Ingredients
- 1 large eggplant
- 1 Tbs minced fresh ginger
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbs chopped green onion (scallions, Spring onions)
- 1/4 C + 2 Tbs of oil (peanut preferred, or canola - eggplant will also brown without any oil, if you are oil-conscious)
- 1 tsp cornstach
- 1/4 C water
- 1 Tbs hot bean sauce (not Sriracha or sambal oelek - I use 1 tsp of Chinese-style hot chili oil + 2 tsp of Black Bean Sauce)
- 1/2 tsp hoisin sauce (not plum sauce)
- 2 tsp rice vinegar (or white vinegar - I also like to use a good Chinese cooking wine, Shaosing Rice Cooking Wine)
- 2 Tbs soy sauce (TIP: when I prepare for G-F diners, I use Organic Tamari, wheat free soy sauce)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 C chicken stock (or broth)
- 1-1/2 tsp sesame oil
Eggplant Szechuan-style
Directions
- Measure out all the bottled ingredients in groups as follows.
- Peel the eggplant and cut the eggplant into 3" x 1/2" pieces
- Mix the cornstarch with cold water
- Heat the oil in a wok over high heat for 1 minute
- Stir fry the eggplant pieces for 6 minutes to acquire a bit of browning
- Using a slotted spoon (or spider) remove the eggplant to a bowl: this should leave about 1 Tbs of oil in the bottom of the wok
- Add the garlic, ginger, hot bean sauce, hoisin sauce and vinegar to the wok, cooking for about 30 seconds
- Add the soy sauce, sugar, salt, chicken broth and cornstarch and water to help deglaze the wok and begin to thicken the cornstarch
- Bring the sauce to the boil, stirring
- Add the eggplant back into the wok and combine with the sauce for about 1 minute
- Add the sesame oil and combine well
- Move to a serving dish and garnish with the green onion
Summary
Year of the Rooster ! A most Happy and Prosperous and Fortunate New Year to all my Chinese friends! Many years ago - too many - I got a recipe from Chef Rose Cheng that set the basis for this dish. I have always come to this dish for a mid-winter spark.
I love eggplant - in all it's manifestations. This dish is one of my absolute favorites and one I do get requests for from close friends. Since I've been cooking (mostly Cantonese) Chinese dishes since I was 14, and enjoying all forms of Chinese cooking, I do have the necessary equipment and keep the condiments on hand. I like to say that I have "3 woks and 4 cleavers parked in my kitchen".
But do not be deterred: if you like a spicy, surprisingly complex flavor profile, and are looking for a relatively simple venture into a new area of cooking, this is a great recipe to try. Virtually every condiment is available on most grocery store shelves these days, as opposed to when, in my youth, I had to travel to Chicago's Chinatown to shop ...
Follow this recipe. The photos accompanying are for a larger quantity than this recipe calls for, but I did want to show you, step-by-step, the process. If you have questions about any of the condiments, just message me - you know I'll get back to you!
TIP: Gather all your ingredients before you begin. Chinese cooking is quick and requires high heat and focused motion. You do not want to be running to the pantry or the refrigerator once you get the oil hot.
Reviews
January 30, 2012
Amos
Excellent Eggplant is one of my favourites
this recipe great regards
Peter1 replyI've cooked/tasted this recipe!
January 30, 2012
Thanks, Peter! I know you like the zippy dishes, so this is right up your alley. I have a Cantonese friend whose family has a long and esteemed history in the restaurant business in Chicago's Chinatown. When Pon tasted this dish, he loved it and asked for the recipe, which he gave to his wife, who, in turn, began to exchange recipes with me (!). Pon's family now makes this to serve over brown rice and, because of medical considerations, she omits the cooking oil altogether and simply sears the eggplant in the hot wok to brown it off and soften it. Thanks for your comment! and stay in touch. regards - AmosI've cooked/tasted this recipe!This is a variation
