Gluten-Free Mapo Eggplant

Gluten-Free Mapo Eggplant is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines the rich umami of fermented bean paste with the tender texture of eggplant. Perfect for a late-night snack or a quick dinner, this dish is both satisfying and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

• Eggplant - 300 grams
• Ground pork - 100 grams
• Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
• Ginger - 1 teaspoon, minced
• Spring onions - 2, chopped
• Gluten-free doubanjiang (spicy bean paste) - 1 tablespoon
• Gluten-free soy sauce - 1 tablespoon
• Sesame oil - 1 teaspoon
• Vegetable oil - 2 tablespoons
• Chicken broth - 100 ml
• Cornstarch - 1 teaspoon
• Water - 2 tablespoons
• Black pepper - to taste

Steps

1. Wash the eggplant and cut it into bite-sized cubes. Sprinkle with salt and let it sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture.
2. In a skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger, stir-frying until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
3. Add the ground pork to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Stir in the gluten-free doubanjiang and gluten-free soy sauce, mixing well to evenly coat the pork.
5. Rinse the salted eggplant cubes under cold water, then pat dry with a paper towel. Add the eggplant to the skillet, stirring to combine.
6. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the eggplant is tender.
7. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into the skillet while stirring to thicken the sauce.
8. Season with black pepper to taste and drizzle with sesame oil before removing from heat.
9. Serve hot, garnished with chopped spring onions.

Nutrition

• Calories: 380
• Protein: 20 g
• Carbs: 24 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Cholesterol: 40 mg
• Total Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Water: 0.2 L

Health Benefits

• Eggplant is rich in antioxidants, which can help protect cells from damage.
• This dish provides a good source of protein from the ground pork, supporting muscle health.

Tags