This easy Thai roasted eggplant dip recipe is smoky and spicy, with bold flavor and healthy vegan ingredients. Make it once, and you’ll crave it all summer long, complete with crunchy vegetables and boiled eggs!
🤔 What does roasted eggplant dip taste like?
Roasted eggplant dip tastes smoky, slightly sweet, and savory, with a soft, creamy texture. When made Thai-style, it has a bold, spicy kick balanced by fresh herbs, a bit of saltiness, and umami from fish sauce.
🍚 Ingredient tips & substitutes
You can roast the eggplants directly over an open flame for a smokier flavor, or use the oven for an easier cleanup.
- Eggplants I used Thai long green eggplant. Japanese or Chinese eggplants work too. Use leftovers to make eggplant stir-fry!
- Thai shallots Sweeter and milder than regular shallots. Red onions can be used as a substitute.
- Fresh chili peppers I use Thai Jinda chilies; adjust based on your spice preference.
- Fish sauce Provides saltiness and umami; for a vegetarian option, use soy sauce or mushroom seasoning sauce.
- Garlic
- Green onions Used as a garnish.
- Mint Used as a garnish.
🍆 More eggplant recipes to try
Whether you serve this vegan eggplant dip as a dish or enjoy it as a relish for vegetables, the flavor is unique and really surprising. Definitely worth a try if you like authentic Thai food!
Thai Roasted Eggplant Dip Recipe
Equipment
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Grill or gas stove
- Tongs
- Mortar and pestle
Ingredients
- oil for brushing eggplant and the grill
- 1 large eggplant
- 1 small Thai shallot
- 3 chilies to taste
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 tbsp fish sauce use soy or mushroom sauce for a vegan sub
- green onions finely chopped, to taste
- mint finely chopped, to taste
Instructions
- Brush the grill and eggplants lightly with oil. Grill until the skin cracks and the flesh is soft and smoky.
- Let the eggplants cool slightly, then peel off and discard the skin.
- In a mortar and pestle, pound chilies, garlic, and shallots until coarse.
- Add the eggplant flesh and gently mash to combine.
- Stir in fish sauce and fresh herbs.
- Transfer to a bowl, garnish with more herbs, and serve with sticky rice, boiled eggs, and raw vegetables.
Video
Notes
- Nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and should be considered approximate.
👩🍳 How to make roasted eggplant dip
- Lightly brush both the grill and eggplants with oil. Grill the eggplants over medium heat until the skin cracks and the flesh becomes soft and smoky.
- Let the eggplants cool slightly, then peel off the charred skin and discard it.
- In a mortar and pestle, pound the chilies, garlic, and shallots until roughly broken down.
- Add the peeled eggplant flesh to the mortar and gently mash everything together.
- Add fish sauce and fresh herbs, then stir everything together.
- Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with extra herbs. Serve immediately with boiled eggs, sticky rice, and raw vegetables.
❓ Frequently asked questions
What to eat with eggplant dip? Eat it with fresh vegetables, pita bread, crackers, or toasted flatbread. You can also pair it with grilled meats, grain bowls, or use it as a sandwich spread.
