🍆Fish Flavored Eggplant 🐟

Ingredients 🛒

• 1 tbsp sesame oil – adds a nutty finish
• 2 medium eggplants – sliced into bite-sized pieces 🍆
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil – for frying
• 1/2 cup minced pork – or use ground chicken or beef if preferred
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – adds aromatic flavor 🧄
• 1 tbsp ginger, minced – adds a fresh zing
• 2 tbsp soy sauce – for depth of flavor
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar – adds a tangy touch 🍚
• 2 tbsp hoisin sauce – for a touch of sweetness
• 1 tbsp chili bean paste (Doubanjiang) – for spicy, umami goodness 🌶️
• 1 tbsp sugar – balances the flavors 🍭
• 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth – for a rich sauce 🥣
• 1 tbsp cornstarch – to thicken the sauce
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions – for garnish 🧅

Instructions 👩‍🍳

1 . Fry the Eggplant:

• Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.
• Add the eggplant slices and fry until they’re golden and tender (about 5-7 minutes).
• Remove and set aside on paper towels to drain excess oil.

2. Cook the Pork:

• In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed.
• Add minced pork and cook until browned and cooked through (about 5 minutes).
• Remove excess fat if necessary.

3. Prepare the Sauce:

• Add minced garlic and ginger to the pan with the pork. Sauté until fragrant.
• Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, chili bean paste, and sugar.
• Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.

4. Thicken the Sauce:

• In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry.
• Add this slurry to the simmering sauce and stir until the sauce thickens.

5. Combine Everything:

• Return the fried eggplant to the pan and toss to coat with the sauce.
• Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the eggplant to absorb the flavors.

6. Finish and Serve:

• Drizzle sesame oil over the dish for a nutty aroma.
• Instructions 👩‍🍳
• Transfer the Eggplant to a serving plate and garnish with chopped green onions.

Craving a dish with a rich, umami-packed sauce? Fish Flavored Eggplant is a classic Sichuan dish known for its savory and slightly spicy flavor, even though it doesn’t contain any fish! Let’s cook up this delicious dish.