Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by washing the eggplants. Then, chop them into bite-sized pieces. I often like to sprinkle a little salt on them and set them aside for about 15 minutes. This draws out some moisture and bitterness, resulting in an even tastier dish.
- In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, Shaoxing rice wine, toasted sesame oil, oyster sauce, and spicy fermented black bean paste. Whisk until everything is blended. Trust me, smelling this sauce will put a smile on your face!
- Heat the peanut oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped chilies. Sauté until fragrant. You’re aiming for about one to two minutes here. This creates the foundation of flavors.
- Add in your eggplant pieces and sauté. You want to cook them until they're tender and slightly caramelized; this might take about 5 to 7 minutes. Keep an eye on them—they should look juicy and bright.
Pour your prepped sauce over the eggplant and toss to coat thoroughly. If you want a thicker consistency, stir in the cornstarch slurry while cooking. This will enrich the sauce and help it cling to the eggplant.
- Let everything simmer for a couple of minutes. Stir occasionally, allowing the sauce to bubble and coat the eggplant beautifully. Just before serving, sprinkle the sliced scallions on top. They add a fresh crunch that elevates the whole dish.
