Chinese Eggplant with Garlic Sauce is a flavorful and vibrant dish that highlights the tender, silky texture of eggplant coated in a savory garlic sauce. This dish is often found in Chinese cuisine and is perfect as a side or a main dish served with rice. It’s not only delicious but also easy to prepare!

Ingredients List

For the Eggplant:

• 1 pound Chinese eggplants (or regular eggplants), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
• 1/4 cup water

For the Garlic Sauce:

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (or hoisin sauce for a vegetarian option)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
• 1-2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Timing

Preparing Chinese Eggplant with Garlic Sauce takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Eggplant

1. Salt the Eggplant: Place the cut eggplant in a colander and sprinkle with salt. Let it sit for about 15 minutes to draw out excess moisture and bitterness. Rinse and pat dry with paper towels.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Sauce

1. Mix Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, minced ginger, soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, and cornstarch mixture. Stir well and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Eggplant

1. Heat Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
2. Fry Eggplant: Add the eggplant pieces to the skillet and stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly browned. If the eggplant absorbs too much oil, you can add a bit of water to help it cook evenly.
3. Add Water: Pour in 1/4 cup of water, cover, and let it steam for an additional 3-4 minutes until the eggplant is fully cooked.

Step 4: Combine with Sauce

1. Add Sauce: Pour the garlic sauce over the cooked eggplant in the skillet. Stir well to coat the eggplant evenly.
2. Thicken Sauce: Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and become glossy.

Step 5: Serve

1. Garnish: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions.
2. Enjoy: Serve hot over steamed rice or as a side dish to your favorite Asian meal.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick glance at the nutritional profile of Chinese Eggplant with Garlic Sauce (per serving, based on 4 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	120
Protein	2g
Fat	5g
Carbohydrates	18g
Fiber	5g
Sugar	4g

Tips for Customization

• Add Protein: For a heartier dish, consider adding tofu, chicken, or shrimp during the cooking process.
• Spice it Up: Add red pepper flakes or sliced fresh chilies for a spicy kick.
• Vegetable Variations: Incorporate other vegetables such as bell peppers or snap peas for added color and nutrition.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Store any leftover eggplant in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking.

Conclusion

Chinese Eggplant with Garlic Sauce is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that showcases the unique flavor and texture of eggplant. With its rich garlic sauce, it’s sure to be a hit at any meal!

FAQs

Can I use other types of eggplant?

Yes, you can use regular eggplants, but Chinese eggplants are preferred for their tender texture and milder flavor.

Is this dish vegan?

Yes, this dish is vegan if you use hoisin sauce instead of oyster sauce.

What can I serve with this dish?

This dish pairs well with steamed rice, noodles, or as part of a larger Chinese meal with other vegetable and protein dishes.