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    Home » Appetizers and Sides

    Ensaladang Talong (Filipino Eggplant Salad)

    Published: Aug 29, 2022 by Nora Rey · This post may contain affiliate links · 4 Comments

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    Ensaladang Talong (Filipino Eggplant Salad) is smoky and custardy with grilled or fire-roasted eggplant tossed with vinegar and sautéed shrimp paste. So simple to make, yet so refreshing and delicious!

    For the main dish, you may want to try Inihaw na Liempo (Grilled Pork Belly) or Lechon Kawali (Fried Pork Belly).

    Ensaladang talong (Filipino Eggplant Salad) in a bowl with a spoon.
    Jump to:
    • Ingredients you’ll need
    • Notes and substitutions
    • How to make this recipe
    • Frequently asked questions
    • Other appetizers and sides you may like
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    Ingredients you’ll need

    Individual ingredients for Ensaladang Talong (Filipino Eggplant Salad).
    Ground pepper is not in the picture.

    Notes and substitutions

    A jar of sauteed shrimp paste held on top of a cutting board.
    • Sautéed Shrimp Paste (Ginisang Bagoong Alamang): This is an umami-rich fermented shrimp paste used as a condiment or a cooking ingredient. You'll need the sautéed or cooked variety for this recipe. Although not the same, fish sauce can be used instead.
    • Eggplant: In the US, use Japanese or Chinese eggplant with its sweet and creamy flesh. The seeds are fewer and the long, slender shape allows them to cook faster. You can use Italian or (American) globe eggplant in a pinch.

    How to make this recipe

    (1)Poke the eggplant with a fork several times for the steam to release as it cooks.

    Poking holes in the eggplant with a fork.

    (2)Grill them on top of the burner over medium-high heat. Lower the heat if the eggplant is too large to allow the inside to cook before the skin chars completely. With a pair of tongs, turn them every few minutes until the skin is all burnt and flaky, and the flesh is soft.

    PRO TIP: Place a metal wire rack on top of the stove so the eggplant is easier to handle and won't fall off the grates.

    Fire-roasting the eggplant on the stovetop.

    (3)Once cool enough to handle, peel the blackened skin. You can also rinse them gently under running water to remove any burnt bits on the flesh.

    Peeling the charred skin of the eggplant.

    (4)Cut up grilled eggplant and mash them in a bowl using a fork.

    Mashing the eggplant with a fork in a bowl.

    (5)Toss in 1 cup tomatoes, ½ cup onions, and chilies (if using). Add ¼ cup vinegar, ¼ cup shrimp paste, 2 teaspoons sugar, 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, and ground pepper to taste. Mix them well. Taste and adjust as necessary.

    Adding pepper to the eggplant salad in the bowl.

    Ensaladang Talong (Filipino Eggplant Salad) can be refrigerated or eaten right away. It goes well with grilled or fried dishes. Adding chopped herbs such as cilantro or parsley is an option.

    Ensaladang Talong (Filipino Eggplant Salad) in a bowl with a spoon and garnished with a green herb.

    Frequently asked questions

    What makes a good Ensaladang Talong?

    Eggplant is best grilled over an open flame; the skin gets charred, imparting a smoky flavor, and the inside softens to a pulp. While other versions add green mangoes or salted egg, tomatoes and red onion complement the dish beautifully. The sautéed shrimp paste adds umami flavor.

    What does eggplant taste like?

    When cooked, eggplant tastes naturally sweet and has a creamy texture. Grilling or fire-roasting gives it a smoky taste. It absorbs the flavors of the food it is cooked with like a sponge.

    Can I roast eggplant in the oven?

    Yes! Poke holes in the eggplant and place them on a baking sheet. Put them under the broiler on high. Broil them on low if they are large and need more time to cook. Turn them every few minutes until charred and soft in the center.

    Can I cook eggplant in an air fryer?

    Yes. You won't get that smoky flavor from grilling over direct flame, but it will caramelize the eggplant, which is also lovely in an eggplant salad. Peel, cut into small pieces, and toss them in olive oil. Air fry them at 375° F (190° C) until golden for about 15 minutes. Flip them or shake the basket halfway through.

    Can I boil eggplant?

    It sure is a healthy way to prepare eggplant; however, it won't have the same smoky or caramelized flavor.

    Other appetizers and sides you may like

    • lumpiang sariwa on a plate
      Lumpiang Sariwa (Fresh Spring Rolls)
    • Simple avocado toast
      How to Make Avocado Toast (8 Ways)
    • Adobong mani in a jar
      Adobong Mani (Fried Peanuts)
    • achara in a clear mason jar
      Achara (Pickled Green Papaya)
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    📖 Recipe

    Ensaladang talong served in a bowl

    Ensaladang Talong (Filipino Eggplant Salad)

    It is a smoky, custardy side dish with grilled or fire-roasted eggplant tossed with vinegar and sautéed shrimp paste.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
    Cuisine: Filipino
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes
    Total Time: 20 minutes
    Servings: 4 servings
    Calories: 107kcal
    Author: Nora Rey
    Cost: $5-$6

    Equipment

    • Metal cooling rack or wire rack (optional)

    Ingredients

    • 1½ pounds Chinese or Japanese eggplant (see note)
    • 1 cup chopped tomatoes
    • ½ cup thinly sliced red onion
    • ¼ cup vinegar
    • 2 teaspoons sautéed shrimp paste or ginisang bagoong alamang (see note)
    • 2 teaspoons sugar, or more
    • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
    • Black pepper to taste
    • Bird's eye chilies chopped (optional)
    • Parsley, basil, or cilantro (optional)
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions

    • Poke eggplant with a fork several times for the steam to release as it cooks.
    • Grill them on top of the burner over medium-high heat. Lower the heat if the eggplant is too large to allow the inside to cook before the skin chars completely.
    • With a pair of tongs, turn them every few minutes until the skin is all burnt and flaky, and the flesh is soft.
    • Once cool enough to handle, peel the blackened skin. You can also rinse them gently under running water to remove any burnt bits on the flesh.
    • Cut up grilled eggplant and mash them in a bowl using a fork.
    • Toss in tomatoes, onions, and chilies (if using).
    • Add vinegar, shrimp paste, sugar, olive oil, and ground pepper to taste. Mix them well. Taste and adjust as necessary.

    Video

    Notes

    • Eggplant: It is best to use Japanese or Chinese eggplant with its sweet and creamy flesh. The seeds are fewer and the long, slender shape allows them to cook faster. You can use Italian or (American) globe eggplant in a pinch.
    • Sautéed Shrimp Paste (Ginisang Bagoong Alamang): You'll need the sautéed or cooked variety for this recipe. Although not the same, fish sauce can be used instead.
     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 107kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 4gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 29mgSodium: 94mgPotassium: 507mgFiber: 6gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 350IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 35mgIron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @recipesbynora or tag #RecipesByNora!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Jomelyn

      September 13, 2022 at 4:38 pm

      5 stars
      Im going to try this eggplant salad recipe soon. Thanks for the idea.

      Reply
      • Nora Rey

        January 05, 2023 at 1:59 pm

        Thanks, Jomelyn! =)

        Reply
    2. Bim

      January 26, 2022 at 3:20 pm

      Easy to prepare and a healthy side dish..

      Reply
      • Nora

        January 27, 2022 at 8:05 pm

        Yees! I agree! And also delicious. =)

        Reply

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