfect with rice.
Soft and tender, ganjang gaji muchim is not spicy, so children will love it too.
My mother likes this eggplant dish so much that she even mixes it directly into rice.
Ppunwife's tips
- Taste, and if it is too bland, season with salt.
FAQ
How long does it take to cook in the microwave instead of a steamer?
Place the thickly sliced eggplant on a plate covered with plastic wrap and microwave for about 4 to 5 minutes for it to cook nicely.
Is there anything to keep in mind when squeezing moisture from the cooked eggplant?
Let the eggplant cool completely and drain in a strainer, then press gently with your palms so the eggplant does not get mashed.
Can I use brewed soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce?
Yes, you can use brewed soy sauce (yangjo-ganjang) in place of regular soy sauce (jin-ganjang).
What should I use to adjust the seasoning after tossing?
After mixing in all the seasonings, adjust any lack of saltiness by adding a little salt.
