Forktionary

Japanese Eggplant

Solanum melongena Vegetable

Japanese Eggplant Vegetable

At a Glance

  • Category Vegetable

The Forktionary Angle

"Unlike larger globe eggplants, Japanese varieties rarely need salting to remove bitterness, offering a quicker and simpler cooking experience."

Definition

A long, slender variety of eggplant with thin, glossy purple skin and fewer seeds than globe eggplants, known for its sweet, mild flavor and tender flesh.

Key Culinary Advantage Less bitter, rarely requires salting/purging.
Texture when Cooked Exceptionally tender and creamy.
Water Content High, contributes to rapid cooking.

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Japanese Eggplant are:

Mild slightly sweet earthy not bitter

Chef’s Secret

For a creamy interior, slice lengthwise, brush with oil, and grill or pan-fry until deeply tender, then finish with a savory glaze.

Best Substitutes

Chinese Eggplant

Ratio 1:1

Fairy Tale Eggplant

Ratio 1:1

Globe Eggplant

but may need salting and longer cooking
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Choose firm, glossy, unblemished eggplants. Store in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Culinary Pairings

Soy sauce ginger garlic miso sesame oil chili stir-fries grilling braising

Recipes Using Japanese Eggplant

Asian Stuffed Eggplant With Hawaiian Style Pork Or Turkey Hash image 111
Course Beginner Cook South West Pacific Meat

Asian Stuffed Eggplant With Hawaiian Style Pork Or Turkey Hash

A nostalgic fusion recipe! This dish combines the richness of Asian-stuffed eggplant with the savory delight of Hawaiian-style pork (or turkey!) hash. Relive childhood memories of the iconic Hawaiian 'manapua man' with this exciting recipe. Imagine juicy, tender pork hash – like a meatball in a wonton wrapper – nestled inside tender eggplant, then drizzled with a vibrant sauce. Choose from classic Coleman's mustard and soy sauce, a savory black bean sauce, or a sweet teriyaki glaze. This recipe is a flavorful adventure, perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion.

See Complete Recipe
Beef With Green Curry image
Asian Dietary Beef Meat

Beef With Green Curry

A vibrant and flavorful Thai Beef Green Curry ready in under 20 minutes! This quick and easy recipe from "Stylish Thai in Minutes" delivers authentic taste without the fuss. Impress your taste buds with tender beef simmered in a rich coconut milk-based green curry sauce, bursting with aromatic spices and fresh basil. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a delicious weekend treat.

See Complete Recipe
Authentic Thai Red Curry With Chicken image 115
One Dish Meal 30 Minutes Or Less Taste Mood Main Ingredient

Authentic Thai Red Curry With Chicken

Craving an authentic Thai Red Curry that packs a fiery punch? Look no further! This recipe, perfected during months of exploring Thailand, delivers the intense, lip-smacking flavor you've been searching for. While traditionally scorching, we've dialed back the heat slightly for broader enjoyment, allowing you to customize the spice level to your liking. Feel free to experiment with your favorite vegetables – more onions? Three types of peppers? Go for it! This adaptable recipe is as fun to cook as it is to eat. Get ready for a flavor explosion that will transport you straight to the bustling street food markets of Thailand!

See Complete Recipe
Beef And Eggplant Stew Greek Crock Pot Version image
Greek Course Meat Low Sodium

Beef And Eggplant Stew Greek Crock Pot Version

Experience the taste of the Mediterranean with this hearty, slow-cooked Beef and Eggplant Greek Stew! Our adapted recipe delivers a rich, flavorful sauce, perfectly tender beef, and melt-in-your-mouth eggplant. The aromatic spices create an authentic Greek experience, and the stew is unbelievably delicious served over penne or rigatoni pasta. This easy crock-pot recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion.

See Complete Recipe
Basil Eggplant Aubergine Pud Makua Yow image
Low Saturated Fat Low Saturated Fat Dinner Party Dietary

Basil Eggplant Aubergine Pud Makua Yow

Craving authentic Thai flavors? This Basil Eggplant Aubergine Pud Makua Yow recipe recreates the magic of my favorite Thai restaurant dish! Made with tender eggplant (use regular or long Asian eggplants – the little green ones are amazing!), it's a vibrant and savory explosion in every bite. Served over fluffy basmati rice, this easy-to-follow recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in just 40 minutes. Prepare to be amazed!

See Complete Recipe