Savory and Sweet Soy-Glazed Eggplant Stir-Fry
The Perfect Side Dish for Rice: Savory and Sweet Soy-Glazed Eggplant!
Made with fresh, seasonal eggplant, this simple yet delicious side dish is a true rice thief! The perfect balance of savory soy sauce and sweet notes makes this glazed eggplant stir-fry a must-have on your table. It’s incredibly easy to make, so give it a try today!
Main Ingredients
- 3 fresh eggplants
- 1 onion
- 3 Tbsp cooking oil
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
Seasoning Ingredients
- 4 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1.5 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1.5 Tbsp corn syrup (or oligosaccharide)
- A pinch of black pepper (about 3 shakes)
- A sprinkle of sesame seeds
- 4 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1.5 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1.5 Tbsp corn syrup (or oligosaccharide)
- A pinch of black pepper (about 3 shakes)
- A sprinkle of sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by preparing three fresh eggplants. Wash them thoroughly under running water.
Step 2
Cut off the stem end of each washed eggplant, just where it connects to the main body. Be careful not to waste too much.
Step 3
You can clean it up like this, removing the stem part. The rest of the eggplant will be used for cooking.
Step 4
Soak the prepared eggplant in cold water for about 5 minutes. This helps to remove any slight bitterness the eggplant might have, resulting in a softer texture.
Step 5
Drain the eggplant and cut each piece lengthwise in half. Avoid cutting them too thinly at this stage.
Step 6
Take each halved piece and cut it lengthwise in half again. This creates wider surfaces for the eggplant, allowing it to absorb the sauce better and cook evenly.
Step 7
Slice the eggplant into strips, about 1 cm thick, for easy eating. If they are too thin, they might break apart while stir-frying, so aim for a moderate thickness.
Step 8
Slice one onion into similar-sized strips. The onion will add a touch of sweetness and umami to the dish.
Step 9
Now, heat a wok or large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 tablespoons of cooking oil, then add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic to infuse the oil with its aroma.
Step 10
Stir-fry the minced garlic, keeping the heat at medium, until it’s fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn it. You should start smelling the garlic’s wonderful aroma.
Step 11
After about 1 minute of stir-frying the garlic, add all the sliced eggplant to the pan. Stir-fry them together. The eggplant will start to soften and absorb the oil.
Step 12
Continue to stir-fry the eggplant for about 2-3 minutes until it starts to look slightly translucent. Then, add the sliced onions and stir-fry everything together until the onions also become slightly translucent.
Step 13
Once the eggplant has slightly changed color and the onions are becoming transparent, it’s time to add the delicious seasoning. You’ll pour the pre-mixed sauce directly into the pan.
Step 14
Prepare 4 tablespoons of soy sauce.
Step 15
Add 1.5 tablespoons of sesame oil. Adding sesame oil towards the end helps preserve its fragrant aroma.
Step 16
Pour the soy sauce seasoning around the edges of the pan. Adding the sauce this way allows it to caramelize slightly, bringing out a richer flavor profile as it cooks with the vegetables.
Step 17
Stir-fry the ingredients with the sauce for about 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Then, add 1.5 tablespoons of corn syrup (or oligosaccharide) for a touch of sweetness and mix well.
Step 18
Continue to stir-fry until the eggplant becomes tender and ‘wilts’ slightly. Be careful not to overcook, as the eggplant can become too mushy. Cook just until it reaches a tender consistency.
Step 19
Once the eggplant is tender and the sauce is well combined, finish by adding a pinch of black pepper, about two to three shakes, to enhance the flavor. Pepper adds a subtle kick.
Step 20
Finally, sprinkle generously with sesame seeds for a beautiful finish. Your delicious Soy-Glazed Eggplant Stir-Fry is ready! Serve it over warm rice and enjoy!
