Sichuan Style Spicy Eggplant

Sichuan Style Spicy Eggplant is a vibrant dish that combines tender, stir-fried eggplant with a spicy, savory sauce, capturing the bold flavors of Sichuan cuisine. This gluten-free dish is perfect for a quick and satisfying supper, showcasing the eggplant's natural sweetness balanced with heat and umami.

Ingredients

• Chinese eggplant - 300 grams
• Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
• Ginger - 1 tablespoon, minced
• Sichuan peppercorns - 1 teaspoon
• Red chili flakes - 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
• Soy sauce (gluten-free) - 2 tablespoons
• Rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon
• Sugar - 1 teaspoon
• Sesame oil - 1 tablespoon
• Vegetable oil - 2 tablespoons
• Green onions - 2, chopped for garnish

Steps

1. Wash the eggplants and cut them into 5 cm long strips, then sprinkle with a pinch of salt and let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
2. In a frying pan or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the Sichuan peppercorns and red chili flakes, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the minced garlic and ginger to the pan, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant but not burned.
4. Rinse the salted eggplant under cold water and pat dry. Add the eggplant to the pan and stir-fry for about 8-10 minutes, until they are tender and slightly golden.
5. In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar. Pour this sauce over the eggplant and stir to coat evenly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
6. Drizzle the sesame oil over the dish, stir well, and remove from heat.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions.

Nutrition

• Calories: 250
• Protein: 5 g
• Carbs: 25 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Eggplant is rich in antioxidants, which help fight free radicals in the body.
• The dish is low in calories and high in fiber, making it great for digestive health.

Tags