Savory Bacon and Eggplant Stir-fry: A Kid-Friendly Favorite
Savory Bacon and Eggplant Stir-fry: A Kid-Friendly Favorite
How to Make a Delicious Bacon and Eggplant Stir-fry That Even Picky Eaters Will Love
I’ve always loved eggplant stir-fry since I was a child. Back then, I didn’t really know what ‘picky eating’ was, so I ate whatever my mother made with joy. Nowadays, children who are picky eaters often refuse to eat certain vegetables or fruits. I, on the other hand, enjoy all sorts of vegetables and fruits, though sometimes the price can be a deterrent. Today, I’ve made an eggplant stir-fry using fresh summer eggplant. To make it appealing to children, who generally love bacon, I’ve added plenty of it! This is actually my first time making eggplant stir-fry with bacon. I suspect the addition of bacon will make it even more delicious. Let me guide you through the simple and tasty process of making this Bacon and Eggplant Stir-fry right now. It’s a fantastic dish that uses simple ingredients!
Ingredients- 3 medium eggplants
- 10 strips thick-cut bacon (approx. 200g)
- 1/2 large leek (white part mainly)
- 1/2 medium onion
- 3 Tbsp cooking oil
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the vegetables. Cut the leek in half lengthwise, then slice it into approximately 4cm segments. Cutting them this way will maintain a pleasant texture after stir-frying and enhance the overall flavor.
Step 2
Slice the onion thinly, about 0.3cm thick. Thinly sliced onions will meld well with the other ingredients and cook faster.
Step 3
Cut the eggplants into bite-sized pieces. Slicing them to about 1.5-2cm thickness is recommended, as this prevents them from becoming too mushy during cooking and ensures a satisfying texture.
Step 4
Cut the bacon into roughly 3cm pieces. Larger pieces of bacon provide a more substantial bite and release delicious fat that coats the eggplant, making it more flavorful.
Step 5
Now, let’s start stir-frying! Heat a pan over medium heat and add 3 tablespoons of cooking oil. Add the prepared leeks and stir-fry until they release a fragrant aroma. Infusing the oil with leek essence will significantly boost the dish’s flavor.
Step 6
Once you can smell the subtle fragrance of the leeks, add the chopped bacon and stir-fry together. The bacon should become golden brown and start rendering its fat.
Step 7
When the bacon is nicely cooked, add the sliced eggplant, onion, 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, and 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce. Stir-fry vigorously over high heat. Oyster sauce adds a savory depth and helps maintain the eggplant’s vibrant color.
Step 8
Once the eggplant and onion are tender and translucent, and all ingredients are well combined, drizzle in 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. The nutty aroma of sesame oil will further enhance the dish’s overall fragrance.
Step 9
Just before turning off the heat, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds over the stir-fry. This completes your delicious and aromatic Bacon and Eggplant Stir-fry! Serve it with warm rice for a satisfying meal.
