Cooking vegetables can sometimes be hectic and quite tricky, given a lot of factors ahead. However, in this article, we have brought to you the best authentic Chinese Eggplant Recipe. Be it lunch or dinner, it is extremely easy to make with less hassle.
In general, people hold this stereotype that Chinese recipes mostly are about the non vegetarian section. However, there might be something for the vegans or vegetarians out there, too. This spicy Chinese eggplant recipe is easy to make, and quite healthy in comparison to junk food. So, without stalling you further, let us jump right into it.
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Best Chinese Eggplant Recipe: A Saviour Of Time And Your Tastebuds
Are you looking for a saucy yet crispy option to satisfy your gluten-free vegan needs? Or, you are a fan of the Chinese cuisine, and any Asian spicy crispy meal? Here, we have got an authentic Chinese Eggplant Recipe that will specifically serve all of your needs in one place. Eggplants are one of the best staples in the Asian cuisine. These are vegetables that have exclusively high amount of nutrients and flavors.
If you are looking for health benefits, let me tell you something about Chinese eggplants. These are powerhouses of vitamins, containing high amounts of Vitamin A, C and K. All of the eggplants have minerals like Potassium and loads of antioxidants in them. In this cooking guide, we are taking Chinese eggplants mainly for their long structure and sweet tasting flesh. Plus, they tend to have fewer amounts of seeds in them.
These vegetables have a bright purple and smooth skins in them. This lavendar colour of Chinese eggplants add more colour to your dish. You can serve this easy Chinese eggplant recipe along with white rice or Sichuan Fried rice. Be it dinner or lunch, this will help you get the perfect amount of spice and nutrition. A lot of Chinese restaurants keep it in their main vegetarian courses. Infused with a variety of spices, be ready to take your tastebuds on a wild ride.
Ingredients You Need For This:
● Japanese or Chinese eggplant, make sure to brine it using salt and hot water beforehand.
● Vegetable Oil, or else you can use sesame seed oil too, for any neutral oil of your choice.
● Cornstarch or Cornflour, which will he helpful in coating a layer of crisp around the eggplant.
● Chili Paste, which is available in stores. But, preferably use a homemade paste to control the heat levels in your dish.
● Chinese Sauce, use balsamic vinegar, white rice vinegar, dark soya sauce, shoyu and water to make it.
● Ginger or fresh Garlic cloves to make your Chinese eggplant recipe more aromatic and fragrant.
● Red Chilli slices and Green Onions, which are essential for seasoning the dish once it is made.
Crispy Spicy Chinese Eggplant Recipe: A Step-by-step Guide
Firstly, keep your eggplants submerged in a large pot full of saltwater. Keep it in medium heat for 12 to 15 minutes. Once you have brined them properly, gently drain the hot water from your pot. Use a soft cloth and pat the eggplants dry after brining them.
Secondly, make your Chinese sauce for this crispy Chinese Eggplant Recipe. Assemble shoyu, balsamic vinegar, white rice vinegar and dark soya sauce in a small bowl. Stir and add water till you can dissolve all the lumps. Whisk well and set it down aside.
Thirdly, coat the eggplants with cornstarch or cornflour. Keep tossing them in a bowl till you can cover them fully. Heat oil in a big wok, and swirl it around in high heat. Stir fry the coated eggplants one by one in the hot oil. Keep frying for 4 to 5 minutes, till they are all brown on sides and keep them aside.
Then, add garlic, chili paste, ginger in the wok, and pour in the sauce. Keep stir frying till the gravy looks glossy and thicker. Add the fried eggplants and coat them meticulously with the sauce. After 2 or 3 minutes, turn the heat down and the crispy spicy Chinese eggplant recipe is ready to serve.
Key Takeaways:
Eggplants have been around for centuries now. Chinese and Japanese cultures have integrated them in their cuisines for years now. Even though we are using oils and spices, the vegetable has a lower place in the calorific index. The high amount of fiber in eggplants contribute towards a healthy bowel movement despite of the spices.
They help to reduce the risk of developing heart diseases and keeps blood sugar in control. Since this is an authentic Chinese eggplant recipe, you have to use authentic ingredients like Shoyu or Chilli paste. Just in case you want to increase the nutrient levels, add other veggies like capsicum or bell peppers.
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