Sizzling Garlic Chinese Eggplant Yu Xiang Qie Zi
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever have that craving for something savory? This Chinese eggplant dish is your answer! It’s full of delicious eggplant garlic sauce . Honestly, the blend of flavors is just so good!
Brief Overview
This Yu Xiang Qie Zi recipe , originates from Sichuan. It shows simple chinese home cooking. Don’t be afraid! It’s a medium difficulty and takes about 40 minutes. This recipe serves 4.
Main Benefits
This Chinese vegetarian stir fry is packed with flavor! It is also a great source of fibre. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner.
What makes this recipe special? It tastes just like your favorite restaurant Garlic Eggplant but made at home.
What You'll Need: The Dream Team of Ingredients
Alright, let’s gather the troops! For this Eggplant Stir Fry Recipe , you'll need:
- Eggplant: 2 medium sized Chinese eggplants.
- Oil: 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil (maybe more!).
- Salt: A pinch.
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced.
- Ginger: 1 tablespoon, minced.
- Doubanjiang: 1 tablespoon (optional, for heat).
- Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons.
- Chinkiang Vinegar: 1 tablespoon (or balsamic!).
- Sugar: 1 tablespoon.
- Cornstarch: 1 teaspoon.
- Broth: 1/4 cup of chicken (or veggie) broth.
- Sesame Oil: 1 teaspoon.
- Green Onion: 1, thinly sliced.
Tools of the Trade
You don’t need fancy equipment. A large wok or skillet is crucial for the Sichuan eggplant recipe . Plus you will need a cutting board, sharp knife, measuring cups, and a small bowl for the sauce.
Trust me, preparation is key!
Let's Talk Ingredients & Equipment for Your Chinese Eggplant Dish
Alright, you guys! Let's dive into what you'll need for this banging chinese eggplant dish . Honestly, it's simpler than you think.
This is an adaptation of the famous Sichuan Eggplant Recipe called Yu Xiang Qie Zi Recipe , we're basically whipping up eggplant in garlic sauce , and trust me, it's gonna be epic!
Main Players: Eggplant & More
For the Eggplant Stir Fry Recipe , you'll need:
- 2 medium Chinese eggplants (about 1 lb / 450g ). Make sure they’re firm and shiny. Nobody wants a sad, squishy eggplant! Cut 'em into 2 inch long and 1/2 inch thick strips.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (plus more as needed). We're talking neutral tasting oil here!
- 1/4 teaspoon salt. This helps draw out moisture. Key for that perfect texture!
Honestly, finding good eggplants can sometimes be a gamble. Look for smooth, shiny skin and a weight that feels appropriate for its size.
If it feels too light, it might be dried out inside. A little trick I learned from my grandma!
Building the Eggplant Garlic Sauce Flavor
Now, for the star of the show that glorious Garlic Eggplant sauce:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced. More if you’re a garlic fiend like me!
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced. Fresh is best!
- 1 tablespoon doubanjiang (fermented chili bean paste). Optional, but highly recommended for that authentic Sichuan Eggplant Recipe kick.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce. Go for a good quality one.
- 1 tablespoon Chinkiang vinegar (black vinegar). Balsamic works in a pinch!
- 1 tablespoon sugar. Balances out the savory.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch. Thickens the eggplant sauce beautifully.
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth). Adds depth.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil. For that final touch of nutty goodness.
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced. For garnish and freshness.
Don't be scared by the doubanjiang! It adds SO much flavor. If you’re sensitive to spice, use a little less.
Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away! This Recipe For Eggplant isn't something that you want to under flavour.
Essential Gear
Alright, what do you need?
- Large Wok or Large Skillet (non-stick is your friend here!).
- Cutting Board
- Sharp Knife
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Small Bowl for mixing the sauce
Don't have a wok? No worries! A large skillet will do just fine. The key is to have enough space to stir everything around without overcrowding.
If you can't find a wok you can also try Asian Eggplant Recipes that uses pans. And if you're feeling brave, try a Chinese Vegetarian Stir Fry for a full meal.
Now you're all set for your amazing chinese eggplant dish adventure! Let's get cooking!
Cooking Method: Sizzling Garlic Chinese Eggplant
Honestly, have you ever had that craving? You know, the one where you want something totally flavorful, but not heavy? That's when I reach for my go-to recipe for Chinese eggplant dish.
It's like a flavour explosion in your mouth! This recipe, Yu Xiang Qie Zi Recipe , might sound fancy, but trust me, it's totally achievable at home.
We are going to create an amazing Eggplant in Garlic Sauce .
Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place Magic
First things first: Let's get organized. Chop those two medium Chinese eggplants into batons. Aim for about 2 inch long and half an inch thick strips.
Sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt and let them chill for 10 minutes . This draws out extra water, preventing soggy eggplant.
While those are chilling, mince your 3 cloves garlic and 1 tablespoon ginger . Now, measure out your sauce ingredients: 2 tablespoons soy sauce , 1 tablespoon Chinkiang vinegar (or balsamic if you're in a pinch!), 1 tablespoon sugar , 1 teaspoon cornstarch , and 1/4 cup chicken broth .
Whisk it all together in a small bowl. Boom. Done.
