Easy Microwave Gaji Muchim (Seasoned Steamed Eggplant)
Eggplant cooked quickly without water in the microwave and tossed in seasoning.
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 →
This seasoned steamed eggplant is cooked quickly in the microwave, so it stays less watery and keeps its pleasant texture. Soup soy sauce and tuna extract sauce add rich umami, while ground toasted sesame seeds bring out a nutty aroma. It is a light side dish that goes wonderfully over rice.
- Servings
- about 3–4 servingsOriginal: 2 plates
- Cook time
- 3 minprep not included
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Spiciness
- Not spicy
Ingredients
Ingredients
- Eggplant4, 350 g
- Large green onion (daepa)a little
- Red chili pepper1
Seasoning
- Soup soy sauce (guk-ganjang)1 tbsp
- Tuna extract sauce (chamchi-aek)1 tbsp
- Minced garlic1 tbsp
- Toasted sesame oil1 tbsp
- Ground toasted sesame seeds and toasted sesame seeds1 tbsp
- 2 of the 4 eggplants are thin and small; about 3 regular-sized eggplants can be used instead.
Steps
Prepare the ingredients
2 of the 4 eggplants are thin and small. You can use about 3 regular-sized eggplants.
Here are the large green onion and red chili pepper for the seasoning.
Slice the ingredients
Slice the eggplant diagonally, then cut it into thick strips so it keeps its pleasant texture even after cooking.
Finely mince the large green onion and red chili pepper.
Steam the eggplant in the microwave
Spread the sliced eggplant out on a wide plate, cover with plastic wrap, and microwave for 2 minutes 30 seconds to 3 minutes.
Transfer to a strainer so the heat can dissipate and excess moisture can drain off.
Toss with seasonings
In a bowl, combine the eggplant with 1 tbsp soup soy sauce, 1 tbsp tuna extract sauce, 1 tbsp minced garlic, the chopped green onion, chopped red chili pepper, 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil, and lightly ground toasted sesame seeds, then toss well. For vegetable namul dishes, adding plenty of sesame oil and using ground sesame seeds along with whole ones gives a much richer, nuttier flavor.
Taste, and if it is too mild, season with salt.
Finished
I have been making and eating tons of eggplant side dishes this summer, and I never get tired of them.
Eggplant side dishes are easy to digest and light, which makes them even better.
Ppunwife's tips
- Slice the eggplant diagonally, then cut it into thick strips so it keeps its pleasant texture even after cooking.
- For vegetable namul dishes, adding plenty of sesame oil and using ground sesame seeds along with whole ones gives a much richer, nuttier flavor.
- Taste, and if it is too mild, season with salt.
FAQ
How long should I microwave the eggplant?
Spread the sliced eggplant out on a wide plate, cover with plastic wrap, and heat for about 2 minutes 30 seconds to 3 minutes.
Is there a recommended size for cutting the eggplant?
Slice it diagonally, then cut it into thick strips so that it keeps a pleasant bite even after cooking.
What should I add if it tastes bland after seasoning?
Toss with the base seasoning first, then adjust the taste by adding a bit of salt if needed.
