Spicy Garlic Eggplant Delight
Dive into the rich and tantalizing flavors of our Spicy Garlic Eggplant Delight. This dish beautifully combines the sweet, spicy, and savory notes of Asian cuisine, offering a delightful contrast of tender eggplant with the crunchy freshness of water chestnuts and scallions. It is finished with the nutty aroma of toasted sesame seeds, making it a perfect vegetarian option to enjoy over steamed rice or as a stand-alone sumptuous dish.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chinese or Japanese eggplants
4-6 (sliced into 1/2-inch wide and 2-inch long strips)
Peanut or corn oil
5 tablespoons (divided)
Fresh ginger
2 teaspoons (chopped)
Fresh garlic
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Hot bean paste
1 tablespoon (none)
Soy sauce
2 tablespoons (none)
Sugar
1 teaspoon (none)
Chicken stock or water
1/2 cup (none)
Water chestnuts
1/4 cup (peeled & chopped)
Scallion
1 (chopped)
Sesame oil
1 tablespoon (none)
Toasted sesame seeds
1 tablespoon (for garnish)
Cornstarch
1 teaspoon (mixed with 2 teaspoons water if needed to thicken sauce)
Instructions
1
Slice the eggplants into 1/2-inch wide and 2-inch long strips, ensuring uniform pieces for even cooking.
2
Heat half of the oil in a non-stick pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add half of the sliced eggplant and sauté until the pieces are golden brown and soft, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3
In the same pan, add the remaining oil and repeat the sautéing process with the rest of the eggplant slices. Set aside once cooked.
4
Reduce the heat to low. In the same pan, add the chopped garlic, ginger, and hot bean paste. Stir gently and cook for about a minute to release the fragrant aromas.
5
Incorporate soy sauce, sugar, and chicken stock or water into the pan, stirring well to combine.
6
Add the chopped water chestnuts into the mixture, continuing to cook for 2 minutes.
7
Return the sautéed eggplant to the pan, stirring to ensure that it is well coated with the sauce. Allow to cook for an additional 5 minutes, until the garlic is soft and the sauce has slightly thickened.
8
If the sauce is too thin for your liking, prepare a slurry by mixing 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 teaspoons of water. Gradually add this mixture to the pan while stirring, until the desired consistency is reached.
9
Fold in the sesame oil, mixing thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavor.
10
Finish the dish by garnishing with chopped scallions and toasted sesame seeds.
11
Serve warm or at room temperature with a side of fragrant white rice.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Garlic Eggplant Delight?
It is a flavorful Asian-inspired dish that combines sweet, spicy, and savory notes with tender eggplant and crunchy water chestnuts.
What kind of eggplants are best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using 4 to 6 Chinese or Japanese eggplants for the best texture and flavor.
How should the eggplant be sliced?
The eggplant should be sliced into strips that are approximately 1/2-inch wide and 2-inches long to ensure even cooking.
What type of oil should I use for sautéing?
Peanut or corn oil is recommended for this recipe.
How much oil is required in total?
A total of 5 tablespoons of oil is used, divided into two parts for sautéing the eggplant in batches.
Why is the eggplant sautéed in batches?
Sautéing in batches ensures the eggplant pieces have enough room to become golden brown and soft without overcrowding the pan.
How long does it take to sauté the eggplant?
Each batch takes approximately 5 to 7 minutes to become golden brown and soft.
What aromatics are used in the sauce?
The sauce features 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh garlic and 2 teaspoons of chopped fresh ginger.
At what heat level should I cook the garlic and ginger?
You should reduce the heat to low when adding garlic, ginger, and bean paste to prevent burning and release their aromas.
What provides the spice in this dish?
The primary heat comes from 1 tablespoon of hot bean paste.
What liquids are used to make the sauce?
The sauce consists of soy sauce, chicken stock or water, and a touch of sugar.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
Yes, simply use water or vegetable stock instead of chicken stock to make the dish fully vegetarian.
How much stock or water is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of chicken stock or water.
When do I add the water chestnuts?
Add the chopped water chestnuts into the sauce mixture and cook for 2 minutes before returning the eggplant to the pan.
How long does the eggplant simmer in the sauce?
Allow the eggplant to cook in the sauce for an additional 5 minutes until the garlic is soft and the sauce thickens.
How can I thicken the sauce if it is too thin?
Prepare a slurry by mixing 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 teaspoons of water and gradually add it to the pan while stirring.
What is the purpose of sesame oil in this dish?
Sesame oil is folded in at the end to provide a rich, nutty aroma and even flavor distribution.
What garnishes are recommended?
The dish is finished with chopped scallions and toasted sesame seeds for added flavor and crunch.
How should Spicy Garlic Eggplant Delight be served?
It is best served warm or at room temperature alongside a side of fragrant white rice.
Is sugar necessary for the recipe?
One teaspoon of sugar is used to balance the savory and spicy flavors of the Asian cuisine notes.
What equipment is best for cooking this recipe?
A non-stick pan or a wok is ideal for sautéing the eggplant and simmering the sauce.
What is the preparation for the water chestnuts?
The 1/4 cup of water chestnuts should be peeled and chopped before being added to the pan.
Can I use regular eggplant instead of Chinese eggplant?
While Chinese or Japanese varieties are preferred for their thin skin and tender texture, regular eggplant can work if sliced similarly.
How much sesame oil is used?
One tablespoon of sesame oil is added towards the end of the cooking process.
Does the recipe include salt?
The recipe relies on the sodium from the soy sauce and hot bean paste rather than added table salt.
How many scallions are needed for garnish?
The recipe suggests using one chopped scallion.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, it can be served at room temperature, making it a flexible option for meal prep or gatherings.
What is the texture of the final dish?
The eggplant is tender and soft, contrasted by the crunchy freshness of water chestnuts and scallions.
How much ginger is required?
You will need 2 teaspoons of chopped fresh ginger.
What is the ratio for the cornstarch slurry?
Mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 teaspoons of water to create the thickening agent.