Spicy Pork and Eggplant Stir-Fry in Garlic Sauce
Indulge in this vibrant and flavorful Spicy Pork and Eggplant Stir-Fry, inspired by the tantalizing dishes from Asian cuisine. This hearty stir-fry features succulent strips of lean pork paired with tender eggplant, all enveloped in a zesty hot garlic sauce that provides the perfect balance of heat and umami. With fragrant ginger, aromatic garlic, and a splash of lime juice, this dish is a culinary adventure you can customize to suit your spice tolerance. Whether served over steamed rice or enjoyed on its own, this stir-fry brings the essence of Asian cooking right to your kitchen. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a delightful dinner party option.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Eggplant
1 (Peeled and sliced into 1x2 inch pieces or rounds)
Vegetable Oil
2 tablespoons (For stir-frying)
Lean Pork
1/2 lb (Cut into thin strips)
Garlic
2 cloves (Minced)
Gingerroot
1/2 inch piece (Minced)
Soy Sauce
2 teaspoons (Use gluten-free tamari if desired)
Lime Juice
2 teaspoons (Freshly squeezed)
Sugar
1 teaspoon (Granulated)
Dark Sesame Oil
1 teaspoon (For added flavor)
Dried Hot Chili Flakes
1 teaspoon (To taste)
Scallion
1 (Sliced thin for garnish)
Sesame Seeds
1/2 teaspoon (For garnish)
Instructions
1
Peel the eggplant and slice it into pieces about 1x2 inches and 1/4 inch thick. For smaller Asian eggplants, simply slice them into 1/4 inch rounds.
2
In a non-stick wok or large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced eggplant and stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes, or until the eggplant is soft and slightly golden. Drain the eggplant, leaving the oil in the pan, and set it aside.
3
In the same pan, toss in the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant—be careful not to burn them.
4
Add the thinly sliced pork to the pan and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until the pork is just cooked through and lightly browned.
5
Return the cooked eggplant to the pan and stir to combine with the pork. Add the soy sauce, lime juice, sugar, dark sesame oil, and dried chili flakes. Stir well to coat all the ingredients with the sauce.
6
Turn off the heat and let the stir-fry sit for a couple of minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
7
Serve the stir-fry on plates and garnish with sliced scallion and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Pork and Eggplant Stir-Fry in Garlic Sauce?
It is a flavorful Asian-inspired stir-fry featuring succulent lean pork, tender eggplant, and a zesty hot garlic sauce.
What kind of eggplant should I use?
You can use standard eggplant sliced into 1x2 inch pieces or smaller Asian eggplants sliced into rounds.
Do I need to peel the eggplant?
Yes, the recipe instructions recommend peeling the eggplant before slicing.
How should the pork be prepared?
The lean pork should be cut into thin strips for quick and even cooking.
Is this recipe spicy?
Yes, it contains dried hot chili flakes, which can be adjusted to suit your heat preference.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free tamari in place of the soy sauce.
What oil is best for stir-frying this dish?
The recipe calls for vegetable oil for the high-heat stir-frying process.
How long does it take to cook the eggplant?
The eggplant should be stir-fried for about 5-7 minutes until it is soft and slightly golden.
What aromatics are used in the base of the sauce?
Freshly minced garlic and gingerroot provide the aromatic base for the stir-fry.
How do I prevent the garlic and ginger from burning?
Sauté them for only about 30 seconds until they become fragrant, then immediately add the pork.
How long should I cook the pork?
Stir-fry the pork strips for 2-3 minutes until they are just cooked through and lightly browned.
What ingredients make up the garlic sauce?
The sauce is composed of soy sauce, lime juice, sugar, dark sesame oil, and dried chili flakes.
Why is lime juice used in this stir-fry?
Lime juice adds a fresh acidity that balances the umami of the soy sauce and the heat of the chili.
What is the purpose of dark sesame oil?
Dark sesame oil is used at the end to provide a rich, nutty aroma and depth of flavor.
When should I add the sauce ingredients?
Add the sauce ingredients after the pork is cooked and the eggplant has been returned to the pan.
Should I let the stir-fry rest after cooking?
Yes, letting it sit for a couple of minutes off the heat allows the flavors to meld together.
What garnishes are recommended?
The dish is traditionally garnished with thinly sliced scallions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
Can I use a regular skillet if I don't have a wok?
Yes, a large non-stick skillet can be used as an alternative to a wok.
How much pork does this recipe require?
The recipe uses 1/2 lb of lean pork.
What is the serving suggestion for this dish?
It is excellent when served over steamed rice or enjoyed on its own.
How much ginger is needed?
The recipe calls for a 1/2 inch piece of gingerroot, minced.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, it is designed as a quick weeknight meal with a short cooking time.
Can I substitute the sugar?
You can use any sweetener of your choice, though granulated sugar is specified in the original recipe.
How many cloves of garlic are in the recipe?
The recipe requires 2 cloves of minced garlic.
What color should the eggplant be when finished stir-frying?
The eggplant should be slightly golden and soft.
Is the pork cooked separately from the eggplant?
The eggplant is cooked first and set aside, then the pork is cooked before combining them both.
How many ingredients are in this recipe total?
There are 12 total ingredients including the garnishes.
Can I adjust the amount of sesame seeds?
Yes, the 1/2 teaspoon of sesame seeds is for garnish and can be adjusted to your liking.
What is the texture of the pork in this dish?
Because it is cut into thin strips and stir-fried quickly, the pork remains succulent and tender.
What cuisine does this dish belong to?
This dish is inspired by Asian cuisine, specifically focusing on stir-fry techniques and garlic-based sauces.