This Thai eggplant salad recipe starts with grilled eggplant and finishes with a larb-style pork topping tossed in a zesty chili lime dressing. It’s perfect for summer, easy to serve warm or cold, and you can adjust the spice to your taste.
🤔 What is eggplant salad?
Eggplant salad is a savory dish made with grilled or roasted eggplant, mixed with herbs, spices, and a tangy dressing. It has a soft texture with smoky, slightly sweet, and bold flavors. It’s served warm or cold and can be vegan or meat-based.
🍚 Ingredient Tips & Substitutes
- Eggplants Use long green or purple Asian eggplants; they grill quickly and have a soft, smoky flesh when cooked. Use leftovers to make eggplant stir-fry!
- Ground pork Adds protein and texture; can be swapped with ground chicken or tofu for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- Water Used to cook the pork without adding oil.
- Thai shallots Red onion can be used if not available.
- Fresh chili peppers I use Thai Jinda chili. Adjust to taste or remove seeds for less spice.
- Fresh lime juice Balances the saltiness and heat with acidity.
- Fish sauce Adds saltiness and umami. My favorite brand is Megachef.
- Sugar Rounds out the salty, sour, and spicy flavors.
- Mint or cilantro Adds freshness at the end; use either based on preference or availability.
🍆 More eggplant recipes to try
This Thai grilled eggplant salad recipe leaves you satisfied without feeling heavy, perfect for lunch or a light dinner! Let me know in the comments if you like yours spicy or mild, and don’t forget to follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest!
Thai Eggplant Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 medium eggplants
- 1 tbsp oil for brushing the grill and eggplants
- 4 tbsp water
- 5 oz ground pork
- 1½ tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 small Thai shallot finely chopped
- 2 chilies finely chopped, to taste
- mint or cilantro finely chopped, to taste
Instructions
- Lightly brush your grill rack with oil. Rub the eggplants with a thin layer of oil. Grill over medium-high heat until charred and soft, turning occasionally.
- In a pan, cook ground pork with water over medium heat. Stir and break up the pork until fully cooked.
- Transfer the pork to a bowl. Add lime juice, fish sauce, and sugar. Mix well.
- Add shallots, chilies, and herbs to the bowl. Toss gently to combine.
- Once the eggplants are cooled slightly, split them open and press gently to flatten.
- Spoon the pork mixture over the eggplants. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Video
Notes
- Nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and should be considered approximate.
👩🍳 How to make grilled eggplant salad
- Lightly brush your grill rack with oil. Rub a thin layer of oil on 2 whole eggplants as well. Grill them over medium-high heat until charred and soft, turning occasionally to cook evenly.
- In a small pan, cook ground pork with water over medium heat. Stir and break it up until fully cooked.
- Transfer the cooked pork into a bowl and mix in the dressing: lime juice, fish sauce, and sugar.
- Add the shallots, chilies, and herbs to the bowl. Mix gently.
- Once the eggplants are cool enough to handle, gently split them open with a knife. Press to flatten slightly and create a bed for the topping.
- Spoon the pork mixture over the eggplants. Serve immediately, either warm or at room temperature.
❓Frequently asked questions
What to serve with eggplant salad? Serve it with sticky rice, grilled meats, or jasmine rice to make it a filling meal. You can also pair it with fresh herbs, hard-boiled eggs, or a Thai omelet.
