Fish Flavored Eggplant

Fish Flavored Eggplant is a delightful blend of tender eggplant infused with a savory sauce that mimics the flavors of fish without using any seafood. This Halal Chinese dish is both satisfying and aromatic, perfect for a comforting lunch.

Ingredients

• Chinese eggplant - 300 grams
• Ground pork (or beef for Halal) - 100 grams
• Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
• Ginger - 1 inch piece, minced
• Spring onions - 2, chopped
• Soy sauce - 2 tablespoons
• Chili bean paste - 1 tablespoon
• Sugar - 1 teaspoon
• Rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon
• Sesame oil - 1 teaspoon
• Cornstarch - 1 teaspoon
• Vegetable oil - 2 tablespoons
• Water - 100 milliliters

Steps

1. Cut the Chinese eggplant into 2-inch long strips and soak them in salted water for 10 minutes to remove bitterness.
2. In a bowl, combine ground pork (or beef), soy sauce, cornstarch, and half of the minced garlic and ginger. Mix well and set aside.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat, add the eggplant strips, and stir-fry until they are golden and slightly softened, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same pan, add the remaining oil, and sauté the rest of the garlic and ginger until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
5. Add the marinated ground pork (or beef) and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5 minutes.
6. Stir in the chili bean paste, sugar, and rice vinegar, cooking for another 2 minutes.
7. Add the fried eggplant back into the pan, pour in the water, and stir well to combine. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
8. Finally, drizzle the sesame oil and sprinkle chopped spring onions on top before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 310
• Protein: 15 g
• Carbs: 18 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Cholesterol: 40 mg
• Total Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Water: 0.15 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in antioxidants and vitamins from eggplant.
• Provides a good source of protein from ground meat.

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