Elegant Chinese Braised Eggplant with Pork
Elegant Chinese Braised Eggplant with Pork
Easy Homemade Mapo Style Eggplant and Pork Stir-fry Recipe
A delightfully savory and slightly spicy braised eggplant with pork, perfect for serving over rice as a hearty meal or as a flavorful side dish. This recipe brings together the rich umami of doubanjiang (spicy bean paste), the tender texture of eggplant, and succulent minced pork for a truly satisfying experience.
Main Ingredients- 2 medium eggplants
- 150g ground pork
- 2/3 medium onion
- 1 handful green onions (for scallion oil)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil (for scallion oil)
Sauce Ingredients- 1 Tbsp doubanjiang (spicy broad bean paste)
- 1 Tbsp oyster sauce
- 1/2 Tbsp Shaoxing wine (or mirin)
- 1/2 Tbsp water
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
For Coating Eggplant- 1 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 Tbsp cornstarch
- 1 Tbsp doubanjiang (spicy broad bean paste)
- 1 Tbsp oyster sauce
- 1/2 Tbsp Shaoxing wine (or mirin)
- 1/2 Tbsp water
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
For Coating Eggplant- 1 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 Tbsp cornstarch
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Let’s start by preparing the flavorful sauce that’s key to this dish. In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of doubanjiang, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, 1/2 tablespoon of Shaoxing wine (or mirin), 1/2 tablespoon of water, and 1/2 tablespoon of minced garlic. Stir everything together until well combined to create a balanced sweet and spicy sauce.
Step 2
Wash the fresh eggplants thoroughly and slice them diagonally into pieces about 2 to 3 cm thick. This cut helps the eggplant absorb the sauce beautifully and creates a pleasant texture.
Step 3
Slice the onion diagonally into bite-sized pieces as well. This will add a lovely sweetness to the dish.
Step 4
Now, let’s prepare the coating for the eggplant. In a small bowl, mix together 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in a 1:1 ratio. This coating will give the eggplant a delightful crispy and slightly chewy texture.
Step 5
Place the sliced eggplant into the bowl with the flour mixture. Cover the bowl with a lid or a plastic bag, then gently shake. This ensures that each piece of eggplant is evenly coated with a thin layer of the mixture.
Step 6
Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add the coated eggplant slices and pan-fry them until they are golden brown on both sides. The goal is to achieve a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender.
Step 7
While the eggplant is frying, prepare the scallion oil in a separate pan. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the chopped green onions. Cook over low heat, gently stirring, until the green onions release their fragrant aroma and infuse the oil. This step significantly enhances the dish’s overall flavor.
Step 8
Once the scallion oil is ready, add the ground pork to the pan. Break up any clumps and stir-fry until the pork is cooked through. Season lightly with salt and pepper to eliminate any porky odors and enhance the flavor.
Step 9
When the pork is about halfway cooked, add the sliced onions. Continue to stir-fry until the onions become translucent and slightly softened, allowing their sweetness to meld with the pork.
Step 10
With the onions and pork fully cooked, add the pre-fried eggplant back into the pan. Pour in all of the prepared sauce. It’s best to cook this over medium heat rather than high.
Step 11
Gently stir everything together, being careful not to break apart the tender eggplant pieces. Stir just enough to coat all the ingredients evenly with the sauce. Continue cooking until the sauce has thickened slightly and clings to the ingredients. Your delicious braised eggplant with pork is now ready!
Step 12
This flavorful dish can be enjoyed as a fantastic side dish or piled generously over a bowl of steaming rice for a satisfying and elegant meal. Enjoy a taste of authentic Chinese home cooking right in your own kitchen!
