Eggplants, Aubergine, Brinjal – they’re all names for the same plant. You may think you know about eggplants, but there’s actually several different varieties of them, and lots of interesting facts about them. Today I’m sharing delicious Asian Eggplant recipes!
Asian eggplants are types of eggplant that is native to Asia. They are usually smaller and thinner than traditional eggplants, and they have a thinner skin and fewer seeds.
Here are some Asian varieties of eggplants (learn about other types here!)
Chinese Eggplants
Of the asian variety of eggplants, Chinese eggplants are a lot thinner than American and Italian eggplants. They have a thinner skin and are less bitter as it has less seeds (the seeds are what makes an eggplant slightly bitter).
Since Chinse eggplants have a sweeter flesh with tender skin, which makes them perfect for stir fry and sauté recipes.
They are actually very similar to Japanese eggplants, but Chinese eggplants are a lot lighter in color. It’s good to know though, that you can easily substitute these two types of eggplants interchangeably in recipes as they cook similarly.
Japanese Eggplants
As mentioned, Japanese Eggplants are very similar to Chinese Eggplants. They do have a darker skin, more similar to American and Italian eggplants, however.
Japanese eggplants, like Chinese eggplants, have a tender skin and it has a sweet flavor as they are also seedless. A thing to note here though is that they do get a little more ‘bitter’ as they mature, so if you prefer a ‘sweeter’ taste, you may want to find a younger Japanese eggplant.
Also, as previously mentioned, cooking wise, you can substitute Chinese vs Japanese eggplants as they have similar taste and texture.
Indian Eggplants
These cute round eggplants are Indian Eggplants. Indian eggplants are sweeter and more tender than American and Italian Eggplants. These eggplants are small and round, just a few inches long, and have a smooth, dark purple skin.
Indian eggplants have a thicker skin than Chinese and Japanese, however, still not as thick as Americaan and Italian Eggplants. The flesh is more firm, and there are a few seeds.
For cooking, Indian eggplants are a bit sweeter and creamy in texture. It’s probably obvious to say that they are perfect for Indian cooking. You can slice or cube them and make mashed eggplant dishes, or stuffed eggplants.
Thai Eggplants
Another cute round eggplant is of the Thai variety. Thai Eggplants look the most different from those other eggplants (the first time I saw it I didn’t realize they were eggplants!) They are tiny little eggplants and are more bitter than the American eggplant, especially the seeds.
These eggplants have a more crunchy texture and a slightly bitter taste. It gets more bitter as the plant matures. Unlike the other eggplants, you can actually eat Thai Eggplants raw! When eaten raw, it has a more mild taste.
Other than eating them raw (dipped with sauce, usually), these eggplants are also good in Thai curry, and also stir fry recipes.
Delicious Asian Eggplant Recipes
This Chinese Eggplant in Garlic Sauce Stir Fry (魚香茄子) is not only delicious but also easy to make! A great side dish or a vegetarian entrée.
Learn how to make Thai Basil Eggplants at home – eggplants sliced and stir fried with Thai Basil in s chili soy sauce – easy and flavorful.
Chinese Steamed Eggplant with Garlic Soy Sauce is a tasty veggie side dish that we like to make at home! It is made by steaming Chinese eggplants until it is soft and tender, then drizzling it with a flavorful sauce.
This Indonesian sambal belado is spicy, savory, and packed with flavours! A simple vegetable side dish that everyone will love.
Satisfy carnivores & vegetarians with this easy Eggplant Tofu Stir-Fry that's SO good, you'll forget you're eating heathy too!
Simple roasted Japanese Eggplant is easy to make and so delicious! Here's how to make it.
Ensaladang Talong is a dish that sings with vibrant colors, textures, and flavors. Imagine a smoky and charred Chinese eggplant, its skin blackened and crackling as it yields to the touch, revealing a soft and creamy interior. The eggplant is then sliced into thick rounds and arranged on a plate, each slice glistening with the bright tang of vinegar and the sparkle of diced tomatoes, onions, and fresh herbs.
This Chinese vegetable curry is comforting, hearty, and super flavorful. An easy 30 minutes dinner that is perfect for colder evenings!
A easy-to-make oven-roasted Japanese Miso Glazed Eggplant (nasu dengaku) brushed with sweet and savory miso glaze, packed with umami flavors from the black garlic!
This recipe uses both Thai eggplant and Chinese eggplant. Throughout Indonesia, this vibrant dish has captured the hearts and palates of millions: Lontong Sayur Lodeh.
Great combination of flavors that punch out the natural eggplant flavor! The eggplant can either be roasted until very dark or charred over a charcoal grill. Either way the eggplant will impart a deep, dark, smoky flavor with lots of umami.
Bharwa Baingan - This stuffed eggplant dish is made with indian baby eggplants cooked in an aromatic blend of spices, onions and tomatoes. Super delicious recipe!
Thai Eggplant Curry features Thai eggplant with peppers, onions, and aromatics like ginger and garlic. Such a tasty flavorful dish!
Pin Asian Eggplant Recipes for later!
