Spicy Sichuan Style Eggplant Delight
Experience the vibrant flavors of Sichuan cuisine with this Spicy Sichuan Style Eggplant Delight. Tender strips of eggplant are transformed into a mouthwatering dish, marinated in a savory blend of soy sauce, hoisin, and rich sherry wine. A hint of heat from red pepper flakes combined with the aromatic garlic and ginger elevates this dish, creating an unforgettable accompaniment to any meal. Perfectly garnished with sesame seeds, this dish not only tantalizes your taste buds but is also a beautiful addition to your dining table. Serve it alongside rice or noodles for a complete culinary experience.
N/A
Servings
70
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Soy sauce
2 tablespoons (none)
Hoisin sauce
3 tablespoons (none)
Hot red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Sherry wine
1/2 cup (none)
Water
1 1/2 cups (none)
Peanut oil
2 tablespoons (none)
Medium eggplants
2 (cut into sticks)
Minced garlic
2 tablespoons (none)
Fresh ginger
2 tablespoons (minced)
Sesame seeds
to garnish (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by cutting the unpeeled eggplants into sticks approximately 3/4" by 3/4" by 2".
2
Place the eggplant strips in a colander and sprinkle generously with salt, tossing to coat evenly.
3
Allow the eggplants to drain for 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture and bitterness.
4
After 30 minutes, rinse the eggplant under cold water and gently squeeze to remove any remaining water.
5
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, hot red pepper flakes, sherry wine, and water until well combined. Set aside.
6
Heat peanut oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the drained eggplants along with the minced garlic and fresh ginger.
7
Stir-fry the mixture for about 3 minutes, ensuring the eggplant is well-coated and begins to soften.
8
Pour the previously prepared sauce over the eggplant, stirring well to incorporate all ingredients.
9
Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the dish simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
10
Gradually increase the heat back up, and continue cooking until the sauce has thickened into a beautiful glaze, stirring occasionally.
11
Once the sauce reaches your desired thickness, remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.
12
Serve the Spicy Sichuan Style Eggplant Delight immediately, either on its own or alongside your favorite rice or noodles.
Nutrition Information
3.67g
Fat
8.33g
Carbs
1.17g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Sichuan Style Eggplant Delight?
It is a vibrant Sichuan-style dish featuring tender eggplant strips marinated in a savory blend of soy sauce, hoisin, and sherry wine, flavored with garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
How should I cut the eggplant for this recipe?
The unpeeled eggplants should be cut into sticks approximately 3/4 inch by 3/4 inch by 2 inches.
Why do I need to salt the eggplant strips?
Salting the eggplant strips helps draw out excess moisture and removes potential bitterness before cooking.
How long should the eggplant drain after salting?
Allow the eggplant to drain in a colander for 30 minutes to ensure proper moisture removal.
What steps should I take after draining the eggplant?
After 30 minutes, rinse the eggplant under cold water and gently squeeze to remove any remaining water.
What ingredients make up the sauce?
The sauce consists of 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 3 tablespoons of hoisin sauce, 1/2 teaspoon of hot red pepper flakes, 1/2 cup of sherry wine, and 1 1/2 cups of water.
What type of oil is best for this stir-fry?
The recipe recommends using 2 tablespoons of peanut oil for its high smoke point and flavor.
When do I add the garlic and ginger?
Add the minced garlic and fresh ginger to the skillet or wok at the same time as the drained eggplant strips.
How long should I stir-fry the eggplant and aromatics?
Stir-fry the eggplant, garlic, and ginger over high heat for about 3 minutes until the eggplant softens slightly.
What is the simmering time for this dish?
Once the sauce is added, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer the dish for about 15 minutes.
How do I create the glaze for the eggplant?
After simmering, increase the heat and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens into a beautiful glaze.
What garnish is used for this Sichuan eggplant?
The dish is garnished with sesame seeds to add texture and flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Spicy Sichuan Style Eggplant Delight is a vegetarian-friendly dish.
What are the recommended side dishes?
This dish is best served immediately alongside your favorite rice or noodles.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 70 calories per serving of this dish.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
Each serving contains approximately 3.67g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this eggplant dish?
There are approximately 8.33g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content?
This recipe provides about 1.17g of protein per serving.
Do I need to peel the eggplants?
No, the instructions specify using unpeeled eggplants for this recipe.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of minced garlic.
What type of wine is used in the sauce?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of sherry wine for its rich flavor.
How much ginger should I prepare?
You will need 2 tablespoons of fresh, minced ginger.
Is this dish considered spicy?
Yes, the addition of hot red pepper flakes gives this dish its signature Sichuan heat.
How much hoisin sauce is used?
The recipe requires 3 tablespoons of hoisin sauce.
Can I make this on a standard stovetop?
Yes, you can use either a large skillet or a traditional wok over high heat.
How many eggplants are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 medium-sized eggplants.
What provides the saltiness in the sauce?
Soy sauce and hoisin sauce provide the primary savory and salty notes.
How much water is added to the sauce mixture?
The sauce mixture includes 1 1/2 cups of water.
Should the dish be served hot?
Yes, the recipe recommends serving the Spicy Sichuan Style Eggplant Delight immediately after cooking.
What is the primary cooking technique used?
The dish uses a combination of stir-frying and simmering to achieve its glazed texture.