Water-Sautéed Eggplant Stir-fry: Healthier with Less Oil
Healthy Eggplant Stir-fry Recipe to Reduce Oil Consumption
To minimize the intake of oils, especially those with questionable origins, I’ve created a delicious eggplant stir-fry sautéed in water and finished with the nutty aroma of sesame oil. This recipe highlights the natural flavors of the ingredients for a light yet satisfying dish.
Main Ingredients- 2 Eggplants
- 1 Onion
- 1 Red chili pepper
- 1 Green chili pepper
- 1 Green onion
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the eggplants thoroughly. Cut them into approximately 5cm lengths, then slice each piece vertically into 6 equal parts. Slice the onion thinly. Deseed the red and green chili peppers and chop them finely. Slice the green onion diagonally. Having all your ingredients prepped makes the cooking process much smoother.
Step 2
Heat a non-stick pan and add 1-2 tablespoons of water. Add the prepared eggplant and onion to the pan. Pour in 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir-fry over medium heat until the vegetables begin to soften slightly. This step focuses on bringing out the natural flavors of the eggplant and onion before adding other aromatics.
Step 3
After the initial stir-fry, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan with a lid and let the vegetables steam for about 5 minutes, or until tender. The moisture released from the vegetables will help them cook gently and become moist without excessive oil.
Step 4
Once the vegetables have released enough moisture, uncover the pan. Add the chopped green onion, red chili, and green chili peppers. If you like garlic, this is a good time to add minced garlic for extra flavor. Continue to stir-fry everything together for another 1-2 minutes until well combined.
Step 5
When all the vegetables are cooked to your liking, turn off the heat. Drizzle in 1-2 tablespoons of sesame oil and gently toss to coat. Adding sesame oil at the very end preserves its fragrant aroma. If you prefer a bit of spice, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes at this stage.
Step 6
Finally, sprinkle generously with toasted sesame seeds for an added nutty crunch. Using pre-ground sesame seeds will enhance the nutty flavor even further. Gently mix and then serve attractively on a plate. Enjoy your healthy and delicious water-sautéed eggplant stir-fry!
