Grilled Asian Eggplant with Ginger Sauce

• FAST
• HEALTHY
• STAFF-FAVORITE
• VEGETARIAN

Ingredients

1. 1/4 cup water
2. 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon sugar
3. 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons finely grated fresh ginger
4. 1/4 cup unseasoned rice vinegar
5. 1 teaspoon Asian sesame oil
6. 1/2 cup vegetable oil, plus more for brushing
7. Salt
8. 8 Asian eggplants (2 1/2 pounds), sliced lengthwise, then cut on the diagonal into 2-inch pieces and scored
9. Purple basil, for garnish (optional)

1. In a heatproof glass bowl, combine the water and sugar and microwave at high power for 10 seconds, until the sugar is dissolved. Add the grated ginger, vinegar, sesame oil and the 1/2 cup of vegetable oil and season with salt.
2. Set a large steamer basket in a large saucepan, add 1/2 inch of water and bring to a boil over moderately high heat. Steam the eggplant in batches, cut side down, until just tender, about 4 minutes.
3. Heat a grill pan. Lightly brush the eggplant all over with vegetable oil. Grill over high heat until grill marks appear, about 30 seconds per side, then transfer to a serving platter. Spoon the ginger sauce over the eggplant. Garnish with the purple basil (if using) and serve at once.