Description
Crispy Chinese Eggplant Delight is a delicious and crispy dish made with Chinese eggplants, garlic, ginger, and a savory sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 medium Chinese eggplants (about 1 pound), cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
- Start by preparing the eggplant. Place the cut eggplant pieces in a colander, sprinkle with salt, and let them sit for about 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Rinse and pat dry with paper towels.
- In a large bowl, combine the cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. Toss the dried eggplant pieces in the cornstarch mixture until evenly coated.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the eggplant in batches, frying until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Pour this sauce into the skillet and bring to a simmer.
- Add the crispy eggplant back to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
Notes
- For a healthier version, you can bake the eggplant instead of frying. Toss the coated eggplant in a little oil and bake at 400°F for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Add some protein by including tofu or chicken. Cook the protein separately and mix it in with the eggplant during the final step.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg