Aromatic Red Onion and Eggplant Stir-Fry
Aromatic Red Onion and Eggplant Stir-Fry
Double the Nutrition! A Colorful Feast with Red Onion and Eggplant Stir-Fry
Experience double the vibrant purple color, leading to double the deliciousness and nutrition! This unique dish features red onions and eggplants stir-fried with a special sauce. Using a store-bought Mapo Tofu sauce makes it incredibly easy to recreate this flavorful, exotic Chinese-style eggplant dish at home. It’s a visually stunning and flavorful side dish that will brighten up your table.
Main Ingredients- 1 Red Onion
- 2 Eggplants
- 1 King Oyster Mushroom
- 3-4 Perilla Leaves (깻잎)
Seasoning & Others- 1/2 Tbsp Salt
- 1 pack Store-bought Mapo Tofu Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 2 Tbsp Chopped Scallions
- 2-3 Tbsp Cooking Oil
- 1/2 Tbsp Salt
- 1 pack Store-bought Mapo Tofu Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 2 Tbsp Chopped Scallions
- 2-3 Tbsp Cooking Oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, cut 1 red onion in half, then slice it into thick pieces. Slicing them thickly rather than thinly will help maintain their texture when stir-fried.
Step 2
Prepare 2 fresh eggplants. Cut them in half lengthwise, then slice them diagonally at a slight thickness. Avoid slicing them too thinly, as this will help them hold their shape better during cooking.
Step 3
Sprinkle 1/2 Tbsp of salt evenly over the sliced eggplants and let them sit for 5 minutes. This process draws out excess moisture and reduces any bitterness, preventing the stir-fry from becoming watery. After salting, gently squeeze out the excess water with your hands.
Step 4
Slice 1 king oyster mushroom into half-moon shapes. Wash 3-4 perilla leaves, pat them dry, and thinly slice them into strips. The perilla leaves will add a wonderful aroma at the end.
Step 5
Heat 2-3 Tbsp of cooking oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add 2 Tbsp of chopped scallions and 1 Tbsp of minced garlic. Stir-fry until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic and scallions.
Step 6
Once the garlic and scallion aroma is released into the oil, add the squeezed eggplants first and stir-fry briefly until they soften slightly. Then, immediately add the sliced red onions and king oyster mushrooms, and continue to stir-fry until the vegetables begin to soften.
Step 7
Now for the secret ingredient! Pour in 1 pack of store-bought Mapo Tofu sauce. This sauce will perfectly season the dish and add a rich flavor. Gently stir to combine, and reduce the heat to medium.
Step 8
Continue to stir-fry, mixing gently with a spatula or spoon, ensuring the sauce coats all the ingredients evenly. This step helps to meld the flavors together.
Step 9
It’s important to stir-fry quickly until the red onions just become translucent. Overcooking will make the onions lose their crispness. Once the onions are tender-crisp, turn off the heat. Add the thinly sliced perilla leaves and toss gently to combine. The perilla leaves will release their delicate fragrance.
Step 10
Your delicious, Chinese-style Red Onion and Eggplant Stir-Fry is now ready to be enjoyed at home! It’s perfect served over a bowl of hot rice or as a delightful side dish. Savor this visually appealing and flavorful creation!
