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Savory Chinese Eggplant with Garlic Sauce

Savory Chinese Eggplant with Garlic Sauce

A quick and easy savory Chinese eggplant recipe enveloped in rich garlic sauce.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine Chinese
Servings 4 servings
Calories 150 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet or wok

Ingredients
  

For the Eggplant

  • 2 pieces Chinese Eggplants Regular eggplants can substitute if needed.
  • 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil Canola or peanut oil may be used for frying.
  • 1/4 cup Water Helps steam the eggplant.

For the Sauce

  • 4 cloves Garlic Minced, fresh garlic enhances flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon Ginger Minced, freshly is the best.
  • 3 tablespoons Soy Sauce Opt for low-sodium for a lighter version.
  • 2 tablespoons Oyster Sauce Hoisin sauce is a great vegan alternative.
  • 1 tablespoon Rice Vinegar Apple cider vinegar is a suitable substitute.
  • 1 teaspoon Sugar Brown sugar offers richer flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil Olive oil can be used, though flavor will differ.
  • 1 tablespoon Cornstarch Arrowroot powder is an excellent substitute.

For Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons Green Onions Optional but enhances presentation.

Instructions
 

Preparation Steps

  • Prepare Eggplant: Sprinkle cut eggplants with salt and let them sit for 15 minutes to draw out bitterness. Rinse well and pat dry with a paper towel.
  • Make Garlic Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together minced garlic, ginger, soy sauce, oyster or hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, and cornstarch mixed with water until smooth.
  • Heat Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
  • Stir-Fry Eggplant: Add the eggplant pieces to the hot oil and stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes until they turn golden brown and are tender.
  • Steam Eggplant: Once browned, pour in a little more water, cover, and allow the eggplant to steam for 3-4 minutes.
  • Combine Sauce and Eggplant: Remove the lid and pour your prepared garlic sauce over the cooked eggplant, stirring gently.
  • Thicken Sauce: Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and takes on a glossy appearance.
  • Garnish: Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped green onions.
  • Serve: Serve hot over a bed of steamed jasmine rice or as a delightful side dish.

Notes

For added richness, drizzle with a touch of extra sesame oil.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 3gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 800mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 1mg
Keyword Easy Dinner, garlic sauce, Quick Recipe, Savory Chinese Eggplant with Garlic Sauce, Vegan, Vegetarian
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