Sichuan Eggplant with Garlic Sauce:
Sichuan Eggplant with Garlic Sauce is a flavorful and spicy Chinese dish that highlights the unique combination of tender Chinese eggplant and a bold garlic-infused sauce. This dish originates from the Sichuan province of China, known for its bold and fiery flavors. Here's how you can prepare Sichuan Eggplant with Garlic Sauce at home:
Yield: 2
Cost: $3
Equipment
- wok
Materials
- 2 Chinese eggplants, sliced into batons
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Sichuan chili bean paste (doubanjiang)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch, dissolved in 2 tablespoons water
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Eggplant:
- Wash the Chinese eggplants and trim the ends.
- Slice the eggplants into batons or rounds, about 2 inches in length.
Salt and Drain (Optional):
- Sprinkle the sliced eggplants with a pinch of salt and let them sit for 20-30 minutes to remove excess moisture.
- Rinse the eggplants thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels.
Stir-Fry the Eggplant:
- Heat a wok or skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
- Once the oil is hot, add the sliced eggplant. Stir-fry for about 4-5 minutes until the eggplant is slightly softened and starting to turn golden. Remove the eggplant from the wok and set it aside.
Prepare the Sauce:
- In the same wok, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
- Add the minced garlic and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the Sichuan chili bean paste and cook for another 30 seconds.
Combine Eggplant and Sauce:
- Return the cooked eggplant to the wok with the sauce.
- Toss the eggplant to coat it evenly with the sauce.
Add Seasonings:
- Add soy sauce and sugar to the wok. Mix well to combine with the eggplant and sauce.
Thicken the Sauce:
- Pour the cornstarch-water mixture into the wok and stir quickly to thicken the sauce.
Finish and Serve:
- Drizzle sesame oil over the eggplant and toss to coat.
- Transfer the Sichuan Eggplant with Garlic Sauce to a serving plate.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
Tips:
Adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less Sichuan chili bean paste according to your preference.
You can also add other vegetables or protein sources, such as bell peppers, tofu, or ground pork, to customize the dish.
For an extra kick of heat, consider adding Sichuan peppercorns to the garlic sauce.
Serve the dish with a side of steamed bok choy or sautéed greens to balance the flavors.
Sichuan Eggplant with Garlic Sauce is a delightful representation of the bold and complex flavors of Sichuan cuisine. By following this recipe, you'll be able to create a satisfying and aromatic dish that captures the essence of Chinese cooking in your own kitchen.