Ensaladang talong is a simple Filipino eggplant salad made with fire-roasted or grilled eggplant, vinegar, and sautéed shrimp paste.
It's easy to make and goes really well with fried fish, grilled meat, or even just rice.
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Ingredients You'll Need
Notes and Substitutions
- Sautéed shrimp paste: Also called ginisang bagoong alamang, this savory fermented shrimp paste adds lots of flavor. Use the sautéed or cooked variety for this recipe. Fish sauce can be used as a substitute.
- Eggplant: Japanese or Chinese eggplant works best because they have fewer seeds and a softer texture. If you can't find them, Italian or globe eggplants will work too.
How to Make Ensaladang Talong (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Cook the eggplant
Poke the eggplant a few times with a fork so steam can escape while it cooks.
This helps keep it from bursting.
Grill the eggplant over medium-high heat, directly over the burner if using a gas stove.
Use a metal wire rack, if you have.
Turn the eggplant every few minutes with tongs until the skin is charred and flaky, and the inside feels soft.
For larger eggplants, lower the heat so the inside cooks through before the skin burns too much.
You can also broil them until the skin is charred and the inside is soft. Use lower heat for larger eggplants.
Step 2: Peel the eggplant
Once cool enough to handle, peel off the blackened skin.
You can rinse gently under running water to remove any burnt bits.
Step 3: Mash the eggplant
Roughly chop the cooked eggplant.
Place it in a bowl and lightly mash it with a fork.
Step 4: Mix the salad
Add:
- 1 cup tomatoes (chopped)
- ½ cup onions (thinly sliced)
- chilies (chopped)
- ¼ cup vinegar
- 2 teaspoons shrimp paste
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- pepper (to taste)
Stir everything together. Taste and adjust the salt or seasoning as needed.
You can serve ensaladang talong right away or chill it first if you like it cold.
It's especially good with grilled or fried dishes.
Add a little cilantro or parsley on top, if you like.
Recipe FAQs
Ensaladang talong is a Filipino eggplant salad made with grilled eggplant, tomatoes, onions, and vinegar. The eggplant is cooked until smoky and soft, then peeled and mixed with the other ingredients for a simple, refreshing side dish.
Yes. Roast the eggplant until the skin is wrinkled and the inside is soft. It won't be as smoky as grilled eggplant, but it still makes a good ensaladang talong.
Yes. Air fry the eggplant until soft and wrinkled. Let it cool a bit, then peel and use it in the salad.
You can, but I prefer grilling or roasting for better flavor. Boiled eggplant will be soft, but it won't have that smoky taste. Drain it well before mixing with the other ingredients.
What to Serve with Ensaladang Talong
- Inihaw na liempo: Marinated grilled pork belly.
- Lechon kawali: Crispy fried pork belly.
- Chicken inasal: Grilled chicken with annatto.
- Fried fish: Crispy fried fish.
- Inihaw na tuna belly: Marinated grilled tuna belly.
Appetizers and Sides You May Like
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📖 Recipe
Ensaladang Talong (Filipino Eggplant Salad)
Equipment
- Wire rack (optional)
Ingredients
- 3 large eggplant
- 1 cup chopped tomatoes
- ½ cup thinly sliced red onion
- ¼ cup vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sautéed shrimp paste
- 2 teaspoons sugar adjust to taste
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- Black pepper to taste
- Bird's eye chilies (optional)
- Parsley, basil, or cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Grill eggplant until the skin is charred and the flesh is soft. Let cool, then peel.
- Chop the eggplant, place in a bowl, and mash lightly with a fork.
- Add tomatoes, onion, vinegar, shrimp paste, sugar, olive oil, pepper, chilies, and herbs.
- Toss gently. Taste and adjust as needed.
- Serve right away or chill before serving.
Video
Notes
- Sautéed shrimp paste: Also called ginisang bagoong alamang. Use the cooked variety. Fish sauce works as a substitute.
- Eggplant: Japanese or Chinese eggplant works best, but Italian or globe eggplant will also work.
Rej says
This elevates my simple ulam everytime! i love it!
Nora Reyes says
Thank you, Rej!
Cheryl says
Delicious! Just need to adjust my sugar to 1tsp next time since all that I have in my pantry are the sweet Alamang and sweet cherry tomatoes. Otherwise the recipe is perfect. This is currently my favorite ensaladang talong recipe. Thank you for sharing. 💕
Nora Rey says
Hi Cheryl, it's my pleasure! Thank you for your feedback and for making the necessary adjustments. You're right about the sugar, some even omit it entirely.
Jomelyn says
Im going to try this eggplant salad recipe soon. Thanks for the idea.
Nora Rey says
Thanks, Jomelyn! =)
Bim says
Easy to prepare and a healthy side dish..
Nora says
Yees! I agree! And also delicious. =)