Stir-fried Eggplant with Chili Garlic Sauce

Stir-fried Eggplant with Chili Garlic Sauce: A Detailed Recipe with Precise Steps

Ingredients:

 Eggplant: 2 medium eggplants, cut into 1-inch cubes

 Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons

 Vegetable Oil: 1 tablespoon

 Garlic: 4 cloves, minced

 Ginger: 1 tablespoon, grated

 Red Chili Pepper: 1, thinly sliced (optional, for extra spice)

 Soy Sauce: 1/4 cup

 Rice Vinegar: 2 tablespoons

 Honey: 1 tablespoon

 Sesame Oil: 1 tablespoon

 Green Onions: 2 tablespoons, chopped

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Eggplant:

   a. In a medium bowl, toss the cubed eggplant with the cornstarch until evenly coated. This helps the eggplant retain its shape and absorb the sauce during cooking.

2. Cook the Eggplant:

   a. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough to sizzle when the eggplant is added.

   b. Add the coated eggplant to the hot oil and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and tender on all sides. This should take about 5 minutes.

3. Add Aromatics and Chili Pepper:

   a. Once the eggplant is cooked, add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and sliced red chili pepper (if using) to the pan. Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until the aromatics are fragrant.

4. Incorporate the Sauce:

   a. Pour in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and sesame oil. Stir well to combine the sauce ingredients.

   b. Bring the sauce to a simmer and continue cooking for 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.

5. Garnish and Serve:

   a. Remove the skillet or wok from the heat.

   b. Garnish the stir-fried eggplant with chopped green onions.

   c. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

Tips:

 Adjust Spice Level: For a spicier dish, add more sliced red chili pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes.

 Add Vegetables: Enhance the dish by incorporating other vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms.

 Accompaniment: Serve the stir-fried eggplant with a side of steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Enjoy the flavorful and satisfying Stir-fried Eggplant with Chili Garlic Sauce!