This is a simplified version of a classic Japanese home-cooked dish. The eggplant and green bell peppers become wonderfully tender and melt in your mouth. Perfect for when you want to enjoy Japanese flavors with ease.
Ingredients:
Eggplant: 2 medium-sized
Green bell peppers: 3
Salad oil (or olive oil): 3 tbsp
Mentsuyu (Japanese noodle soup base): 3 tbsp
Water: 1 tbsp
Instructions:
- Cut the eggplant and the green bell pepper into bite-sized pieces. Soak the cut eggplant in water to remove bitterness.
2. Heat the oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the eggplant and green bell peppers, and sauté for 5–6 minutes until they soften.
3. Mix the Mentsuyu and the cooked vegetables in a bowl
What is Mentsuyu?
Mentsuyu is a versatile Japanese condiment commonly used as a dipping sauce for soba or udon noodles. Made from dashi, mirin, and soy sauce, it also works as a seasoning for many Japanese dishes. Having a bottle of Mentsuyu on hand can make preparing Japanese meals quick and convenient!
Alternative Sauce (If Mentsuyu is Unavailable)
If you don’t have Mentsuyu, you can make your own sauce using the following:
Dashi stock: 50 ml
Mirin: 1 tbsp
Soy sauce: 1 tbsp
Follow steps 1 and 2 as above, then:
- Add the dashi stock, mirin, and soy sauce directly to the frying pan with the vegetables and simmer for 3 minutes.
- Plate and serve.
It’s easy for anyone to make, so be sure to give it a try!