Eggplant Roasted in Satay Sauce

Name: Eggplant Roasted in Satay Sauce
Total time: 55 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 3 large eggplants (2½ lb.); 6 Tbsp. canola oil, divided; Salt; 7 large shallots (8½ oz. total), halved, thinly sliced; 2 garlic cloves, crushed; 2 long red chiles, finely chopped; 2 lemongrass stalks, outer leaves and top third discarded, the rest finely chopped; 1 ¾" piece ginger, grated; 1 Tbsp. dark soy sauce; 1 Tbsp. tamarind paste; 1½ tsp. light brown sugar; 1 cup crunchy peanut butter; Chopped mint, cilantro, and dill; store-bought fried onions; and cooked jasmine rice (for serving)

By Meera Sodha

November 21, 2025

Roasted Eggplant in Satay Sauce on baking sheet

Photo by David Loftus

I don’t look for dependability or empathy in a friend; I look for them to have at least one or ideally two fridge shelves dedicated to condiments, pickles, and sauces. Among the top tier of sauces is Indonesian satay sauce, because it is the embodiment of joy and life. In fact, this sauce is also trustworthy and highly respectful of whatever it comes into contact with—perhaps it is, in fact, the perfect friend?

Recipe notes

Charred Vegetable Ragù

This sauce is slightly magical. The texture cloaks pasta much like a traditional meat sauce does, and the flavors are deep and rich, but it’s actually vegan!

Vinegar Chicken With Figs

A weeknight-friendly chicken dinner with two kinds of vinegar, dried figs, and a rich sauce. It’s restaurant-quality food in just 30 minutes.

Pork Dinakdakan

Braise tender pork belly in soy and vinegar, then grill with shishito peppers and toss with ginger and a tangy dressing for bold, savory Filipino dinakdakan.

Calamari Salad

With flash-seared squid, tomatoes, olives, parsley, and a tangy lemon vinaigrette.

Sizzling Mushroom and Tofu Sisig

For the full effect, enjoy over a bed of rice with a pint of cold beer.

Mushroom Bourguignon

In this mushroom bourguignon, a vegetarian take on a French classic, earthy fungi braise in a wine-rich umami broth with pearl onions and tender carrots.

Lenox’s Sancocho

This Puerto Rican sancocho recipe is hearty, flavorful, and loaded with falling-off-the-bone beef, tender carrots, potatoes, squash, corn, plantain, and yuca.

Cilantro Pesto Pasta

This vibrant cilantro pesto recipe blends blanched herbs, Cotija cheese, garlic, and toasted pepitas. Toss with pasta for a fresh and bold spaghetti pesto.