Elegant Homemade Eggplant Pasta
Simple and Delicious ‘One-Pan’ Eggplant Pasta Recipe (Full of Rich Flavor!)
Don’t let those eggplants in your fridge go to waste! Transform them into a simple yet elegant ‘Eggplant Pasta.’ This one-pan dish, enhanced with the addition of ground pork, is easy enough for even beginner cooks to master. It’s a flavor combination you can count on, so be sure to give it a try! (Apologies for the less-than-perfect photo quality due to being very hungry that day, but I’m sharing the recipe with all my heart!)
Main Ingredients- 1 fresh eggplant
- 1 Tbsp finely minced onion
- 1 Tbsp finely minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp finely minced scallion (green onion)
- 1 serving pasta
Special Sauce- 1 Tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- Extra virgin olive oil (generous amount)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- 1 Tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- Extra virgin olive oil (generous amount)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare a large pot of boiling water. Once boiling, add about 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of cooking oil or olive oil. Add your pasta and cook for approximately 8 minutes, or about 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions, aiming for an ‘al dente’ texture. This ensures the pasta won’t become mushy when stir-fried later.
Step 2
Once the pasta is cooked al dente, drain it in a colander. Immediately toss with 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil to prevent sticking. Crucially, reserve about one cup of the pasta cooking water (pasta water). This starchy water will be invaluable later for emulsifying the sauce and stir-frying the pasta and ingredients.
Step 3
While the pasta is boiling, let’s prepare the vegetables. Slice the eggplant, our star ingredient, into roughly 1.5 cm (about 0.6 inches) thick pieces. While thinner slices are an option, thicker pieces offer a more satisfying texture and are recommended for this dish.
Step 4
Finely mince the onion, scallion, and garlic. Minced aromatics will meld beautifully with the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor profile of your pasta.
Step 5
Heat a wide pan over medium heat and add a generous amount of olive oil. Place the sliced eggplant in the pan and cook until golden brown on both sides. Allow the eggplant to absorb the oil, as this contributes to its delicious flavor. Season lightly with salt and pepper while cooking to bring out the eggplant’s natural taste.
Step 6
Once the eggplant is nicely browned, push it to one side of the pan and add the minced onion, garlic, and scallion to the empty space. Sauté the vegetables until they become translucent and fragrant. If the pan seems dry, add a little more olive oil. Thoroughly sautéing the aromatics is key to developing a rich flavor base.
Step 7
When the onions start to turn translucent, add your ground pork (ensure it’s thawed if using frozen) and stir-fry it with the vegetables. The combination of eggplant and pork is truly fantastic! Once the pork is cooked and mixed with the vegetables, it’s time for the special sauce. Add 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Step 8
Since you’re using ground pork, it will cook quickly. Continue stir-frying until the sauce, vegetables, and meat are deliciously integrated. Be mindful of any sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Step 9
With all the ingredients well-coated in the sauce, add the pre-cooked pasta to the pan. Pour in 1-2 tablespoons of the reserved pasta water. This helps the sauce cling to the pasta beautifully and adds a lovely moistness. Stir-fry gently to ensure the pasta and sauce are evenly combined.
Step 10
Once the pasta and all ingredients are perfectly incorporated with the sauce, your delicious Eggplant Pasta is ready! Turn off the heat and gently toss the pan to arrange the ingredients.
Step 11
Transfer the finished pasta to a serving plate. While it’s delicious as is, topping it with a single egg yolk in the center adds a wonderfully creamy and rich flavor when broken and mixed into the pasta. Give it a try!
Step 12
If you’re looking for an extra touch, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese and finely chopped fresh parsley over the top. This elevates the dish, giving it a more gourmet and professional presentation. Enjoy your meal!
