Chewy and Delicious Stir-Fried Eggplant Side Dish
Chewy and Delicious Stir-Fried Eggplant Side Dish
[Easy Side Dish for Beginners] Chewy Stir-Fried Eggplant
I’m making this recipe to cook the eggplants gifted by a friend more conveniently.
Main Ingredients- 2 eggplants
- 1/2 onion
- About a bunch of chives (size of a 500-won coin)
Seasoning- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp soup soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp anchovy sauce
- 2 Tbsp cooking wine (mirin)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- Pinch of black pepper
- 1 Tbsp perilla oil
- A little toasted sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp soup soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp anchovy sauce
- 2 Tbsp cooking wine (mirin)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- Pinch of black pepper
- 1 Tbsp perilla oil
- A little toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, thoroughly wash the eggplants under running water. Trim off the stems and cut the eggplants into bite-sized pieces (about 1cm thick, half-moon shapes, or strips). Place the cut eggplants in a bowl and sprinkle with about 1/2 Tbsp of salt. Let them sit for 10 minutes. This process helps to remove any bitterness from the eggplant and drain excess moisture, resulting in a chewier texture.
Step 2
Gently squeeze out the excess water from the salted eggplants with your hands. Be careful not to squeeze too hard, as this can make the eggplant mushy. Heat 1 Tbsp of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the drained eggplants and stir-fry until they soften slightly and become translucent. Continue to cook to evaporate some of the moisture from the eggplant. This step is crucial for achieving a chewy texture.
Step 3
Once the eggplant is partially cooked, it’s time to add the flavorings. Add 1 Tbsp of minced garlic, 2 Tbsp of soup soy sauce, 2 Tbsp of anchovy sauce, and 2 Tbsp of cooking wine (mirin) to the pan. Stir well and sauté for 2-3 minutes until the seasonings are absorbed by the eggplant. Then, add the prepared onion and chives and continue to stir-fry. Cook until the onions are translucent and the chives have wilted. Finally, sprinkle in a pinch of black pepper and drizzle with 1 Tbsp of perilla oil for extra aroma. Stir briefly to combine.
Step 4
Sprinkle a little toasted sesame seeds on top for a nutty aroma and to complete this delicious stir-fried eggplant dish. Serve it over warm rice or enjoy it as a side with other dishes. The chewy texture and rich, savory flavor are sure to whet your appetite!
