Savory Beef and Eggplant Stir-Fry: A Delicious Summer Vegetable Dish
How to Make Stir-Fried Eggplant with Beef – A Flavorful and Nutritious Summer Side Dish
This is a delicious and nutritious side dish made by stir-frying marinated beef with grilled eggplant. The beef is pre-marinated in a savory sauce, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
Main Ingredients- 200g Beef (sliced for bulgogi or stir-fry)
- 3 medium Eggplants
- A pinch of sesame seeds
Marinade and Seasoning- 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 2 Tbsp Mirin (cooking wine)
- 2 Tbsp Oyster Sauce
- 2 Tbsp Water
- 1 Tbsp Plum Extract (or corn syrup)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- A pinch of Black Pepper
- 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 2 Tbsp Mirin (cooking wine)
- 2 Tbsp Oyster Sauce
- 2 Tbsp Water
- 1 Tbsp Plum Extract (or corn syrup)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- A pinch of Black Pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, cut the beef into bite-sized pieces, about 3-4 cm. In a deep bowl, combine the beef with 1 Tbsp soy sauce, 2 Tbsp mirin, 2 Tbsp oyster sauce, 2 Tbsp water, 1 Tbsp plum extract, 1 Tbsp minced garlic, 1 Tbsp sesame oil, and a pinch of black pepper. This mixture will enhance the beef’s flavor.
Step 2
Gently mix the beef and marinade with your hands until well combined. Let it marinate for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is sufficient for flavoring the beef as it will continue to absorb flavors during cooking.
Step 3
Wash the 3 eggplants thoroughly and cut them into thick, rustic pieces, about 1.5 cm thick. (If your eggplants are particularly large, you may only need 2. Cutting them slightly thicker prevents them from becoming mushy during stir-frying.)
Step 4
Heat a dry pan over medium heat and add the cut eggplants. The key here is to not add any oil. We’ll use the eggplant’s natural moisture to grill its surface.
Step 5
Grill the eggplants, turning them occasionally, until their surfaces are lightly browned and some of their moisture has evaporated. This grilling process makes the eggplant chewier and less watery. Transfer the grilled eggplant to a separate plate and let it cool slightly.
Step 6
Reheat the same pan (where the eggplant was cooked) over medium heat. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry. It’s helpful to use chopsticks or tongs to separate the beef pieces as they cook, preventing them from sticking together.
Step 7
Once the beef is mostly cooked through, add the grilled eggplant back into the pan and stir-fry together. Initially, the beef marinade might seem strong, but as the eggplant cooks, it will absorb the sauce, balancing the overall flavor. Stir gently to avoid breaking down the eggplant.
Step 8
When the eggplant and beef are well combined and have a delicious-looking color, turn off the heat. Sprinkle a generous amount of sesame seeds on top for an added nutty aroma and texture.
Step 9
Your nutritious and flavorful beef and eggplant stir-fry is ready! This dish is a perfect accompaniment to a bowl of warm rice. Enjoy!
