Korean Soy Sauce Marinated Grilled Eggplant

Introduction

Korean Soy Sauce Marinated Grilled Eggplant is smoky, savory, and absolutely delicious. The eggplant is perfectly grilled on the Arteflame flat cooktop, allowing it to develop a deep caramelized flavor while staying tender and juicy. This easy recipe brings out the rich umami of soy sauce with hints of garlic and sesame, making it an irresistible side dish or main course.

Ingredients

• 2 medium eggplants
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon butter (melted)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 teaspoon ginger (grated)
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
• 1 green onion (sliced, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them in the center of the Arteflame grill.
2. Stack firewood over the oiled napkins.
3. Light the napkins and allow the fire to build. The grill will be ready in about 20 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the eggplant

1. Slice the eggplants into ½-inch thick rounds.
2. Sprinkle lightly with salt and let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
3. Pat dry with a paper towel.

Step 3: Make the marinade

1. In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, melted butter, sesame oil, honey, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar.
2. Brush the marinade over both sides of the sliced eggplant.
3. Let the eggplant sit for 5 minutes to absorb flavors.

Step 4: Grill the eggplant

1. Place the marinated eggplant slices on the hotter section of the flat top griddle.
2. Grill for 3 minutes on one side until caramelized, then flip and grill for another 3 minutes.
3. Move the eggplant to a slightly cooler section of the griddle and let it cook for another 3-4 minutes until tender.

Step 5: Serve

1. Remove the grilled eggplant from the cooktop.
2. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
3. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips

• For extra flavor, let the eggplant marinate for 15 minutes before grilling.
• Adjust the seasoning to your preference—add more honey for sweetness or more soy sauce for saltiness.
• Use Japanese or Chinese eggplants for a softer texture and less bitterness.
• To prevent sticking, make sure the grill surface is well-seasoned with butter.

Variations

• Spicy Gochujang Eggplant: Add 1 teaspoon gochujang (Korean red pepper paste) to the marinade for a spicy kick.
• Garlic Butter Miso Eggplant: Replace soy sauce with miso paste and increase butter for a rich, umami-packed flavor.
• Citrus Yuzu Eggplant: Add 1 teaspoon yuzu juice for a bright, citrusy flair.
• Sweet and Smoky Eggplant: Mix in ½ teaspoon smoked paprika for an extra depth of smoky flavor.
• Herb-Infused Eggplant: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro and mint before serving for a fresh taste.

Best Pairings

• Grilled Bulgogi Beef
• Korean Steamed Rice
• Crisp Cucumber Kimchi
• Chilled Soba Noodles
• A cold glass of Makgeolli (Korean rice wine)

Conclusion

Grilled Korean Soy Sauce Marinated Eggplant is an exquisite dish that balances umami, sweetness, and smokiness. Cooking it on the Arteflame flat cooktop ensures a perfect texture and consistent, even sear. Whether served as a side or main dish, this grilled eggplant will wow your taste buds.