Let's Get Cooking: Sizzling Steps
- Pat the eggplant dry with paper towels. Don't skip this!
- Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet. Medium high heat is your friend here.
- Stir fry the eggplant for about 8- 10 minutes . Keep things moving!
- Add more oil if the pan gets too dry. The eggplant is ready when it's softened. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the garlic, ginger, and 1 tablespoon doubanjiang (if using) for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Pour in the Yu Xiang sauce and cook until it thickens, about 1 minute .
- Toss in the cooked eggplant and coat with the sauce.
- Drizzle with 1 teaspoon sesame oil and garnish with sliced green onions.
Pro Tips for the Best Garlic Eggplant Ever
One of my biggest mistakes when I started making Chinese Vegetarian Stir Fry was overcrowding the pan. Do not do that.
Cook the eggplant in batches! Also, always taste and adjust the sauce before adding the eggplant. More sugar? More vinegar? Your call! If you want a Spicy Version Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, you wont regret it.
Looking to make-ahead? You can prep the eggplant and sauce up to a day in advance. Just keep them separate until you're ready to cook.
Serve this gorgeous Sichuan Eggplant Recipe over rice for the perfect weeknight meal. And don't forget that this is perfect as Asian Eggplant Recipes are trending.
Enjoy your Eggplant Garlic Sauce!
Recipe Notes for Your Sizzling Garlic Chinese Eggplant Dish
So, you’re ready to dive into making this fantastic Chinese eggplant dish ? Awesome! Here are a few extra pointers to really nail this recipe.
It's not just any recipe for eggplant ; it's a flavour explosion waiting to happen!
Serving Suggestions
Plating and presentation can really elevate your dish, you know? I love piling the Eggplant In Garlic Sauce high on a bed of fluffy jasmine rice.
A sprinkle of extra green onions always looks fab. For sides, think refreshing cucumber salad or some simple stir fried bok choy.
As for drinks, a cold lager or some green tea pairs perfectly!
Storage Tips
Leftover Garlic Eggplant is still delicious the next day. Honestly, sometimes I think it's even better as the flavours have had time to meld.
Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I wouldn't recommend freezing it as the eggplant can get a bit mushy, but Garlic Eggplant stir fries are usually pretty good, and reheating leftovers are fine to eat.
Reheat gently in a pan or microwave until heated through.
Variations
Want to mix things up? Easy peasy! For a vegan Chinese Vegetarian Stir Fry , just make sure your broth and soy sauce are vegan.
You can also omit the doubanjiang, or use a vegan alternative for a milder heat. If you want to experiment with Asian Eggplant Recipes that are more seasonal, try adding some bell peppers in the summer or some roasted butternut squash in the autumn.
The Eggplant Garlic Sauce works wonders with other veggies too! For a healthier version, you can reduce the oil and use an air fryer.
Nutrition Basics
Let's get real. This isn't exactly a health food, but it's packed with goodness. The Sichuan Eggplant Recipe gets about 250 calories per serving, 5g of protein, 15g of fat, 25g of carbs, and 600mg of sodium.
Eggplant itself is a great source of fibre and antioxidants.
Give this Eggplant Stir Fry Recipe a go! Trust me, once you've mastered Yu Xiang Qie Zi Recipe , you'll be making it all the time.
Don't be scared to experiment and make it your own. Have fun and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is "Yu Xiang" and does this Chinese eggplant dish actually have fish in it?
That's a cracking question! "Yu Xiang" (鱼香) is a classic Sichuan flavour profile, and surprisingly, it doesn't involve any fish. The name translates to "fish fragrant," but it's the clever combination of garlic, ginger, chili, and other seasonings that mimics the savory, umami taste of braised fish.
So, rest assured, this Chinese eggplant dish is perfectly vegetarian (and easily vegan!).
My eggplant always turns out soggy! How do I get it right for this Chinese eggplant dish?
Ah, the dreaded soggy eggplant! The key is to draw out excess moisture before cooking. Sprinkle the eggplant strips with salt and let them sit for about 10 minutes. This process is key to ensure the eggplant is nice and cooked. Pat them dry with paper towels before stir frying.
Also, don't overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed to achieve proper browning, like a top chef.
I can't find Chinkiang vinegar. Is there anything else I can use in this Chinese eggplant dish recipe?
No worries if you can't find Chinkiang vinegar; it's not always easy to get hold of. Balsamic vinegar makes a great substitute! You can also try rice vinegar, although it's a bit milder, so you might want to add a touch more. The aim is to get a bit of tang in the sauce, so experiment and see what works for you.
Can I make this Chinese eggplant recipe spicier? I like my food with a bit of a kick!
Absolutely! For extra heat, you have a few options. You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce, or drizzle with some chili oil at the end. If you’re feeling brave, increase the amount of doubanjiang (fermented chili bean paste).
Just remember to add a little at a time and taste as you go you can always add more, but you can't take it away!
How long does leftover Chinese eggplant last, and how should I store it?
Leftover Sizzling Garlic Chinese Eggplant can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, a quick zap in the microwave will do the trick, or you can reheat it in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out.
Just keep in mind that the eggplant might lose a bit of its original texture upon reheating.
Sizzling Garlic Chinese Eggplant Yu Xiang Qie Zi
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 250 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 3g |
