Doenjang-glazed grilled Asian aubergine (doenjang gaji gui)

This aubergine recipe is a variation of the Japanese version, nasu dengaku, which is an all-time fave for me. Here I use doenjang, which kicks the flavour up a notch. It is divine!

Ingredients

Serves 6 portions

  • 3 asian aubergines (about 140 g/5 oz each), halved lengthways
  • vegetable oil, for grilling
  • sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 120ml (4 fl oz) doenjang glaze
  • roasted sesame seeds, to serve
  • pinch of gochugaru (Korean chilli flakes), to serve (optional)
  • handful of spring onions, thinly sliced on an angle, to serve

Doenjang glaze

  • 125 g(4½ oz) doenjang (Korean soya bean paste)
  • 50 g(1¾ oz) honey
  • 5 garlic cloves, grated or finely chopped
  • 3 spring onions, thinly sliced on an angle
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil

Method

  1. To make the doenjang glaze, in a small bowl, whisk together all the ingredients until smooth. Cover and store in the fridge if not using immediately.
  2. Preheat the grill and position a rack 10–13 cm (4–5 in) from the heat source. Line a baking tray with foil.
  3. Score the flesh of each aubergine half in a crisscross pattern, cutting deeply but not all the way through to the skin. Brush the aubergine halves with oil and season with salt and pepper. Arrange them, skin-side up, in a single layer on the prepared baking tray.
  4. Grill for 3–5 minutes until the skins start to discolor in spots and the aubergines soften a bit. Flip them and continue to grill for a further 3–5 minutes until the cut sides are lightly golden and the aubergines are soft when squeezed. Spread the glaze over the flesh and grill for about 5 minutes until it’s bubbling and lightly charred in spots. Watch carefully, as the glaze can burn quickly.
  5. Transfer the aubergines to plates, flesh-side up, and garnish with sesame seeds, chilli flakes, if liked, and the spring onions.

Notes

  • While the aubergine halves look nicer served as is, cutting them into smaller pieces makes them easier to eat.
  • The glaze is a savoury, salty and slightly sweet mixture. It makes about 300 ml (10 fl oz).

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Social media

@judyjoochef Instagram profile imageDive into my latest cooking video where I blend the rich flavours of Korea with the classic French mussel dish, introducing my fusion creation: Doenjang and Gochujang Mussels.

Starting with the French tradition, I kick off with sautéed lardons (or bacon) to create a sumptuously rich base. Next, a generous amount of garlic and shallots join the mix, followed by the unique twist of sake and mirin for fragrance. 

Chicken stock creates the perfect broth, setting the stage for the stars of the dish: doenjang (Korean fermented soybean paste) and gochujang (Korean fermented chilli paste), bringing an unmissable Korean flair and umami to the mussels. So tasty and the broth is so yummy to soak up with a piece of crusty French bread. 
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#JudyJooKitchen #FusionCuisine #Mussels #Doenjang #Gochujang #CookingVideo #ChefLife #FoodBlog #InstaFood #FoodStagram #CookingAtHome #Homemade #RecipeOfTheDay #CulinaryJourney #FoodInspiration #Gourmet #KoreanFlavours #FrenchCuisine #Foodie #FoodLover #FoodPhotography1 day ago via Instagram
@judyjoochef Instagram profile image#whatsnewatcitifield ⚾

IT’S OFFICIAL! We are opening in @citifield 🙌

Making our mark on the New York map once again, you can now experience Seoul Bird at the home of the @mets Citi Field!

Find us on the promenade level right behind home plate alongside the Hudson Whisky Bar.

Enjoy one of the best views of the game while eating the best korean fried chicken!

#SeoulBirdNYC #KoreanFriedChicken #CitiFieldEats #EntrepreneurshipJourney #Foodpreneurs #NYCFoodScene #SeoulInNewYork #seoulbird
#seoulfood #seoulbirduk3 days ago via Instagram
@judyjoochef Instagram profile imageHappy to announce our new venue @citifield home of @mets. Seoul Bird will be on the Promenade level right behind home plate. @seoulbirduk @seoulbirdusa 
Joining me this year in the stellar line up are the amazingly talented @chefanneburrell and @adamrichman. 
So great to be back in New York and serving up our Korean fried chicken in Flushing! 
Let’s go Mets! 
#mets #citifield #citifieldeats #baseball #chefs #chefsofinstagram #judyjoo #newyork #seoulbird4 days ago via Instagram
@judyjoochef Instagram profile imageEaster is almost here! I was lucky enough to celebrate it early with a gorgeous dinner hosted by two of my favorite chefs @chefrohitghai and @pierremarcolini at @kutirchelsea .  It was a celebration of color— the vibrant colors of Easter and of the Holi festival and brought together through the glorious flavors of Chocolate and Indian food! 
Chef Rohit is behind some of the most famed Indian restaurants around the world— I am a frequent guest at his @manthanmayfair where I’m known to smack on his truly addictive jackfruit uthappam and spicy Ghati Masala prawns. 
And, I still remember going to @pierremarcolinihimself shop in Brussels when it was the only one in the world!  Now, his empire spans from Seoul to London. 
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Such a lovely evening full of sugar and spice and everything nice.
And, I needed a bite of sweet chocolate after a wonderfully spicy meal. 
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Thank you for having me! @blandpr 
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#indianfood #india #chocolate #pierremarcolini #rohitghai #london #londonrestaurants #londonlife1 week ago via Instagram
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