Are you looking to explore new, delicious and exotic cuisines? Asian cuisine offers a wide range of unique and flavorful dishes that can add a new and exciting flare to your home cooking. One of the most popular and delicious ingredients in Asian cooking is eggplant. Pairing this versatile vegetable with fresh, aromatic herbs and spices is a wonderful way to create an unforgettable dining experience.
Today we’ll be show you how to make a delicious and authentic Chinese-inspired eggplant recipe with all of the incredible flavors and textures of Asia.
Ingredients
Our delicious Chinese-inspired eggplant dish is easy to make and uses simple, fresh ingredients that can be found at your local grocery store. You’ll need:
- 2 medium-sized eggplants
- 2 tbsp of Chinese black vinegar
- 1 tsp of soy sauce
- 1 tsp of sugar
- 1 tsp of minced garlic
- 1 tsp of minced ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3-4 cups of thin-sliced spring onions
- A sprig of chopped cilantro
- Vegetable oil for frying
Preparation
First, you’ll want to start by trimming the eggplants and slicing them into thin pieces. It’s up to you whether you want to remove the skin from the eggplants before slicing, but we recommend that you leave the skin on as it’s a source of essential nutrients and gives the dish lovely color and flavor.
Next, place the eggplant slices in a bowl and cover with the 2 tbsp of Chinese black vinegar, 1 tsp each of soy sauce and sugar, 1 tsp of minced garlic and 1 tsp of minced ginger. Mix everything together well and allow the eggplants to marinate for about 30 minutes.
While the eggplants are marinating, slice up the spring onions and chop the fresh cilantro and set aside for later.
Once the eggplants have marinated, heat up some vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the marinated eggplant and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes or until the eggplant pieces are slightly golden and tender. Be sure not to overcook the eggplant as it can become mushy.
Finally, add the sliced spring onions to the skillet and stir-fry for another minute. Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste and sprinkle the chopped cilantro on top. Serve your delicious Chinese-inspired eggplant dish right away, and enjoy!
Tips and Variations
If you’d like to make your Chinese-inspired eggplant dish even more flavorful, consider adding some additional ingredients, such as diced chile pepper, mushrooms, bell peppers, bamboo shoots or water chestnuts. For an extra burst of flavor, you can also try adding a little bit of oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, or some 5-spice powder. These elements will add complexity and depth to your amazing dish.
If you’re making this dish for a special occasion, you can also elevate it up a notch by using the ear-shaped purple eggplants, which are both visually appealing and delicately delicious.
To make your eggplant dish even healthier, try swapping the vegetable oil for coconut or avocado oil. These healthier fats are an excellent source of essential fatty acids and can add an unexpected green hue to your dish.
Conclusion
Cooking up delicious and authentic Asian-inspired dishes is both fun and incredibly rewarding. Our delightful Chinese-inspired eggplant dish is a wonderful way to experiment with exciting flavors and ingredients while staying true to the traditional Asian cooking style. Whether you serve this dish as a side to some of your favorite Chinese cuisine or as a main course, you’re sure to impress your family and friends with this incredible culinary creation. Enjoy!
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