Robata Eggplant Tacos

The Japanese eggplant is going nuts in my garden right now. I have enjoyed Japanese eggplant many different ways. This time, I wanted figure out a way to keep it intact, because the shape is so cool and versatile, while trying something entirely new and different from my typical eggplant concoctions. Robata is a Japanese method of cooking long pieces of food on an open flame, on big skewers. Traditionally, the skewers are placed around the fire by sticking them directly into the sand or earth that surrounds the fire.You don’t have to go to the trouble of building a fire to enjoy something similar. You can grill the eggplant, or just cook it on a stovetop griddle if you don’t have a lot of time. In fact, modern robata restaurants use a charcoal grill, not an open pit fire. The charred eggplant, combined with the slightly spicy miso slaw make for an awesome fusion taco. The sprouted corn tortilla is superior for nutrition and it has a homemade tortilla kind of texture and flavor. I loved the way this came out and will definitely make this a regular.

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robata eggplant tacos with miso-sesame coleslaw

for the coleslaw:
2 cups finely shredded cabbage (I used red cabbage), about 1/8-1/4 head of cabbage
2/3 cups grated radish, about 4 or 5 radishes
2 tbsp. rice wine vinegar
juice of one lime
1tsp. chile garlic sauce or paste
1 tbsp. sesame oil
1 tbsp. miso paste
2 tsp. raw honey or agave nectar
1 tsp. grated fresh ginger
1 clove garlic, grated or minced
1/2 tsp. ground coriander
1 tbsp. sesame seeds
1/4 tsp. fresh cracked pepper
1 tbsp. each fresh chopped cilantro, mint, and basil
extra cilantro for garnish

for the tacos:
3 japanese eggplant
6 scallions, trimmed
avocado oil or extra virgin olive oil
chile powder, Japanese 7-spice, and-or Chinese 5 spice
optional- equal parts water, tamari or liquid aminos, & lime juice, in a small dish
salt & pepper for taste
6 sprouted corn tortillas
avocado for garnish (optional)
your favorite hot sauce condiment (I used an organic Sriracha)

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First make the coleslaw. Mix the shredded cabbage and radish in a medium mixing bowl. In a separate small mixing bowl, mix the remaining coleslaw ingredients to create the dressing and taste for possible flavor adjustments. It shouldn’t need salt but check for your own liking. Add the dressing to the cabbage mix and stir to blend well. Set aside.

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Slice the eggplant in half lengthwise, so you have long halves of eggplant. If you want, you can use a skewer to grill them, or just grill them without the sewer. Brush a little of the oil on each eggplant, cut side up, and sprinkle some or a combination of the three spices. Use the seasonings to suit your taste. Get creative and have fun! Grill eggplant on both sides until it is slightly caramelized-charred, and tender and soft all the way through, and the skin is tender to the bite. If it appears dry, use the water-tamari-lime mixture and moisten the eggplant using a pastry or bbq brush. Toss the scallions in some oil and add to the grill, or grill without oil if you want. When the eggplant and scallions are done, set them aside, and warm the tortillas on the grill. These particular tortillas need a good warming in order to be at their best. Build your tacos by first putting coleslaw, then one eggplant per taco, and then one scallion per taco. Top with avocado, hot sauce or any other suitable garnish or topping. Add a few sprigs of cilantro, and devour as soon as possible!

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Instructions
  1. First make the coleslaw. Mix the shredded cabbage and radish in a medium mixing bowl. In a separate small mixing bowl, mix the remaining coleslaw ingredients to create the dressing and taste for possible flavor adjustments. It shouldn't need salt but check for your own liking.
  2. Add the dressing to the cabbage mix and stir to blend well. Set aside.
  3. Slice the eggplant in half lengthwise, so you have long halves of eggplant. If you want, you can use a skewer to grill them, or just grill them without the sewer. Brush a little of the oil on each eggplant, cut side up, and sprinkle some or a combination of the three spices. Use the seasonings to suit your taste. Get creative and have fun!
  4. Grill eggplant on both sides until it is slightly caramelized-charred, and tender and soft all the way through, and the skin is tender to the bite. If it appears dry, use the water-tamari-lime mixture and moisten the eggplant using a pastry or bbq brush.
  5. Toss the scallions in some oil and add to the grill, or grill without oil if you want. When the eggplant and scallions are done, set them aside, and warm the tortillas on the grill. These particular tortillas need a good warming in order to be at their best.
  6. Build your tacos by first putting coleslaw, then one eggplant per taco, and then one scallion per taco. Top with avocado, hot sauce or any other suitable garnish or topping. Add a few sprigs of cilantro, and devour as soon as possible!
Recipe Notes

Nutrition Facts
robata eggplant tacos with miso-sesame coleslaw
Amount Per Serving
Calories 209 Calories from Fat 45
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 5g 8%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g
Monounsaturated Fat 1g
Sodium 183mg 8%
Potassium 946mg 27%
Total Carbohydrates 39g 13%
Dietary Fiber 14g 56%
Sugars 14g
Protein 6g 12%
Vitamin A 10%
Vitamin C 66%
Calcium 11%
Iron 12%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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