Sichuan Eggplant in Spicy Chilli Garlic Sauce
Description:
Transport yourself to the vibrant streets of Sichuan with this fiery, flavor-packed Sichuan Eggplant in Spicy Chilli Garlic Sauce recipe. Famous for its bold, complex tastes, this dish perfectly blends the pungency of garlic, the sharpness of ginger, and the heat of Sichuan spices. Whether you’re looking for a standout vegetarian dinner or a flavorful side to accompany your favorite Asian dishes, this recipe is sure to impress. Quick to make and irresistible in flavor, it pairs beautifully with Chinese Vegetable Fried Rice or Vegetable Hakka Noodles, adding an extra layer of taste and texture to your meal. Get ready to spice up your kitchen and your palate with this easy yet aromatic Chinese-inspired treat!
Cuisine: Chinese
Course: Dinner
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Brinjal (Baingan / Eggplant) | 1, cut into 1-inch wedges |
| Spring Onion (Bulb & Greens) | 4 stalks, chopped along with leaves |
| Garlic | 4 cloves, finely chopped |
| Ginger | 2-inch piece, finely chopped |
| Orange Bell Pepper (Capsicum) | 1, sliced into wedges |
| Corn Flour (Cornstarch) | 2 teaspoons |
| Dark Soy Sauce | 1 teaspoon |
| Schezwan Sauce | 4 teaspoons |
| Sweet and Spicy Red Chilli Sauce (Tomato Chilli Sauce) | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt | To taste |
| Oil | For cooking |
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 2-3
Instructions
-
Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Wash and cut the eggplant into 1-inch wedges. Slice the spring onions (both the bulb and the greens), chop the garlic and ginger finely, and cut the orange bell pepper into wedges. Set them aside. -
Cook the Eggplant
Heat 2 teaspoons of oil in a wok or a large frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the ginger, garlic, spring onions, and orange bell pepper to the pan. Stir-fry for about 1-2 minutes until the aromas are released. -
Sauté the Eggplant
Add the prepared eggplant wedges to the wok, sprinkle with salt, and stir-fry for another couple of minutes. Once everything is well-mixed, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan with a lid and let the eggplant simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until it softens and becomes tender. You will know the eggplant is done when you can easily press it with a spoon, and it almost mashes. -
Prepare the Sauce
While the eggplant is simmering, prepare the sauce. In a bowl, mix the corn flour with ¾ cup of water, whisking to ensure there are no lumps. Add the dark soy sauce, Schezwan sauce, and sweet and spicy red chilli sauce to the mixture. Whisk everything together until it forms a smooth, rich-colored sauce. -
Combine the Sauce and Eggplant
Once the eggplant is tender, pour the prepared sauce over the eggplant mixture. Stir gently to coat the eggplant evenly with the sauce. Increase the heat to medium and keep stirring until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes. -
Adjust Consistency and Taste
If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a little water to adjust the consistency. Taste the dish and adjust the salt and spice levels to your preference. Let the sauce simmer for another couple of minutes to fully combine the flavors. -
Serve
Turn off the heat and transfer the Sichuan Eggplant in Spicy Chilli Garlic Sauce to a serving bowl. Serve immediately with a side of Chinese Vegetable Fried Rice or Vegetable Hakka Noodles for a complete meal.
Tips and Notes:
- Eggplant Texture: When cooking eggplant, it’s essential to cook it until it becomes soft and slightly caramelized, as this enhances its flavor. If you prefer a firmer texture, reduce the cooking time slightly.
- Spice Level: The Sichuan cuisine is famous for its bold and spicy flavors, but you can adjust the heat by reducing the amount of Schezwan sauce or chili sauce if desired. Feel free to experiment with the spice level to suit your taste.
- Serving Suggestion: This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or noodles. For an added crunch, you can garnish with some toasted sesame seeds or chopped fresh cilantro.
Enjoy this mouthwatering Sichuan-style eggplant, and let the spicy and savory flavors transport you straight to the heart of Chinese culinary tradition!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Protein | 2g |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Dietary Fiber | 7g |
| Sugars | 8g |
| Fat | 8g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Sodium | 900mg |
| Potassium | 400mg |
This Sichuan Eggplant in Spicy Chilli Garlic Sauce recipe not only offers a bold flavor experience but also delivers a healthy dose of nutrients, making it a satisfying and flavorful vegetarian option for your dinner table.
