Sauteed Japanese Eggplant With Ponzu Sauce

5 from 3 votes
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Craving a tasty eggplant recipe? This Sauteed Japanese Eggplant with Ponzu Sauce is perfect for you! Savor the tender eggplant paired perfectly with the zesty kick of our homemade sauce!

Looking for simple eggplant dishes? Try my Eggplant Teriyaki, Eggplant Tempura, and Stir-fried Japanese Eggplant With Miso Paste!

sauteed Japanese eggplant served on a plate.

I’ll walk you through the ingredients and step-by-step instructions. I hope you enjoy it!

Why You Will Love This Recipe 

  • The combination of tender eggplant and tangy ponzu sauce creates a mouthwatering taste.
  • It’s simple to prepare and can be ready in under 10 minutes.
  • The ponzu sauce adds a refreshing citrusy note.

Japanese Eggplants

Japanese eggplants are slim and long. Their thin skin makes them perfect for quick cooking methods like stir-frying, deep-frying, and sautéing. This allows them to absorb flavors easily and stay tender.

Recipe Ingredients

You’ll need the following ingredients to make this Sauteed Japanese Eggplant:

Ingredients for sauteed Japanese eggplant.
  • Eggplants: Japanese eggplants are usually found at Japanese or Asian grocery stores. However, if they are not available, Chinese eggplant is the best substitute.
  • Cooking Oil: I recommend using sesame oil for this recipe, but you can also use vegetable, olive, or avocado oil.
  • Ponzu sauce: Ponzu is a flavorful and versatile citrus-based sauce commonly used in Japanese cuisine. We will make it with soy sauce, rice vinegar, lemon, and ginger.

How To Make Sauteed Japanese Eggplant: STEP BY STEP 

Here are some quick visual instructions! For the video and all the detailed ingredients and instructions, go to the printable recipe card below.

How to make sauteed eggplant.

Step 1

Cut eggplant.

How to make sauteed eggplant.

Step 2

Combine the ponzu sauce ingredients in a small bowl.

How to make sauteed eggplant.

Step 3

Heat a frying pan over medium heat, add the sesame oil, and cook the eggplants.

How to make sauteed eggplant.

Step 4

Add the sauce and toss gently.

sauteed Japanese eggplant served on a plate.

Transfer the dish to a plate and sprinkle it with chopped scallions and a bit of extra grated ginger for added flavor. Enjoy!

Recipe Tips

  • Choose eggplants that are firm and shiny for the best results.
  • You can adjust the amount of ponzu sauce according to your taste preferences. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can add some sugar.

What To Serve With

Serve the sauteed Japanese eggplant as an appetizer, side dish, or even as a light main course. It pairs beautifully with Steamed Japanese Rice and Kabocha Miso Soup and alongside other dishes such as Hijiki Tamagoyaki, Pickled Cucumber, and Stir-fried Tempeh.

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sauteed Japanese eggplant served on a plate.

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sauteed Japanese eggplant served on a plate.

Sauteed Japanese Eggplant With Ponzu Sauce

5 from 3 votes
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Prep: 5 minutes
Resting Time: 5 minutes
Total: 10 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Author: Juri Austin
Craving a tasty eggplant recipe? This Sauteed Japanese Eggplant with Ponzu Sauce is perfect for you! Savor the tender eggplant paired perfectly with the zesty kick of our homemade sauce!

Ingredients

  • 2 Eggplants, medium size, 300g
  • 2 Tbsp Sesame oil
  • 1 tsp Scallions, chopped, optional

Ponzu Sauce

  • 1 clove Ginger, grated
  • 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce
  • ½ Tbsp Rice vinegar
  • ½ Tbsp Lemon juice, one wedge

Instructions

  • Prepare the ingredients: Remove the stem of the eggplant and cut it in half. Create several diagonal notches on the surface and divide it into quarters. Grate the ginger.
  • Make the ponzu sauce: Combine the grated ginger, soy sauce, vinegar, and lemon juice in a small bowl.
  • Cook eggplant: Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add the sesame oil. Place the eggplant slices in the pan and cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until tender. Flip them over and cook for a few more minutes.
  • Add the sauce: Reduce the heat, add the sauce, toss gently, and let absorb flavors for a minute.
  • Serve: Transfer to a plate and sprinkle chopped scallions.

Video

Notes

  • Choose eggplants that are firm and shiny for the best results.
  • Adjust the amount of ponzu sauce according to your taste preferences. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can add some sugar.
  •  

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 132kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Japanese
Keyword: sauteed japanese eggplant
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