Savory Crispy Chinese Eggplant Bites
Discover the bold and exciting flavors of our Savory Crispy Chinese Eggplant Bites, an irresistible dish showcasing tender Chinese eggplant perfectly dry-fried to golden perfection. Infused with fragrant ginger and garlic, and balanced with sweet soy sauce and a kick of chili sauce, these nuggets serve as a delightful appetizer or a side dish. Easy to prepare and packed with umami, this recipe will surely become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Share these mouth-watering bites with family and friends for a truly memorable dining experience!
N/A
Servings
112
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
ginger
4 (teaspoons, minced)
garlic
4 (teaspoons, minced)
scallion
1/3 (cup, thinly sliced)
Chinese chili sauce
1 (teaspoon)
dried shrimp
1 (tablespoon, soaked in hot water and drained)
soy sauce
2 (tablespoons)
brown sugar
2 (tablespoons)
balsamic vinegar
1 (tablespoon)
hot water
2 1/2 (tablespoons)
corn or peanut oil
4-5 (tablespoons)
Chinese eggplants
1 1/2 (pounds, tipped and roll-cut into 1-inch nuggets)
scallion (for garnish)
to taste (thinly sliced)
Instructions
1
Begin by combining the minced ginger and garlic with the thinly sliced scallions in a small bowl to create a fragrant aromatic mix.
2
In another bowl, whisk together the Chinese chili sauce, soaked and drained dried shrimp, soy sauce, brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, and hot water to form a rich and flavorful sauce.
3
Heat a large heavy skillet or wok over medium-high heat until hot. Add 3 tablespoons of corn or peanut oil and swirl it around to coat the surface of the pan.
4
Once the oil is properly heated, reduce the heat to moderate and add the aromatic mixture. Stir gently for 20-30 seconds, ensuring the ingredients become fragrant without browning.
5
Add the prepared eggplant nuggets to the skillet. Toss to combine with the aromatics, adjusting the heat to allow for a gentle cooking process to avoid scorching the eggplant.
6
As the eggplant cooks, drizzle in additional oil as necessary to prevent sticking, but be mindful that eggplant tends to absorb oil quickly.
7
Stir the sauce mixture you prepared earlier and pour it over the eggplant. Toss the ingredients well to ensure they are evenly coated.
8
Bring the liquid to a simmer, then cover the pan and allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce is about 90% absorbed and the eggplant bites are tender.
9
Serve the eggplant nuggets hot, at room temperature, or even cold as a delicious snack. Garnish with thinly sliced scallion rings before serving for a fresh pop of color and flavor.
Nutrition Information
3.75g
Fat
17.5g
Carbs
3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Crispy Chinese Eggplant Bites?
These are tender nuggets of Chinese eggplant that are dry-fried until golden and tossed in a savory, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce featuring ginger, garlic, and chili.
What type of eggplant is best for this recipe?
Chinese eggplants are recommended for this recipe because they are thinner, have fewer seeds, and a more delicate skin than traditional globe eggplants.
How should I cut the eggplant for this dish?
The eggplant should be roll-cut into 1-inch nuggets. This technique involves cutting at an angle, rotating the eggplant, and cutting again to create more surface area for the sauce.
Is this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
As written, the recipe contains dried shrimp. To make it strictly vegetarian or vegan, you can omit the dried shrimp or replace them with fermented black beans for a similar umami depth.
What do the dried shrimp add to the recipe?
Dried shrimp provide a concentrated savory umami flavor and a unique chewy texture that complements the softness of the eggplant.
How do I prepare the dried shrimp before cooking?
You should soak the dried shrimp in hot water until softened, then drain them before adding them to your sauce mixture.
Which oil is recommended for frying the eggplant?
Corn or peanut oil is recommended because they have high smoke points, making them ideal for the medium-high heat required for stir-frying.
What aromatics are used in the base of the dish?
The aromatic base consists of minced ginger, minced garlic, and thinly sliced scallions.
How long should I cook the ginger and garlic?
Stir the aromatics gently for 20-30 seconds. They should become very fragrant but should not be allowed to brown or burn.
Is the dish very spicy?
The dish has a mild to moderate kick from the one teaspoon of Chinese chili sauce, but the heat is balanced by brown sugar and balsamic vinegar.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, you can easily increase the chili sauce for more heat or reduce it if you prefer a milder snack.
Why do I need to add oil as I cook the eggplant?
Eggplant is very porous and tends to absorb oil quickly. Adding small amounts as needed prevents the nuggets from sticking to the pan or scorching.
What is in the savory sauce mixture?
The sauce is a blend of Chinese chili sauce, soaked dried shrimp, soy sauce, brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, and hot water.
Why use balsamic vinegar in a Chinese dish?
Balsamic vinegar provides a rich, dark acidity and a hint of sweetness that mimics the profile of traditional Chinese black vinegar.
How long does the eggplant need to simmer?
Once the sauce is added, cover the pan and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the eggplant is tender and the sauce is 90% absorbed.
How do I know when the dish is finished?
The dish is ready when the eggplant is tender and the sauce has reduced to a thick, flavorful glaze coating the bites.
Can these eggplant bites be served cold?
Yes, they are versatile and can be enjoyed hot, at room temperature, or even cold as a snack.
What is the best way to garnish this dish?
Thinly sliced scallion rings are the best garnish, providing a fresh pop of color and a crisp contrast to the soft eggplant.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 112 calories.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
The dish contains 3.75g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in these eggplant bites?
There are 17.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in the recipe?
Each serving provides 3g of protein.
Can I use a regular skillet instead of a wok?
Yes, a large heavy skillet works perfectly well if you do not have a wok.
What should I serve with this dish?
It works beautifully as an appetizer on its own or as a side dish served with steamed white rice or noodles.
Is this a quick recipe to prepare?
Yes, it is considered a quick recipe, with most of the time spent on preparation and a very fast cooking process.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Absolutely. You can whisk the sauce ingredients together ahead of time to make the cooking process even faster.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe uses a total of 12 ingredients, including the garnish.
Why is it called 'Savory'?
The combination of soy sauce, garlic, and dried shrimp creates a deep 'umami' or savory flavor profile that defines the dish.
Can I use globe eggplant if Chinese eggplant isn't available?
You can, but you may want to peel parts of the thicker skin and be aware that globe eggplant may take slightly longer to become tender.
What does the brown sugar do in the sauce?
The brown sugar balances the saltiness of the soy sauce and the acidity of the vinegar, while helping the sauce caramelize onto the eggplant.