Eggplant

Sweet sour eggplants

Peeled eggplants are cubed, coated in batter, deep fried then braised in sweet sour sauce that thickens naturally as it reduces.

Cook time: 10

Servings: 4 people

Soy sauce and gochujang eggplants

Eggplants slices are seared in sesame seed oil then braised quickly in a mixture of soy sauce, gochujang (Korean chili paste), shallots and garlic.

Cook time: 7

Servings: 4 people

Miso, pork and eggplant stir fry

Deep fried diced eggplants coated in potato starch and browned ground pork are glazed with a sauce made with equal amounts of miso paste, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce and rice vinegar.

Salty, sweet, tangy with a hint of heat, this simple and inexpensive meat and vegetable dish cooks in 20 minutes.

Cook time: 20

Servings: 4 people

Bring the flavors of the Mediterranean on your table with this wonderful salsa that can double as a spread. If weather does not permit outdoor grilling, using a stovetop grill will yield equally good results.

Cook time: 10

Servings: 2 cups

Quick-fried eggplants with ginger dashi sauce

Eggplants are cut into slices, quick fried, doused with ginger dashi sauce and garnished with crispy bonito flakes. Great side dish or vegetarian main dish.

Cook time: 7

Servings: 4 people

Chinese-style eggplants with braised ground pork

Although it is most famous for its xiaolongbao, Din Tai Fung's menu lists so many other dishes that are worth trying. The braised eggplant is one of them. This is how we reproduce it at home -- with five-spice powder, Sichuan pepper, garlic, ginger and chilies.

Cook time: 10

Servings: 3 people

Poqui-poqui

From the Philippine northern region of Ilocos comes this eggplant and egg dish redolent of the bold flavors and aromas of locally grown shallots and garlic, and the rich umami taste of fish sauce.

Cook time: 15

Servings: 4 people

Grilled eggplant salad

Eggplants, bell peppers, tomatoes and onions are grilled, chopped and tossed with homemade sesame soy dressing. Thinly sliced Thai basil completes the dish.

Cook time: 15

Servings: 3 people