GRILLED SZECHUAN PRAWN, EGGPLANT & PAPAYA SALAD (THAILAND/CHINA)

Serves 6 as part of a multi-course meal

ingredients

1 tablespoon Thai fish sauce
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
Zest of lime
1 teaspoon sugar or honey
2 cloves minced garlic
1 teaspoon ginger, minced
1 small red chili, minced
2 tablespoons cilantro, finely chopped
2 tablespoons oil
1 pound of prawns, peeled and deveined
Asian eggplants or 1 large Globe eggplant
Peanut or vegetable oil
1 ripe papaya, peeled, seeded and cubed
1 tablespoon fresh mint, julienned
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
1 green onion, finely chopped
SZECHUAN SESAME DRESSING
2 tablespoons peanut or vegetable oil
1 teaspoon ginger, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
3 tablespoons dark soy sauce
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar
1 1/2 tablespoons Asian sesame oil
1/2 cup chicken stock
2 shallots, thinly sliced
2 red chilies, thinly sliced
Sesame seeds

directions

1
In a small bowl, mix together the Thai fish sauce, lime juice, lime zest, sugar or honey, garlic, ginger, red chili, cilantro and oil. Add prawns and allow to marinate for about 1 hour. Meanwhile, preheat a gas grill to medium high heat. Cut the eggplant lengthwise into slices 1/2-inch thick. Brush lightly with oil and place on hot grill, turning once, until the slices are tender. Transfer to a plate to cool, then cut into strips 1/2-inch wide.
2
To make the dressing, in a small saucepan over medium heat, warm the oil. When hot, add the ginger and garlic and saute until fragrant. Stir in the salt, sugar, soy sauce, lime juice, vinegar, sesame oil, chicken stock, shallots and red chilies. Simmer for about 1 minute, remove from heat and cool.
3
Grill the marinated prawns on a hot grill, turning over once and cook until translucent. Set aside. Toss the papaya, mint, cilantro, green onions and the grilled eggplant. Top with grilled skewered prawns and drizzle with the dressing. Garnish with sesame seeds.

notes

In most parts of Asia, salads consist of grilled seafood or meats mixed with the contrasting coolness of fruits or vegetables and dressed with a simple vinaigrette. The range of Asian salad dressings are as diverse as the ingredients. Soy sauce often impa

Source: Maridy