Spicy Szechuan Eggplant Delight
This Spicy Szechuan Eggplant Delight is a vibrant one-dish meal that brings together the unique flavors of Chinese eggplants with aromatic spices. Sautéed until tender and infused with a savory sauce made of soy, sesame oil, and a hint of sweetness from brown sugar, this dish is perfect served over rice. The addition of crunchy celery adds a refreshing texture, making each bite satisfying. Quick and easy to prepare, it's a delightful way to enjoy eggplants in a deliciously harmonious blend of flavors. Ideal for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this stir-fry will impress everyone at your table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chinese eggplants
3 (sliced into 1/2 inch pieces, then quartered)
chicken broth
1/2 cup
brown sugar
1 tablespoon
soy sauce
2 tablespoons
potato starch or corn starch
1 teaspoon
cilantro
to taste (optional, for garnish)
black sesame oil
1 teaspoon
rice vinegar
1 tablespoon
celery
2-3 stalks (sliced at an angle)
garlic cloves
2 (minced, optional)
black pepper
1 dash (to taste)
olive oil or butter
1 tablespoon
Instructions
1
In a medium-sized pan, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. If using garlic, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and lightly golden.
2
Add the quartered eggplant to the pan, stirring occasionally. Sauté for about 3 minutes until the eggplant begins to soften.
3
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, potato starch, black sesame oil, and rice vinegar until well combined.
4
Pour in the chicken broth into the eggplant mixture, stirring to combine. Allow it to cook for an additional 2 minutes, letting the eggplant absorb the flavors.
5
Add the previously mixed sauce and sliced celery into the pan, and reduce the heat to low. Cook for another minute, stirring gently, until everything is evenly coated.
6
Season with a dash of black pepper and adjust flavors as necessary. If desired, sprinkle with fresh cilantro just before serving.
7
Keep on low heat until ready to serve with rice.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Szechuan Eggplant Delight?
Spicy Szechuan Eggplant Delight is a vibrant one-dish stir-fry featuring Chinese eggplants, aromatic spices, and a savory sauce made with soy and sesame oil.
What type of eggplant is best for this recipe?
Chinese eggplants are recommended for this recipe as they are tender and have a thinner skin compared to other varieties.
How should I prepare the eggplant?
The Chinese eggplants should be sliced into 1/2 inch pieces and then quartered before cooking.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
While the recipe includes a vegetarian tag, it lists chicken broth. To make it strictly vegetarian or vegan, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth.
What can I use instead of chicken broth?
You can use vegetable broth or even water if you prefer a lighter base for the sauce.
How long does it take to sauté the eggplant?
The eggplant should be sautéed for about 3 minutes until it begins to soften before adding the liquid ingredients.
Can I use cornstarch instead of potato starch?
Yes, potato starch and corn starch are interchangeable in this recipe to help thicken the sauce.
What does rice vinegar add to the dish?
Rice vinegar provides a mild acidity that balances the sweetness of the brown sugar and the saltiness of the soy sauce.
How do I make the sauce for this eggplant dish?
Whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, potato starch, black sesame oil, and rice vinegar in a small bowl until well combined.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe is labeled as spicy, though the heat primarily comes from the black pepper and the overall Szechuan flavor profile.
How can I increase the spiciness?
To increase the heat, you can add red chili flakes or Szechuan peppercorns when sautéing the garlic.
What is the purpose of the celery in this recipe?
Sliced celery is added to provide a refreshing, crunchy texture that contrasts with the tender eggplant.
Can I use butter instead of olive oil?
Yes, you can use either olive oil or butter to sauté the garlic and eggplant depending on your flavor preference.
What should I serve with this dish?
This stir-fry is traditionally served over a bed of white or brown rice.
Is garlic mandatory for this recipe?
Garlic is optional, but it is highly recommended as it adds a fragrant and golden aromatic base to the dish.
What is the role of black sesame oil?
Black sesame oil provides a deep, nutty aroma and flavor that is characteristic of Szechuan cuisine.
How many eggplants do I need?
This recipe requires 3 Chinese eggplants.
Can I prepare this for a weeknight dinner?
Yes, this is a quick and easy stir-fry designed to be a fast and satisfying weeknight meal.
What garnish is recommended?
Fresh cilantro is the recommended optional garnish to add a pop of color and freshness.
How do I cut the celery?
The celery stalks should be sliced at an angle for a more traditional stir-fry appearance.
When do I add the sauce?
Add the sauce and sliced celery after the eggplant has cooked with the chicken broth for about 2 minutes.
How long should the sauce cook for?
Once the sauce is added, cook for another minute on low heat until everything is evenly coated.
Can I use brown sugar substitutes?
Yes, you can use white sugar or a liquid sweetener, though brown sugar adds a specific depth of flavor.
Is this a gluten-free recipe?
To make it gluten-free, ensure you use a gluten-free soy sauce (like tamari) and confirm your starch is gluten-free.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Yes, you can easily add tofu, chicken, or shrimp during the sautéing stage for additional protein.
What happens if the sauce is too thick?
If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a splash more chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Why is the heat reduced to low at the end?
The heat is reduced to low to prevent the sauce from burning or over-thickening while you ensure even coating.
Can I store leftovers?
Yes, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Is this dish high in calories?
While specific nutritional data isn't provided, it is a vegetable-forward dish that is generally light, especially when served with moderate portions of rice.
What gives the dish its savory flavor?
The savory profile comes from the combination of soy sauce, garlic, and chicken broth infused into the eggplant.