Spicy and Sweet Szechuan Stir-fried Eggplant
The Ultimate Szechuan Stir-fried Eggplant Recipe: A True Rice Thief!
Eggplant stir-fried in fragrant scallion oil offers an exquisite texture and savory flavor. The delightful balance of mild spiciness and sweetness makes this dish perfect as a side dish or even a delightful accompaniment to drinks. Try making this simple yet impressive Szechuan-style stir-fried eggplant!
Main Ingredients
- 1 medium eggplant
- 1/4 onion
- 1/2 Cheongyang chili pepper (or to taste)
- A small amount of green onion (white parts preferred)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, carefully prepare all the ingredients for the Szechuan stir-fried eggplant. Wash one medium-sized eggplant thoroughly and cut it into bite-sized pieces, about 1.5 cm thick. Thinly slice the onion and finely chop the Cheongyang chili pepper (removing seeds if desired) for a touch of heat. Slice the white parts of the green onion. (Tip: You can pre-slice green onions and store them in the freezer for convenience.)
Step 2
Now, let’s make the delicious seasoning for the Szechuan stir-fried eggplant! In a small bowl, combine 1 Tbsp soy sauce, 0.5 Tbsp sugar, 0.3 Tbsp minced garlic, 0.3 Tbsp chili powder, and 0.5 Tbsp oyster sauce for added umami. Mix everything well with a spoon to create the sauce.
Step 3
It’s time to start stir-frying! Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add a generous amount of cooking oil. Once the oil is slightly hot, add the sliced green onions and stir-fry until a fragrant aroma is released, creating scallion oil. This step greatly enhances the flavor of the eggplant dish.
Step 4
When the scallion oil is fragrant, add the thinly sliced onion and the cut eggplant to the pan. Stir-fry until the eggplant is slightly softened but still retains some firmness, appearing slightly translucent. Then, pour the prepared Szechuan stir-fried eggplant sauce over the ingredients.
Step 5
After adding the sauce, it’s important to stir-fry quickly to ensure the sauce coats the eggplant evenly. If you prefer a softer, melt-in-your-mouth texture, continue stir-frying until the eggplant is more tender. However, if you like the eggplant to have a bit more bite, stir-fry just until the sauce is well combined. Adjust to your preference!
Step 6
Taste the stir-fried eggplant and adjust the seasoning if necessary with a little more soy sauce or salt, according to your preference. Finally, add the chopped Cheongyang chili pepper and stir-fry briefly. The pungent flavor of the chili peppers will further enrich the overall taste.
Step 7
We’re almost done! Just before turning off the heat, drizzle a little sesame oil around the edges of the pan for a fragrant finish. Sprinkle sesame seeds generously for a nutty aroma. Give it one final quick toss, and your delicious Szechuan stir-fried eggplant is ready!
Step 8
And there you have it – delicious Szechuan stir-fried eggplant! This simple yet impressive side dish is a true ‘rice thief’ when served over warm rice. If you have eggplants on hand, don’t hesitate to try this recipe to make a wonderful side dish. Your whole family will love it! It’s especially satisfying because it’s so quick and easy to make.
