Description
This Sticky Garlic Eggplant recipe features tender, caramelized eggplant slices coated in a savory and slightly sweet garlic sauce. Perfect as a flavorful side dish or main for a vegetarian meal, it combines Asian-inspired ingredients like soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili flakes for a deliciously sticky and aromatic finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Eggplant
- 2 medium Asian or Chinese eggplants
Sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 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 & Garnish
- 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 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.
- Heat the Oil: Warm the neutral oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Cook the Eggplant: Sear the eggplant slices in batches for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and become tender.
- Stir-fry the Garlic: Lower the heat to medium-low and add the minced garlic, stir-frying for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Add Eggplant and Sauce: Return all the cooked eggplant slices to the skillet and pour in the prepared sauce.
- Simmer: Toss everything gently and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the eggplant with a shiny glaze.
- Garnish and Serve: Turn off the heat and sprinkle the chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the dish just before serving.
Notes
- Use Asian or Chinese eggplants as they have a thinner skin and sweeter flavor compared to globe eggplants.
- If you prefer less heat, omit the red chili flakes.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
- Adjust the amount of brown sugar based on your desired sweetness.
- Serve with steamed rice for a complete meal.
