VietnameseMedium · Hot
Sesame‑Glazed Eggplant over Jasmine Rice
Tender eggplant cubes glazed in a savory-sweet sesame sauce, served atop fragrant jasmine rice with fresh herbs and a bright squeeze of lime. A Vietnamese-inspired weeknight favorite that comes together in under an hour.
Prep
15 min
Cook
30 min
Rest
10 min
Total
55 min
Method
Rice
1
Remove from heat and let steam, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff gently with a fork and keep warm.
Glaze
2
In a small bowl, whisk together sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger until well combined.
Eggplant
3
Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour the sesame glaze over the eggplant and toss gently to coat every cube. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring, until the glaze thickens slightly and cling to the eggplant.
Plating
4
Scatter dark green scallion slices and sesame seeds over each bowl. Cut the lime into wedges and place alongside for squeezing at the table.
B
Nutri-Score
Good balance
A–E · lower is better · score 2
Calories
510
per serving
Calorie-dense · 510 kcalLow sugar · 6gLow saturated fat · 3g
Protein
9g
Carbs
86g
Fat
15g
Sat. fat
3g
Fiber
4g
Sugar
6g
Sodium
645mg
Heart HealthyDiabetes FriendlyAnti InflammatoryLow SodiumHigh Fiber
Nutri-Score is a general nutritional-balance guide, not medical or dietary advice.
B
Environmental impact
Low impact
A–E · lower is better · includes estimates
kg CO2e
0.5
per serving
BCarbonAEU all-round· carbon sets the grade
Water
1.4m³
Land
15Pt
Runoff
0.05g P
Jasmine Rice drives 62% of this recipe’s estimated footprint.
Carbon from Poore & Nemecek 2018; water, land & runoff from Agribalyse — modelled averages for comparing recipes, not a measurement of your groceries.
Flavor Profile
7
Umami
4
Sweet
6
Salty
3
Sour
1
Bitter
3
Spicy
Textures
TenderCrispySoftNutty
Aromas
SesameSavoryNuttyGingeryHerbal
Kitchen Equipment
Primary Tool
WokWokRice CookerChef KnifeCutting BoardMixing BowlWhiskMeasuring SpoonsMeasuring CupsTongsPlastic WrapPaper Towels
Counter FootprintMedium
Techniques
Safety & Storage
Allergen Warning
Sesame is a priority allergen in this dish. Both sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds are used in the glaze and as garnish. Cross-contact with other dishes during service should be prevented.
Cross Contamination
If preparing for allergen-sensitive individuals, use dedicated utensils and cutting boards. Clean all equipment thoroughly between uses, especially after contact with sesame seeds and soy sauce.
Storage
Refrigerate leftover rice within 2 hours of cooking. Store glazed eggplant separately from rice to prevent moisture transfer and extend shelf life. Consume within 3-4 days.
High Risk Population
This dish contains multiple allergens (soy, sesame, gluten). For individuals with severe sesame or soy allergies, omit sesame oil and substitute with alternative cooking oil. Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce for gluten-free requirements.
Handling
Sesame seeds may pose a choking hazard for young children or elderly individuals. Consider grinding or finely chopping sesame seeds for these populations before plating.
Pro Tips
Technique
When you glaze the eggplant, resist stirring too much—let the sesame honey caramelize gently for a moment before tossing. Like building pho, patience brings out the depth.
Substitution
If Thai basil is hard to find, regular basil with a squeeze of lime will still bring brightness, though the anise notes of Thai basil are truly irreplaceable.
Freshness
The scallions and lime are not decorations—they awaken the dish. Slice the scallions thin and scatter them over the warm eggplant just before serving so their gentle crunch stays alive.
Presentation
Let everyone build their own bowl at the table. A squeeze of lime, a pinch of sesame seeds, fresh herbs layered on top—cooking is finished when the eater engages.
From the chef
Eggplant absorbs a sesame glaze beautifully — each cube drinking in the amber sauce of sesame oil, honey, garlic, and ginger until it turns tender and lightly lacquered at the edges. The glaze thickens in the final two minutes, clinging rather than pooling, so the texture stays distinct over the jasmine rice beneath. Scallion and sesame seeds go over the top for texture; lime wedges come alongside at the table for each person to squeeze as they like. The brightness at the end is what keeps this from sitting heavily — a clean finish for a deeply savory bowl.
TagsWeeknight DinnerQuick PrepVegetarian AdaptableEggplantSesameHerbaceous
AllergensSoySesameGlutenInfant Risk
Source: generated · June 10, 2026