Description
Sticky Garlic Eggplant is a delicious and flavorful dish featuring tender Asian eggplant slices caramelized in a sticky, savory garlic sauce. This quick and easy recipe combines soy sauce, garlic, and a hint of sweetness to create a perfect vegetarian side or main dish that’s rich in umami and perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Eggplant and Main Ingredients
- 2 medium Asian or Chinese eggplants
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons water
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
Cooking Ingredients and Garnishes
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil (vegetable or avocado oil)
- 2 stalks green onions, chopped
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Eggplant: Slice the eggplant into 1/4-inch thick diagonal slices to ensure even cooking and proper caramelization.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, dark soy sauce if using, rice vinegar, brown sugar, cornstarch, water, and red chili flakes. Set aside for later use.
- Heat Oil: Heat the neutral oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat to prepare for frying the eggplant.
- Cook the Eggplant: In batches, sear the eggplant slices for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and tender. Remove and set aside.
- Garlic Sauté: Reduce heat to medium-low and stir-fry the minced garlic for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant, making sure not to burn it.
- Combine Eggplant and Sauce: Return the cooked eggplant to the pan and pour the prepared sauce over it.
- Simmer: Gently toss the ingredients together and let the mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens, coating the eggplant with a glossy, sticky finish.
- Garnish and Serve: Turn off heat and garnish with chopped green onions and optional sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- Asian or Chinese eggplants are preferred for their tender texture and slightly sweet flavor.
- For a spicier version, increase the amount of red chili flakes or add fresh chilies when stir-frying the garlic.
- If dark soy sauce is unavailable, you can omit it, but it adds richness and depth to the sauce.
- Be careful not to burn the garlic as it will create a bitter taste.
- This dish can be served as a vegetarian main or as a side dish to steamed rice or noodles.
