This Stir-Fried Eggplant with Minced Pork recipe features tender eggplant and flavorful minced pork, combined with a delicious garlic, ginger, and chili sauce. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal, this dish is sure to become a favorite.
Preparation Time
- Preparation: 20 minutes
- Cooking: 15 minutes
- Total: 35 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Minced Pork:
- 150g minced pork
- 1 tablespoon corn starch
- 1/2 tablespoon salt
- Cooking oil
- Some green onion, chopped
For Soaking Eggplants:
- 3 or 4 medium-sized eggplants
- 1 liter water
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
For the Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 chili, minced (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar or black vinegar
- 50 ml water
Instructions:
Prepare the Eggplants:
- Cut the eggplants into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large bowl, combine 1 liter of water with 1 tablespoon white vinegar.
- Add the eggplant pieces to the bowl and let them soak for 15 minutes. This helps to prevent discoloration and reduce bitterness.
- After soaking, drain the eggplants and pat them dry with a kitchen towel.
Prepare the Minced Pork:
- In a bowl, mix 150g of minced pork with 1 tablespoon of corn starch and 1/2 tablespoon of salt.
- Set aside to marinate while you prepare the sauce.
Make the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, minced ginger, and minced chili.
- Add 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar or black vinegar, and 50 ml of water.
- Mix well and set aside.
Cook the Eggplants:
- In a large pan or wok, heat a small amount of cooking oil over medium heat.
- Add the marinated minced pork to the pan and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove the pork from the pan and set aside.
- Using the same pan, add the soaked and dried eggplant pieces.
- Cook the eggplant over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until they are tender and slightly browned.
Combine and Serve:
- Once the eggplants are cooked, return the minced pork to the pan.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the eggplant and pork mixture.
- Stir well to combine, ensuring the sauce evenly coats the eggplant and pork.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Garnish with chopped green onions.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
- Pair with a side of pickled vegetables or a fresh cucumber salad for a complete meal.
Cooking Tips
- Soaking the eggplants in vinegar water helps to keep them firm and reduces bitterness.
- Do not add oil to the pan first when cooking the eggplants; this helps them cook more evenly and absorb less oil.
- Adjust the amount of chili in the sauce to your preferred spice level.
Nutritional Benefits
- Eggplant: Low in calories, high in fiber, and rich in antioxidants.
- Pork: Provides protein and essential vitamins like B12 and iron.
- Garlic and Ginger: Known for their anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian: No
- Vegan: No
- Gluten-Free: No (use gluten-free soy sauce to make it gluten-free)
- Dairy-Free: Yes
- Egg-Free: Yes
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this Stir-Fried Eggplant with Minced Pork for its rich and savory flavors, tender eggplant, and perfectly seasoned pork. It’s a quick and easy meal that is both satisfying and delicious, perfect for any night of the week.
Conclusion
Enjoy this flavorful Stir-Fried Eggplant with Minced Pork, a perfect blend of textures and tastes that will delight your palate. With its simple preparation and delicious results, this dish is sure to become a staple in your home cooking repertoire. Enjoy!