Spicy and Sweet Stir-fried Eggplant with Korean Hot Peppers
No Mushy Texture! The Ultimate Stir-fried Eggplant and Korean Hot Pepper Recipe
This stir-fry uses Korean hot peppers (kwari gochu) to prevent the eggplant from becoming mushy, making it a favorite even for kids! The sweet and spicy sauce makes it a perfect side dish for rice.
Main Ingredients- 3 eggplants
- 1 handful of Korean hot peppers (about 10-12)
- 1 red chili pepper
- 1/2 stalk green onion
For Stir-frying- 2 Tbsp cooking oil
- 2 Tbsp cooking oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the eggplants thoroughly under running water. Remove the stems and then slice them into about 0.5cm thick rounds, like sharpening a pencil. Alternatively, slice them diagonally into 1cm thick pieces. This method helps reduce the mushy texture of the eggplant and allows the sauce to penetrate better.
Step 2
Wash the Korean hot peppers, remove the stems, and make 2-3 cuts with scissors. For the red chili pepper, cut it in half lengthwise, remove the seeds, and then slice it thinly on a diagonal. Finely chop the green onion.
Step 3
In a small bowl, combine 2 Tbsp soy sauce, 1/2 Tbsp gochujang, 1 Tbsp gochugaru, 1 Tbsp minced garlic, 2 Tbsp maesilcheong, and 2 Tbsp sugar. Whisk well to create a delicious seasoning sauce in advance. A good balance of sweetness and savory flavor is key to the dish’s overall taste.
Step 4
Heat 2 Tbsp of cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the prepared eggplant slices and stir-fry until they are golden brown and slightly chewy. Pre-stir-frying the eggplant helps prevent it from releasing too much water and improves its texture.
Step 5
Once the eggplant is golden brown, add the Korean hot peppers and continue to stir-fry until they are slightly softened. Pour in the prepared seasoning sauce and mix well to coat the eggplant and peppers evenly. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently.
Step 6
When the sauce has reduced to a nice glaze and coats the eggplant and peppers with a glossy sheen, add the sliced red chili pepper and chopped green onion. Stir lightly to combine. Finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a drizzle of sesame oil for added nutty aroma. Enjoy this delicious stir-fry with a bowl of hot rice!
