Crispy Fried Eggplant Slices
Chef Lee Yeon-bok’s Special Recipe: The Endless Transformation of Eggplant, Making Crispy Fried Eggplant Slices
Eggplant, rich in purple anthocyanins, is known for its excellent anti-cancer properties. It also strengthens intestinal function, helps with constipation, and aids in weight management. Furthermore, it helps purify blood vessels, contributing to the prevention of hyperlipidemia. Today, we’ll be making ‘Crispy Fried Eggplant Slices’ using a special recipe from Chef Lee Yeon-bok. Experience the magic of ordinary eggplant transforming into a magnificent dish!
Main Ingredients- 3 eggplants
- 5 Tbsp potato starch
- 1/2 cup cooking oil (for frying)
- 1/2 handful minced carrot (approx. 20g)
- 1/3 handful minced cheongyang chili pepper (approx. 15g)
- 3 Tbsp peas (frozen or canned)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1/2 handful minced onion (approx. 25g)
- 1/4 stalk green onion (minced, focusing on the white part)
Sauce Ingredients- 3 Tbsp chili oil
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 3 Tbsp mirin (rice wine)
- 200ml water
- 1/2 Tbsp doubanjiang (fermented bean paste)
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp oyster sauce
- 3 Tbsp chili oil
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 3 Tbsp mirin (rice wine)
- 200ml water
- 1/2 Tbsp doubanjiang (fermented bean paste)
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp oyster sauce
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, trim the stems and ends of the eggplants. Slice them into thin rounds, about 0.5 cm thick. If the eggplants are long, you can cut them into 2-3 segments before slicing. If you find it difficult to slice thinly, a vegetable peeler can be helpful, but be cautious as it might make them too thin.
Step 2
Coat both sides of the sliced eggplant evenly with potato starch. Let the eggplant sit for about 10 minutes, allowing the starch to absorb the moisture. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy texture when fried.
Step 3
Prepare the vegetables for the sauce. Finely mince the onion, carrot, and cheongyang chili pepper. Chop the white parts of the green onion. Have the minced garlic and peas ready.
Step 4
Let’s introduce doubanjiang, an essential ingredient for the sauce’s rich flavor. Doubanjiang is a fermented bean paste used in Chinese cuisine, providing a deep and robust taste, making it indispensable for dishes like Mapo Tofu.
Step 5
Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Fry the starch-coated eggplant slices until golden brown and crispy on both sides. Frying them ensures a delightful crunch. Place the fried eggplant on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 6
In a separate pan, add 3 tablespoons of chili oil and sauté the chopped green onion, minced garlic, and minced cheongyang chili pepper over medium-low heat until fragrant. Once the aromatic oil is infused, add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and stir-fry briefly.
Step 7
Add 3 tablespoons of mirin to the sautéed vegetables, allowing the alcohol to evaporate. Then, pour in 200ml of water. Stir well to combine the ingredients.
Step 8
Now, add 1/2 tablespoon of doubanjiang, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce to enhance the sauce’s savory depth. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it thicken. The combination of various sauces creates a rich and complex flavor.
Step 9
Prepare the slurry to thicken the sauce. In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of potato starch with 2 tablespoons of water until smooth and lump-free. While the sauce is simmering, gradually add the slurry while stirring constantly to achieve the desired consistency. Adding it all at once can cause lumps, so be careful.
Step 10
Arrange the crispy fried eggplant slices attractively on a serving plate. Pour the hot, thickened sauce evenly over the eggplant. The sauce will soak into the eggplant, adding moisture and flavor.
Step 11
This Chinese-inspired eggplant dish is perfectly suited to Korean palates, making it a crowd-pleaser for all ages. It’s an excellent choice for a meal or a special occasion.
Step 12
Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, the Fried Eggplant Slices are ready!
Step 13
The charm of this dish lies in the perfect harmony between the crispy fried eggplant and the flavorful, appetite-stimulating sauce.
Step 14
The combination of the spicy yet tender eggplant and the sweet and savory sauce is simply exquisite. It’s amazing how such a wonderful dish can be created from common eggplant! Give it a try today!
