Description
Honey-Garlic Eggplant Dippers with Cashew-Lime Cream are crispy, oven-baked or air-fried eggplant sticks coated in a sweet-savory glaze, served with a zesty, creamy cashew-lime dipping sauce. A flavorful and fun appetizer or side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 medium eggplant, cut into sticks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup raw cashews (soaked in hot water for 15 minutes, then drained)
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cream)
- 2–3 tablespoons water (as needed)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (for cream)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, toss eggplant sticks with olive oil, cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
- Arrange eggplant in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment (or in air fryer basket). Bake for 20-25 minutes or air fry for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and crisp.
- Meanwhile, in a small pan, heat honey, garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili flakes. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- In a blender, combine soaked cashews, lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, salt, and water. Blend until smooth and creamy, adding more water if needed for consistency.
- Toss baked eggplant sticks in the honey-garlic glaze. Serve hot with cashew-lime cream on the side for dipping.
Notes
- For a vegan version, swap honey for maple syrup or agave.
- These dippers are best served fresh while crispy.
- Try adding fresh herbs like cilantro or mint to the cashew cream for extra brightness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: eggplant dippers, honey garlic, cashew lime cream, vegan appetizer, air fryer, baked