How To Cook The Small Thai Eggplants

Discover the Deliciousness of Small Thai Eggplants

Have you ever come across those cute, tiny eggplants that add a burst of flavor to Thai cuisine? These delightful gems are known as small Thai eggplants, and they are a must-try for any food lover. With their unique taste and versatility, they can elevate any dish to new heights. In this article, we will explore how to cook small Thai eggplants and create mouthwatering recipes that will impress your family and friends.

1. Choose Quality Small Thai Eggplants

• Look for small Thai eggplants that are firm, shiny, and without blemishes.
• Ensure that the skin is smooth and vibrant in color, ranging from light green to deep purple.
• Avoid small Thai eggplants that feel soft or have wrinkled skin, as they may be overripe.

2. Prepare and Clean the Small Thai Eggplants

Before you start cooking, it’s essential to clean and prepare the small Thai eggplants properly:

• Wash the eggplants thoroughly under cool running water to remove any dirt or residue.
• Trim off the stem, if it hasn’t been done already, and discard it.
• You can choose to leave the eggplants whole or slice them into halves or quarters, depending on your recipe.

3. Explore Different Cooking Methods

Small Thai eggplants are incredibly versatile and can be cooked in various ways, depending on your preference. Here are a few popular cooking methods:

1. Stir-Frying: Heat a wok or skillet with some oil over high heat, add the eggplants, and stir-fry for a few minutes until they start to soften. Enhance the flavors by adding Thai spices, garlic, chili, or other vegetables.
2. Grilling: Brush the eggplants with oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and grill them until they become tender and slightly charred. This method brings out the smoky and earthy flavors of the eggplants.
3. Curry: Add small Thai eggplants to curries such as green curry, red curry, or massaman curry. The eggplants will absorb the aromatic flavors of the curry sauce, creating a delightful combination.
4. Steaming: Steam the eggplants until they are soft and tender. This method allows the natural sweetness of the eggplants to shine through.

4. Experiment with Small Thai Eggplant Recipes

Now that you have an understanding of how to cook small Thai eggplants, let’s explore a couple of delicious recipes to try:

Stir-Fried Small Thai Eggplants:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup small Thai eggplants, halved
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 fresh red chili, sliced
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon fish sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or skillet over high heat.
2. Add the garlic and chili and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the small Thai eggplants and continue stir-frying for about 5 minutes until they become tender.
4. In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar.
5. Pour the sauce over the eggplants and stir-fry for an additional 2 minutes.
6. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
7. Serve hot with steamed rice or as a side dish.

Feel free to get creative and adapt this recipe according to your taste preferences. You can add other vegetables, proteins, or spices to make it your own unique creation!

Conclusion

Small Thai eggplants are a delightful addition to any kitchen. Their compact size and distinctive flavor make them a fantastic ingredient for a wide range of dishes. Whether you choose to stir-fry, grill, curry, or steam them, these small eggplants will surely impress your taste buds. So, head to your local market, grab some fresh small Thai eggplants, and get ready to embark on a delicious culinary adventure!