Summer Delight: Easy and Quick Stir-Fried Eggplant Recipe
A simple and flavorful stir-fried eggplant dish using fresh summer produce.
Eggplant is abundant in the summer, and I believe stir-frying is the easiest and fastest way to enjoy it. This recipe introduces a quick, delicious, and satisfying eggplant stir-fry that’s perfect for any meal.
Main Ingredients- 1 medium eggplant
- A pinch of sesame seeds
- A little cooking oil
Seasoning- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp Korean soup soy sauce (guk-ganjang)
- 1/2 Tbsp oligosaccharide (or corn syrup)
- 1/3 Tbsp red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp Korean soup soy sauce (guk-ganjang)
- 1/2 Tbsp oligosaccharide (or corn syrup)
- 1/3 Tbsp red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
- 1 tsp minced garlic
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Trim the ends off the eggplant and wash it thoroughly. Slice the eggplant diagonally into about 1cm (or 1/2 inch) thick pieces. Slicing them this way increases the surface area, allowing the seasoning to penetrate better and resulting in a softer texture.
Step 2
Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add a generous amount of cooking oil. Add all the prepared eggplant slices to the pan. Eggplant tends to absorb oil, so ensure there’s enough oil to coat the slices before stir-frying.
Step 3
Stir-fry the eggplant over medium heat until the edges appear slightly translucent and the eggplant begins to soften. It’s important not to overcook it to mush; aim for a tender yet slightly firm texture. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
Step 4
Once the eggplant is partially cooked, turn off the heat temporarily. Add 1 tsp of minced garlic, 1 Tbsp of soy sauce, and 1/2 Tbsp of oligosaccharide to the pan. Gently toss the eggplant to coat evenly with the seasonings.
Step 5
Now, add 1/3 Tbsp of red pepper flakes. This addition will enhance the dish’s visual appeal and add a subtle, pleasant heat, making it even more delicious.
Step 6
Toss everything together again to ensure the seasonings are well distributed. Turn the heat back on to low. Continue to cook on low heat for about 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the eggplant to become fully tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.
Step 7
Finally, sprinkle a pinch of sesame seeds over the dish for a nutty aroma and flavor. Your delicious stir-fried eggplant is ready to be served! Enjoy it with a bowl of warm rice.
