Stop the soak! This expertly tested Eggplant Teriyaki uses a professional dry-cure method to ensure a meaty texture and a glossy finish. Learn the secret to a perfect sear.
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Keyword Eggplant, Soy Sauce, Spring Onions
Total Time 25 minutesminutes
Servings 4
Calories 436kcal
Ingredients
2eggplantssliced
a few champignons
200gnoodlessuch as udon or soba
3tablespoonsteriyaki sauce
2tablespoonssoy sauce
2tablespoonsrice vinegar
2tablespoonshoney or maple syrup
2clovesgarlicminced
1teaspoongrated fresh ginger
2tablespoonsoil for frying
Spring onions carrotsand sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
Cure and Dehydrate — Slice the eggplant and champignons, sprinkle generously with salt, and rest for 20 minutes. You will see "beads" of moisture forming; pat these completely dry with a towel to ensure a proper sear rather than a steam.
Whisk the Emulsion — Combine the teriyaki, soy, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and honey. Whisk until the honey is fully incorporated and the liquid looks uniform and dark.
Establish the Moisture Barrier — Heat oil in a wok until a faint wispy smoke appears. Fry the eggplant until it achieves a deep golden-brown hue and a matte finish on the flesh side.
Glaze for Gloss — Pour the sauce over the eggplant and increase the heat. Simmer until the liquid reduces into a thick, syrupy consistency that coats the back of a spoon with a brilliant shimmer.
The Final Bind — Toss the pre-cooked noodles into the skillet. Stir-fry for 2 minutes until the noodles are fully saturated and the sauce has lost its liquid "pool" at the bottom of the pan.