Sichuan-Style Eggplant

30m
Serves 1
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Directions

  1. 1Cut eggplant into 3in pieces and season with salt to dry out the moisture.
  2. 2Let that sit to dry brine while you mince garlic and ginger, and slice scallions.
  3. 3Pat the eggplant dry then deep fry at 375F in batches for 3-4 minutes until lightly golden brown and the skin is bright purple.
  4. 4Remove the eggplant and pour out most of the oil saving 2-3 tbsp.
  5. 5On medium high heat, sauté the white portion of scallions, garlic, and ginger along with doubanjiang until fragrant(2-3 minutes).
  6. 6Deglaze with Shaoxing wine and once most of the wine has evaporated, add stock/water and season with soy sauce, Chinese black vinegar, and sugar.
  7. 7Bring to a simmer and add the eggplant.
  8. 8Gently combine before adding a cornstarch slurry to thicken.
  9. 9Once thickened, finish with sesame oil and garnish with green portion of scallion.

Ingredients

  • 20 oz eggplant
  • Neutral oil for frying
  • 0.5 inch knob ginger(minced)
  • 4 cloves garlic(minced)
  • 3 scallions(sliced)
  • Salt
  • 1.5 tbsp Doubanjiang
  • 3 tbsp Shaoxing wine
  • 0.5 cup stock or water
  • 1 tsp light soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp Chinese black vinegar
  • 4 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp water
  • 1 tsp sesame oil

Tips

  • Traditionally it’s made with minced pork or prawns.
  • Garnish with green portion of scallion.