Vietnamese Grilled Eggplant with Nuoc Cham
Vietnamese cuisine is celebrated for its bold flavors and fresh ingredients. This Grilled Eggplant with Nuoc Cham recipe captures the essence of Vietnamese cooking, combining smoky charred vegetables with a zesty dipping sauce. The dish is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it an excellent addition to any meal.
“In Vietnam, food is more than sustenance; it’s an art form that engages all senses.”
Highlights
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 150kcal
Ingredients
For the Eggplant:
- 2 medium eggplants, sliced lengthwise into 1/2-inch thick pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Nuoc Cham Sauce:
- 1/4 cup fish sauce (substitute with soy sauce for a vegetarian option)
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes or sliced fresh red chili
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
Prepare the Eggplant: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush both sides of eggplant slices with vegetable oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
Grill the Eggplant: Place the eggplant on the grill, flesh-side down first, and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side or until they have nice char marks and are tender when pierced with a fork.
Make Nuoc Cham Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, minced garlic, chili flakes (or slices), and water until the sugar is completely dissolved. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Serve: Arrange grilled eggplant on a platter and serve with Nuoc Cham sauce for dipping.
Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for this recipe, keep in mind that it may vary based on ingredients selected or substituted:
- Serving: 1 serving
- Calories: 150kcal
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 7g
This Vietnamese Grilled Eggplant with Nuoc Cham is a versatile and flavorful side dish that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with rice, grilled meats, or fresh salads. The smoky eggplants combined with the tangy dipping sauce create a harmonious blend of flavors that celebrate traditional Vietnamese cuisine. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or preparing a quick weeknight meal, this dish is sure to delight your taste buds and add an authentic touch to your dining experience. Enjoy!
