Fairy Tale Eggplant with Sesame Soy Marinade is easy to make and absolutely delicious. This eggplant makes the perfect side dish!

I found these fairy tale eggplants at Whole Foods a few weeks ago and decided to give them a try.
I made them for dinner and my fiancé and I loved them. The only thing was, I roasted them and found they got a little too cooked for my liking. Next time, I cooked them on the stove and loved them! Then, this recipe was born!
Why you'll love fairy tale eggplant:
- Fairy tale eggplant cooks up fast!
- The color is beautiful and presents so well.
- The sesame soy marinade takes this eggplant to the next level.
Ingredients overview:
- fairy tale eggplant - These little eggplants are sweet, tender and have minimal seeds.
- soy sauce - I like using low sodium soy sauce or tamari.
- sesame oil - Don't substitute another oil in this recipe. Sesame oil has an amazing flavor!
- rice wine vinegar - Just a tiny bit for balancing the flavors. You don't taste it.
- garlic powder and salt - The only two seasonings you need.
How to cook fairy tale eggplant?
A complete list of ingredients, amounts and instructions is located on the recipe card below.
First, cut the eggplants in half lengthwise. You don't need to remove the skin. I also like leaving the stems on because they look nice, but you don't have to.
- Next, make the marinade. Add soy sauce, sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, garlic powder and salt to an airtight container.
- Throw the cut eggplants on top.
- Place the lid on top and shake it very well until all of the eggplants are coated.
- Put the container into the fridge for 15 minutes for the eggplants to marinate.
- Heat a pan on medium low heat.
- Place the eggplants flesh side down.
- Cook one side for 2-4 minutes. Then, flip and cook the other side for 2-4 minutes. Smaller eggplants cook faster compared to larger.
Serve immediately. I garnished mine with some sesame seeds!
Expert tips:
- Don't skip marinating for 15 minutes. It helps the little eggplants absorb the flavors.
- If you can't find fairy tale eggplants at your local grocery store or farmers' market, you can cut a large eggplant into smaller slices (similar in side to these) and follow this recipe.
Dietary adaptations:
- gluten free - Use tamari instead of soy sauce if you're gluten free.
- dairy free - This recipe is naturally dairy free.
- vegan - This recipe is naturally vegan.
Always check the ingredients you're using to be sure they are compliant with whatever diet you need to stick to.
Storage directions:
This Fairy Tale Eggplant recipe is best enjoyed right away.
Fairy Tale Eggplant with Sesame Soy Marinade
Ingredients
- 10 ounces fairy tale eggplant
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon rice wine vinegar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 pinch salt - to taste
Instructions
- First, cut the eggplants in half lengthwise. You don't need to remove the skin. I also like leaving the stems on because they look nice, but you don't have to.
- Next, make the marinade. Add soy sauce, sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, garlic powder and salt to an airtight container. Throw the cut eggplants on top. Place the lid on top and shake it very well until all of the eggplants are coated. Put the container into the fridge for 15 minutes for the eggplants to marinate.
- Heat a pan on medium low heat. Place the eggplants flesh side down. Cook one side for 2-4 minutes. Then, flip and cook the other side for 2-4 minutes. Smaller eggplants cook faster compared to larger.
- Serve immediately. I garnished mine with some sesame seeds!
This nutrition information is an estimate and should not be taken as fact. The owner of this website is not liable for this estimation.
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