Altoran’s Golden Recipe! Delicious and Tender Stir-Fried Eggplant
The Secret to Altoran’s Golden Recipe for Stir-Fried Eggplant: Easy and Delicious Preparation
Eggplant, a delightful seasonal vegetable that graces us from spring through summer! It’s incredibly versatile, perfect for stir-fries, pancakes, salads, or even a refreshing cold soup during hot weather, making it a frequent guest in our kitchens. It’s also known for its health benefits and is popular in dishes like eggplant rice. Today, we’re going to try a unique stir-fried eggplant recipe, featuring the ‘golden recipe’ secrets shared by Altoran, which offers a twist on the usual preparation. Let’s follow this simple yet profoundly flavorful method to create a wonderful eggplant dish!
Main Ingredients- 2 eggplants
- 1/2 onion
- 1 stalk of green onion (white part or scallions can be used)
- 2 Tbsp cooking oil
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 Tbsp salt
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the vegetables. Thinly slice the onion and finely chop the green onion. If you don’t have green onions, scallions are a great alternative. Adding onion to stir-fried eggplant enhances its sweetness, creating a richer flavor profile.
Step 2
Wash the eggplants thoroughly and trim the ends. Cut them in half lengthwise, then slice them diagonally into about 1cm thick pieces. In a bowl, combine 1 cup of water with 1/2 Tbsp of salt and stir well. Add the sliced eggplants and let them soak for 10 minutes. Soaking eggplant in saltwater helps reduce the amount of water released when stir-frying and improves its texture. If this is your first time salting eggplant for stir-frying, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the unique taste!
Step 3
After soaking for 10 minutes, drain the eggplant using a colander and firmly squeeze out any excess water with your hands. This step is crucial to prevent the dish from becoming watery and ensures the seasonings penetrate the eggplant beautifully. Once the water is squeezed out, add 2 Tbsp of soy sauce to the eggplant and gently toss to coat. Let it marinate for a short while to allow the flavors to absorb.
Step 4
Now, let’s start the stir-frying process. Heat 2 Tbsp of cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. First, add the sliced onions and stir-fry them until they become translucent, releasing their aroma. Once the onions are nicely sautéed, add the marinated eggplant and continue to stir-fry together. Cook until the eggplant begins to soften.
Step 5
As the eggplant and onions cook, add the chopped green onions, 1/2 Tbsp of minced garlic, and 1 Tbsp of plum syrup. The plum syrup adds a natural sweetness and a lovely sheen without the need for extra sugar, making your stir-fried eggplant even more delicious. Stir everything together to ensure even cooking. When the eggplant is tender, drizzle in 1 Tbsp of sesame oil.
Step 6
Finally, stir in the sesame oil for an extra glossy finish, then generously sprinkle 1 Tbsp of perilla powder (kkaetgaru). The perilla powder adds a wonderful nutty aroma. If the stir-fry seems too thick, you can add 1-2 Tbsp of water to adjust it to your desired consistency. Finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and your Altoran golden recipe stir-fried eggplant is complete! It’s incredibly delicious served with a bowl of hot rice.
