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Chinese Eggplant with Garlic Sauce


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  • Author: Camila
  • Total Time: 40 minutes

Description

This Chinese eggplant with garlic sauce is a deliciously savory dish perfect for those who love robust flavors in plant-based meals. The eggplant is tender on the inside yet crispy on the outside, all thanks to a simple cornstarch coating that locks in flavor without excessive oil. The ginger and garlic add a fragrant depth, while the dark soy sauce gives the dish a rich color. Ideal as a main over rice or noodles or as a flavorful side, this dish offers a delightful blend of sweet, salty, and umami notes. It’s a wonderful example of how a few simple ingredients and techniques can elevate vegetables, making them shine in a vegan-friendly, gluten-free adaptable recipe that satisfies with every bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 Chinese eggplants (about 10 oz each), chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon light soy sauce (or regular soy sauce)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dark soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
  • 1 teaspoon minced ginger
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped

Instructions

  1. Preparation:
    • Soak eggplant slices in salted water (1 teaspoon salt in enough water to cover eggplant) for 15 minutes. Drain and pat dry thoroughly.
    • Sprinkle eggplant with cornstarch and toss until evenly coated.
  2. Cook the Eggplant:
    • Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high. Spread the eggplant in a single layer, cooking without overlapping, until browned and softened (about 8-10 minutes).
    • Remove eggplant from the pan and set aside.
  3. Add Aromatics & Sauce:
    • Add remaining oil, ginger, and garlic to the skillet, stirring until fragrant.
    • Return eggplant to skillet, pour sauce over, and stir until sauce thickens and evenly coats the eggplant. Serve hot.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2-4
  • Calories: 122 kcal