Savory Stir-Fried Eggplant (Gaji Bokkeum)
Easy Recipe for Delicious Stir-Fried Eggplant – A Perfect Side Dish
I used to not be a big fan of eggplant, but as I’ve gotten older, I’ve started to appreciate vegetables I didn’t used to eat. This stir-fried eggplant is so delicious! It’s savory and flavorful, making it a fantastic side dish that’s perfect for when you don’t have much of an appetite. Give this recipe a try!
Vegetables
- 2 eggplants
- 1/2 onion
- A bit of green onion
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the eggplants thoroughly. Then, cut them into bite-sized pieces. Slices about 1-1.5 cm thick or lengthwise pieces work well. Don’t worry about cutting them too small, as eggplant shrinks significantly when cooked.
Step 2
Next, prepare the other vegetables. Thinly slice the onion into half-moons, and finely chop the green onion. Cutting the vegetables into similar sizes ensures they cook evenly.
Step 3
Now, let’s make the delicious seasoning for the stir-fried eggplant. In a small bowl, combine 1 Tbsp gochugaru, 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic, 1 Tbsp sugar, 3 Tbsp soy sauce, and 1 Tbsp sesame oil. Mix everything well. This blend creates the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors!
Step 4
Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced eggplants first. Stir-fry them until they become translucent and start to soften. Eggplant is quite absorbent of oil, which helps it become tender.
Step 5
As the eggplant begins to soften and wilt, add the sliced onions to the pan. Continue to stir-fry until the onions become translucent. This step helps to bring out their natural sweetness.
Step 6
Once the onions are somewhat cooked, pour in all of the prepared seasoning mixture. Stir and toss everything together to ensure the sauce evenly coats the eggplant and onions. Be mindful of the heat to prevent burning, stirring frequently is key.
Step 7
Finally, add the chopped green onions to the pan. Stir-fry for just a short while longer until their fragrance is released, adding a fresh, aromatic finish to the dish.
Step 8
Before turning off the heat, sprinkle a generous amount of toasted sesame seeds over the top for added nutty flavor and a beautiful finish. This dish is absolutely delightful served over a bowl of hot, freshly steamed rice. Enjoy your delicious meal!
