Spicy Szechuan Eggplant Delight 🌶️🍆

Yu Hsiang Eggplant (Aubergine) Recipe 🍆

Overview:

This delightful Yu Hsiang Eggplant dish is a harmonious blend of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors, making it a tantalizing addition to any meal. While traditionally prepared with meat, this recipe offers a vegetarian-friendly option without compromising on taste. The succulent eggplant, with its robust texture, ensures a satisfying dining experience, especially when paired with a generous serving of fluffy steamed rice.

• Cuisine: Chinese
• Course: Main Course
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Serving: Multiple

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Eggplant:

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   • Cut the eggplants into 2-inch long sections, then halve and cut into sticks approximately 2x½x½ inches.

2. Steam the Eggplant:

   • Steam the eggplant until tender, which usually takes around 15-20 minutes. Ensure you can easily pierce them with a fork or chopstick. Drain excess liquid if necessary.

3. Prepare Aromatics:

   • Mince 3 cloves of garlic and finely chop 2-3 stalks of scallions. Set aside 1 tablespoon of chopped scallions for garnishing.

4. Cook the Meat (Optional):

   • Heat 1 teaspoon of cooking oil in a pan over medium heat (high for electric stoves). If using ground meat, add it to the pan and break it up using a spatula until it’s no longer pink.

5. Add Aromatics:

   • Once the meat is cooked, add the minced garlic and chopped scallions. Stir well to combine.

6. Seasoning:

   • Add chili bean paste, sugar, vinegar, salt, and soy sauce to the pan. Stir and let it cook for 1-2 minutes. If the mixture appears dry, add ¼ cup of water.

7. Adjust Seasoning:

   • Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning according to your preference. Add more salt, chili bean paste, or sugar if needed.

8. Thicken the Sauce:

   • Stir in the cornstarch paste and cook until the sauce thickens, usually for a minute or two.

9. Final Touches:

   • Transfer the cooked eggplant to a shallow bowl and drizzle with sesame oil. Garnish with the reserved chopped scallions.

10. Serving:

    • Serve the Yu Hsiang Eggplant hot, accompanied by plenty of steamed white rice.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 197.7
• Fat Content: 4.2g
• Saturated Fat Content: 0.6g
• Cholesterol Content: 0mg
• Sodium Content: 513.9mg
• Carbohydrate Content: 40.5g
• Fiber Content: 21.1g
• Sugar Content: 16.1g
• Protein Content: 6.8g

Tips and Variations:

• For a vegetarian version, omit the ground meat and increase the quantity of eggplant or add tofu for extra protein.
• Adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less chili bean paste.
• Experiment with different types of vinegar for varied flavor profiles.
• Garnish with toasted sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.
• Serve alongside other Chinese-inspired dishes for a complete meal experience.

Enjoy the tantalizing flavors of this Yu Hsiang Eggplant dish, where every bite is a symphony of tastes and textures!