Sticky Asian Roast Eggplant with Basmati Rice Recipe

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ByHui Yin

Looking for a delicious, plant-based dish that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor? This Sticky Asian Roast Eggplant with Basmati Rice is the perfect choice! Combining tender, caramelized eggplant with a savory-sweet glaze and aromatic basmati rice, this recipe offers a delightful blend of textures and tastes. It’s a wholesome meal that’s sure to satisfy your cravings while keeping things light and healthy.

Ingredients

  • White or brown basmati rice
  • 2 medium eggplants, halved lengthways
  • 2 green shallots, thinly sliced, white and green parts separated
  • 1 tbsp finely grated ginger
  • 1/4 cup kecap manis
  • 1 tbsp sambal oelek or chili paste
  • 1 garlic clove, crushed
  • 1 tsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 cup fresh coriander leaves
  • 1 long fresh red chili, thinly sliced
  • 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
  • Chili sauce

Recipe Directions

  1. Cook the basmati rice using a rice cooker or over the stove.
  2. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees C or 160 degrees C, fan-forced.
  3. In a bowl, combine the kecap manis, sambal oelek or chili paste, the white part of the shallot, garlic, ginger, and sugar. Set aside.
  4. Drizzle the oil over a baking tray. Place the tray in the oven for 10 minutes or until the oil is hot.
  5. Place eggplant, skin side down, on the hot tray. Roast for 15 minutes or until the cut side of the eggplant is golden.
  6. Turn the eggplants and roast for 15 minutes more or until the eggplant is tender. 
  7. Turn again and spoon the sambal mixture over the cut side of each eggplant. 
  8. Roast for a further 15 minutes or until very tender.
  9. Sprinkle the coriander, chili, sesame seeds, and the green part of the shallot over the eggplant.
  10. Serve with rice and chili sauce. 

Recipe Tips

  • Look for firm, glossy eggplants with no blemishes for the best texture.
  • You can use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar to increase the sweetness of the dish. 
  • You can swap basmati rice with jasmine rice for variation.
  • Add protein to the dish by incorporating tofu, chickpeas, or grilled chicken.

Final Note

This Sticky Asian Roast Eggplant with Basmati Rice recipe is perfect for meal prep, easy enough for a weeknight, and special enough for entertaining. Enjoy the burst of flavors in every bite!

For more delicious dishes you can cook to hone your skills in the kitchen, check out our recipe collection. 

Hui Yin moved from Hong Kong 🇭🇰 to the USA 🇺🇸 when she was just 8 years old. Now in her late 20's she enjoys writing and taking long walks in the park to burn off the copious amounts of rice she eats for dinner.