Vegan Sweet and Sour Eggplant

Vegan Sweet and Sour Eggplant features tender eggplant pieces coated in a vibrant, tangy sauce, creating a delightful balance of flavors. This dish is a delicious and satisfying plant-based option for a Chinese-inspired dinner.

Vegan Sweet and Sour Eggplant
30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Chinese
250 kcal

Ingredients

  • Eggplant - 300 grams
  • Cornstarch - 2 tablespoons
  • Vegetable oil - 3 tablespoons
  • Bell pepper (red) - 1 medium, chopped
  • Pineapple chunks (canned) - 100 grams, drained
  • Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
  • Ginger - 1 teaspoon, minced
  • Soy sauce - 2 tablespoons
  • Rice vinegar - 2 tablespoons
  • Maple syrup - 1 tablespoon
  • Sesame oil - 1 teaspoon
  • Green onions - 2, chopped (for garnish)
  • Sesame seeds - 1 teaspoon (for garnish)

Steps

  1. Cut the eggplant into bite-sized cubes and sprinkle with salt. Let it sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture, then rinse and pat dry.
  2. In a bowl, mix the cornstarch with a pinch of salt, then toss the eggplant cubes in the mixture until well coated.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the eggplant and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown and tender. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil, then add the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Add the chopped bell pepper and pineapple chunks to the skillet, stirring for another 3-4 minutes until the bell pepper is slightly tender.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup, and sesame oil. Pour this sauce over the vegetables in the skillet.
  7. Return the sautéed eggplant to the skillet, mixing everything together well. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.
  8. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 250
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Carbs: 30 g
  • Fiber: 8 g
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 500 mg
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
  • Total Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Water: 0.2 L

Health Benefits

  • Rich in antioxidants and vitamins from eggplant and bell peppers.
  • High in dietary fiber which supports digestive health.

Tags

ChineseVeganDinner