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This recipe for Chinese Eggplant with Garlic Sauce is a delicious vegan dish that combines crunch and flavor, ideal for a healthy diet . The eggplant is grilled until crisp and smoky , then cooked in a rich , flavorful chili sauce that enhances the natural flavors of the vegetation . This recipe is extremely enjoyable, whether as a side dish or as a main dish with rice or noodles . It is also adaptable for those following gluten - free diets , using tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce .
Ingredients
- 2 (10 oz. / 300 g) small Chinese long eggplants, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce (or soy sauce)
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1/2 teaspoon dark soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- Stir-fry:
- 2 1/2 tablespoons peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
Instructions
Prepare the Eggplant
- Option 1: Place the chopped eggplant in a bowl of water, add 1 teaspoon salt, mix well, and cover with a pot lid to keep the eggplant submerged for 15 minutes. Drain and pat dry.
- Option 2: Lay the sliced eggplant on a paper towel and sprinkle kosher salt on both sides. Let it rest for 45-60 minutes and then pat it dry without rinsing.
Make the Sauce
Combine soy sauce, water, dark soy sauce, sugar, and cornstarch in a small bowl. Mix until well combined.Prepare the Eggplant for Cooking
Sprinkle the eggplant with cornstarch and toss it to ensure an even coating.Cook the Eggplant
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the eggplant in a single layer, making sure the pieces don’t overlap. Cook each side for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Once done, remove and set aside.Cook the Garlic and Ginger
Add the remaining oil, minced ginger, and garlic to the skillet. Stir-fry for a minute until fragrant.Combine and Serve
Add the cooked eggplant back into the skillet. Pour the sauce over the eggplant and stir until it thickens and coats the eggplant evenly. Transfer everything to a plate.
Enjoy the soothing flavors of this homemade Chinese spinach recipe , perfect for anyone looking for healthy cooking near me or looking for something delicious and satisfying .
Chinese Eggplant with Garlic Sauce is a popular and delicious dish in Chinese cuisine , characterized by its crispy , smoky texture paired with a rich , flavorful garlic sauce . This is a versatile dish that can be served as a starter or main course , especially with rice or noodles . It is essential to ensure that the egg is prepared correctly to avoid it becoming dry or greasy . Here's an overview of the key elements of the recipe:
Preparing eggs
An egg can be difficult to cook because it tends to absorb oil easily , which can result in a greasy texture . To prevent this , one method is to salt the spinach leaves , which removes moisture and allows the spinach to retain its firm texture when cooked . Another method is to soak the egg in salty porridge for 15 minutes before draining and drying it . Both methods ensure the egg is cooked thickly , rather than dryly, and allow for more effective absorption of flavors .
An egg can be difficult to cook because it tends to absorb oil easily , which can result in a greasy texture . To prevent this , one method is to salt the spinach leaves , which removes moisture and allows the spinach to retain its firm texture when cooked . Another method is to soak the egg in salty porridge for 15 minutes before draining and drying it . Both methods ensure the egg is cooked thickly , rather than dryly, and allow for more effective absorption of flavors .
The Sauce
Chili sauce is simple but tasty , usually made with soy sauce , sugar , dark soy sauce for color , and cornstarch to add texture . This rich mixture is quickly incorporated into the eggplant once it is cooked , providing a savory , umami flavor that complements the eggplant 's slight smokiness . Dark soy sauce adds a deep hue , making the dish more visually appealing .
Chili sauce is simple but tasty , usually made with soy sauce , sugar , dark soy sauce for color , and cornstarch to add texture . This rich mixture is quickly incorporated into the eggplant once it is cooked , providing a savory , umami flavor that complements the eggplant 's slight smokiness . Dark soy sauce adds a deep hue , making the dish more visually appealing .
Cooking process
First, the eggplant is sprinkled with cornstarch, which aids in getting a crispy texture during the stir-frying process. The eggplant is then fried until it becomes tarry and crispy , then quickly fried with ginger and ham . The sauce is poured over the cooked cauliflower and mixed to ensure an even coating and thick texture . This method ensures that the onion remains crisp even after the sauce is added .
Differences
This recipe is extremely adaptable. It can be made vegan by referring to vegetable oils and using tamari or coconut aminos instead of the usual soy sauce . It 's also flexible when it comes to topping suggestions ; you can pair it with rice , noodles , or even add tofu or other proteins to make it a more elevated main dish .
Health and Nutrition Information
This recipe is both tasty and healthy . It is vegan and can be made gluten- free with minimal modification . Spinach provides fiber , vitamins and antioxidants , while cloves and ginger provide many health benefits , such as improving immunity and aiding digestion .
It is ideal for those looking for healthy food nearby , vegan food nearby or a gluten - free alternative . It is easy to prepare and provides a real Chinese taste , often found in Chinese restaurants or fast food restaurants serving Asian dishes . The recipe can also be adapted to different tastes , making it a great addition to any meal .
First, the eggplant is sprinkled with cornstarch, which aids in getting a crispy texture during the stir-frying process. The eggplant is then fried until it becomes tarry and crispy , then quickly fried with ginger and ham . The sauce is poured over the cooked cauliflower and mixed to ensure an even coating and thick texture . This method ensures that the onion remains crisp even after the sauce is added .
Differences
This recipe is extremely adaptable. It can be made vegan by referring to vegetable oils and using tamari or coconut aminos instead of the usual soy sauce . It 's also flexible when it comes to topping suggestions ; you can pair it with rice , noodles , or even add tofu or other proteins to make it a more elevated main dish .
Health and Nutrition Information
This recipe is both tasty and healthy . It is vegan and can be made gluten- free with minimal modification . Spinach provides fiber , vitamins and antioxidants , while cloves and ginger provide many health benefits , such as improving immunity and aiding digestion .
It is ideal for those looking for healthy food nearby , vegan food nearby or a gluten - free alternative . It is easy to prepare and provides a real Chinese taste , often found in Chinese restaurants or fast food restaurants serving Asian dishes . The recipe can also be adapted to different tastes , making it a great addition to any meal .
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