Super Simple & Healthy Stir-Fried Eggplant Recipe
Easy and Delicious Stir-Fried Eggplant
Let’s make a super simple and healthy stir-fried eggplant dish! This recipe is packed with goodness and flavor, perfect for a quick and nutritious side dish. Discover how easy it is to create a delicious meal with just a few key ingredients.
Ingredients for Stir-Fried Eggplant
- 1 medium eggplant
- 1/2 onion
- Avocado oil or cooking oil, a little
- 2 scallions (green onions)
- Water, a little (2-3 Tbsp)
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp maple syrup (or corn syrup, adjust sweetness to taste)
- 1 Tbsp oyster sauce
- Sesame seeds, a pinch (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare all the ingredients for your stir-fried eggplant. Using fresh ingredients will result in a more flavorful dish.
Step 2
Wash the eggplant thoroughly, remove the stem, and slice it into bite-sized pieces, about 0.7-1 cm thick, in a half-moon or diagonal shape. Slicing them too thinly might cause them to break apart during cooking, so aim for a moderate thickness.
Step 3
Peel and thinly slice the half onion. Slicing it not too thinly will help maintain a pleasant texture when stir-fried.
Step 4
Chop the scallions into large, diagonal pieces. You can set aside a small portion for garnish later if you prefer.
Step 5
Heat a frying pan over medium-high heat and add a generous amount of avocado oil or your preferred cooking oil. Ensure the oil is hot enough; if it’s too cool, the eggplant might absorb too much oil.
Step 6
Once the pan is hot, add the sliced onion and the white parts of the scallions. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant. Sautéing the aromatics first greatly enhances the overall flavor.
Step 7
Add the prepared eggplant slices to the pan and stir-fry over high heat for 2-3 minutes. The key is to cook until the eggplant becomes slightly translucent and begins to soften.
Step 8
Pour in 2-3 tablespoons of water to help the eggplant cook through and become tender, then cover the pan or continue stir-frying uncovered. The water will aid in softening the eggplant and allowing the sauce to penetrate better.
Step 9
Pour 1 tablespoon of soy sauce along the edges of the pan. This technique allows the soy sauce to caramelize slightly, adding a deeper flavor.
Step 10
Add 1 tablespoon of maple syrup (or corn syrup) for a touch of sweetness. You can adjust the amount to suit your preference.
Step 11
Stir in 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce for an umami boost. Oyster sauce adds a rich, savory depth that can elevate the otherwise mild flavor of eggplant.
Step 12
Continue to stir-fry over medium heat for another 1-2 minutes, ensuring the sauce evenly coats the eggplant. Add the chopped green parts of the scallions towards the end and toss briefly.
Step 13
Finally, sprinkle a pinch of sesame seeds over the dish for added nuttiness and a beautiful finish. Your glossy and appetizing stir-fried eggplant is ready!
Step 14
Serve hot over steamed rice for a delicious rice bowl, or as a side dish with your favorite meals. Enjoy this incredibly simple yet healthy and flavorful stir-fried eggplant!
