Sichuan Style Grilled Eggplant

Sichuan Style Grilled Eggplant is a smoky, spicy dish that beautifully combines the rich flavors of charred eggplant with a tantalizing sauce. This Halal BBQ delight is perfect for sharing and pairs well with steamed rice or flatbread.

Ingredients

• Chinese eggplant - 2 medium (about 400g)
• Vegetable oil - 2 tablespoons
• Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
• Ginger - 1 teaspoon, minced
• Sichuan peppercorns - 1 teaspoon, toasted and crushed
• Soy sauce - 2 tablespoons
• Chili paste (Doubanjiang) - 1 tablespoon
• Rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon
• Sesame oil - 1 teaspoon
• Green onions - 2, chopped (for garnish)
• Cilantro - a handful, chopped (for garnish)

Steps

1. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
2. While the grill is heating, prepare the eggplants by slicing them in half lengthwise. Score the flesh in a diamond pattern to help the flavors absorb.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic, ginger, crushed Sichuan peppercorns, soy sauce, chili paste, rice vinegar, and sesame oil to create the marinade.
4. Brush the cut sides of the eggplants with vegetable oil and then generously brush the marinade over the flesh.
5. Place the eggplants cut-side down on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes until they are charred and tender.
6. Flip the eggplants and grill for an additional 3-5 minutes until the skin is blistered and the flesh is soft.
7. Remove the eggplants from the grill and let them rest for a minute.
8. Garnish with chopped green onions and cilantro before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 150
• Protein: 3 g
• Carbs: 14 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Water: 0.2 L

Health Benefits

• Eggplants are low in calories and high in fiber, promoting healthy digestion.
• Sichuan peppercorns have anti-inflammatory properties and can aid in improving circulation.

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