Korean Gochujang Glazed Grilled Eggplant on Arteflame

Introduction

Grilling eggplant on the Arteflame grill gives you a smoky, charred, and caramelized result that you just can’t get anywhere else. The gochujang glaze transforms simple eggplant into a Korean-inspired masterpiece, perfect as a side or main dish.

Ingredients

• 2 large eggplants, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 3 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 1/2 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced

Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour a little vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
2. Place the napkins in the center of the grill.
3. Stack firewood over the napkins and light them.
4. Let the grill heat up for about 20 minutes until the center reaches high searing temperatures.

Step 2: Prepare the Gochujang Glaze

1. In a bowl, mix gochujang, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and melted butter until smooth.

Step 3: Grill the Eggplant

1. Brush each eggplant slice with melted butter.
2. Place the eggplant slices on the flat Arteflame cooktop near the center for a high-heat sear.
3. Grill for 3-4 minutes until golden brown, then flip.

Step 4: Baste and Caramelize

1. Brush the eggplant slices generously with the gochujang glaze.
2. Grill for another 3-4 minutes until the glaze thickens and caramelizes, flipping once for an even coating.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Remove from the grill and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
2. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips

• For extra smokiness, place eggplant slices closer to the center of the grill for a quick char before moving them toward the edges.
• Adjust grill placement based on your desired level of caramelization.
• Use high-quality firewood for the best flavor infusion.

Variations

1. Spicy Garlic: Add an extra teaspoon of minced garlic and a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the glaze for a fiery kick.
2. Miso-Ginger: Swap gochujang for white miso and add an extra teaspoon of grated ginger for a sweeter, umami-rich result.
3. Soy Maple: Replace honey with maple syrup and soy sauce with tamari for an earthy, sweet glaze.
4. Peanut Butter Twist: Mix in a tablespoon of peanut butter for a creamy, nutty dimension.
5. Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of orange zest for a bright, citrusy balance to the glaze.

Best Pairings

• Steamed jasmine rice or sticky rice
• Grilled shrimp or chicken for added protein
• Korean cucumber salad
• Kimchi for an extra punch of flavor
• Cold, crisp beer or a glass of chilled white wine

Conclusion

Grilling eggplant on the Arteflame grill gives you a smoky, charred, and caramelized result that you just can’t get anywhere else. The gochujang glaze transforms simple eggplant into a Korean-inspired masterpiece, perfect as a side or main dish.