Dried Eggplant Stir-fry
Moist and Chewy Dried Eggplant Stir-fry Recipe
This dried eggplant stir-fry, made with eggplants dried until delightfully chewy, boasts a fantastic texture that even eggplant-averse individuals will love! Prepare to be amazed by its addictive, chewy bite. It’s a simple yet exquisite dish perfect as a side or a delightful snack.
Main Ingredients- 5 eggplants
- 1/2 carrot
Seasoning Ingredients- 2 Tbsp soy sauce for seasoned dishes (guk-ganjang or jin-ganjang)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp cooking oil
- 1 Tbsp perilla oil
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce for seasoned dishes (guk-ganjang or jin-ganjang)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp cooking oil
- 1 Tbsp perilla oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare 5 fresh eggplants. Wash them thoroughly under running water, remove the stems, and cut each eggplant in half lengthwise. Next, slice the eggplant halves into approximately 1cm thick pieces, cut lengthwise. Spread the sliced eggplants on a drying rack or in a well-ventilated area exposed to sunlight for a full day until they become pleasantly chewy and slightly dried. This process helps to remove excess moisture, resulting in a satisfyingly firm texture.
Step 2
Heat a pan over medium heat and add 1 Tbsp of cooking oil. Place the dried eggplant slices into the hot pan. Using chopsticks, gently flip the eggplant pieces as they cook, allowing them to turn a beautiful golden brown on all sides. Cook until the edges are slightly crispy and the surface is nicely seared.
Step 3
Tip: Eggplant is known for its ability to absorb oil quickly. To prevent the dish from becoming too greasy, it’s best to cook the eggplant over low to medium-low heat. This gentle cooking method ensures the inside becomes tender and moist while the outside develops a nice sear without burning.
Step 4
Now, let’s prepare the delicious seasoning! In a small bowl, combine 2 Tbsp of soy sauce for seasoned dishes, 1 Tbsp of minced garlic, 1 Tbsp of toasted sesame seeds, and 1 tsp of sesame oil. Whisk everything together until well combined. This simple yet flavorful mixture is the key to enhancing the eggplant’s taste.
Step 5
Peel and julienne the 1/2 carrot into thin strips. In a separate pan, heat 1 Tbsp of perilla oil and lightly stir-fry the julienned carrots until they are slightly softened. Once the carrots are ready, layer the pan with the pan-fried eggplant, the stir-fried carrots, and the prepared seasoning sauce. Stacking them this way allows the flavors to meld beautifully and penetrate the eggplant and carrots thoroughly.
Step 6
The finished dried eggplant stir-fry will be wonderfully moist and boast a delightfully chewy texture. The aroma of sesame oil combined with the rich, savory flavor is truly irresistible. Enjoy this amazing eggplant dish, perfect as a healthy side dish or a delightful appetizer! ♡
