Home Sichuan Eggplant
Ingredients
- Egg Plants - 1.5 pounds sliced
- Peanut Oil - 2 tablespoons
- Chicken Stock - 1/4 cup
- Sugar - 2 tsp
- Soy Sauce - 1/2 tsp
- Chilli Bean Paste - 1 ½ tbsp
- Sichuan Pepper - 2 tsp
- Ginger - 2 tsp
- Garlic - 5 cloves
- Cornstarch - 1 tsp
- Apple Cider Vinegar - 2 tsp
- Scallions - 4 Chopped
- Cilantro - Garnish
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Instructions
- This recipe calls for asian eggplants, or Japanese eggplants.
- They are long and thin compared to a European or globe eggplant, and much more tender and delicate.
- If you can't find them you can substitute globe eggplant, but the dish is really best with the asian eggplant.
- *A lot of grocery stores have Asian ingredient aisles now.
- You should be able to find chili-bean paste, a mixture of preserved chilies mixed with mashed soybeans, there or at any Asian market.
- (Do not confuse with black bean paste or chili-garlic paste.
- ) **Sichuan peppercorns are available at some stores and online for quite cheap.
- They aren't spicy like other peppers but rather have a citrusy flavor and induce a tingly, numbing sensation like a carbonated drink.
- Prep eggplant, chili sauce, cornstarch slurry, vinegar and scallions: Begin your mise en place.
- Quarter the eggplant lengthwise and chop into large batons and set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix together the chicken stock, sugar, and soy sauce and set it aside.
- In a second bowl, mix together the chili bean paste, garlic, ginger, and sichuan peppercorns and set it aside.
- In a third bowl, mix together the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and set it aside.
- Lastly, in a fourth bowl, mix together the scallions and vinegar and set it aside.
- Sauté eggplant: Place the oil in a wok or large sauté pan over medium-high heat until the oil is almost smoking.
- Add the eggplant and sauté, allowing it to sit for a few seconds each time you move it to allow it to brown and blister.
- If the eggplant absorbs all the oil and some pieces don't get any then add a little more oil.
- Add the chili bean paste, garlic, ginger, and sichuan peppercorns and sauté: until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add the chicken stock mixture: turn the heat to medium-low and simmer for 90 seconds.
- Add the cornstarch mixture: and stir together until the sauce thickens a bit.
- Add the scallions and vinegar: and cook for 15 seconds to diffuse their harsh flavors a bit.
- Garnish with cilantro and serve.