Braised Eggplant with Minced Pork

Braised Eggplant with Minced Pork is a savory and comforting dish featuring tender eggplant cooked to perfection with flavorful minced pork in a rich sauce. This high-protein Chinese dinner is sure to satisfy your taste buds while providing a nutritious meal.

Ingredients

• Eggplant - 300 grams
• Minced pork - 150 grams
• Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
• Ginger - 1 tablespoon, minced
• Soy sauce - 2 tablespoons
• Oyster sauce - 1 tablespoon
• Sugar - 1 teaspoon
• Sesame oil - 1 teaspoon
• Vegetable oil - 2 tablespoons
• Green onions - 2 stalks, chopped
• Water - 200 milliliters
• Cornstarch - 1 teaspoon (optional, for thickening)

Steps

1. Cut the eggplant into 2 cm cubes and soak them in salted water for 10 minutes to reduce bitterness. Drain and pat dry.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and ginger, sautéing until fragrant (about 1 minute).
3. Add the minced pork to the pan, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook until browned (about 5 minutes).
4. Stir in the eggplant cubes and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing them to soften.
5. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and water to the pan. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
6. Cover the pan and let simmer for about 10-15 minutes until the eggplant is tender and has absorbed the flavors.
7. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry, then stir it into the pan and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
8. Finish with a drizzle of sesame oil and garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 20 g
• Carbs: 25 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Cholesterol: 50 mg
• Total Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Water: 0.2 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in protein from minced pork, supporting muscle growth and repair.
• Eggplant is high in fiber, promoting digestive health and helping to maintain a healthy weight.

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