Asian Eggplant Recipes

CHINESE EGGPLANT RECIPE

Steps:

• Cut the eggplants into 1.5 inches long pieces. Mix the salt and vinegar with the eggplant and let it sits for 15 minutes. Drain and dry thoroughly with a kitchen towel.
• Coat the eggplants with eggwhite, followed by the potato starch.
• Deep-fry the eggplants with oil in moderate heat until the flesh starts to turn color. Remove and drain on a kitchen towel.
• Saute the ingredients in B with some oil over low to medium heat until aromatic.
• Mix all the ingredients in C to constitute the sauce. Add the sauce to the wok.
• Return the fried eggplants to the wok. Flash fry for 10 seconds over high heat.
• Dish out and serve immediately.

STIR-FRIED ASIAN EGGPLANT

Steps:

• Cut each eggplant in half lengthwise, then cut diagonally into 1/2-inch slices. Cover the eggplants with water, add the salt, and stir to dissolve the salt. Soak the eggplants for 5 minutes, then drain well.
• In a small bowl, mix the oyster sauce with the sugar and sesame oil and set aside.
• Heat a wok or nonstick skillet over high heat. Add the vegetable oil, garlic, chile peppers, and eggplants and stir-fry for 2 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons water and continue stir-frying for 2 more minutes. Add the oyster sauce mixture and stir well to mix. Remove to a platter and serve hot or cold.

CHINESE EGGPLANT IN GARLIC SAUCE

Steps:

• Add 3/4 cup of water and the cornstarch to a medium bowl. Whisk to combine. Add the soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin, vinegar, Chinese five spice, garlic powder and red pepper flakes. Whisk to combine and set aside.
• To prepare the eggplant, slice the ends off of an eggplant. Slice into thirds horizontally, so you have 3 cylinders. Slice each cylinder lengthwise into quarters, so you have sticks. Repeat with remaining eggplants.
• Heat about 2 tablespoons of oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Add half of the eggplant, season with salt and pepper, and cook until charred and softened, about 7 - 10 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and repeat with remaining half.
• Deglaze the pan with 2 tablespoons of water, scraping up the brown bits on the bottom of the skillet. Pour into the bowl with the eggplant.
• Lower the heat to medium and add about a teaspoon of oil to the skillet. Add the garlic and scallions and sauté for 30 - 60 seconds.
• Give the sauce mixture a good whisk and pour into the skillet. Let simmer until thickened, about 1 - 2 minutes.
• Add the eggplant and chili oil to the skillet. Season with salt. Stir to combine and let cook for 5 - 7 minutes so the eggplant can absorb all the flavors.
• Garnish with sliced scallions.

ASIAN MARINATED EGGPLANT

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients, except eggplants, in a blender. Process until smooth.
• Prick the eggplants several times with a fork and pull off the leaves. Cut in half lengthwise. On the open side of each half, make three deep diagonal slashes in each direction. Place eggplants skin side down in a 13-by-9-by-2-inch oval dish.
• Spoon 1 1/2 teaspoons of the marinade over each eggplant half. Rub the marinade into the flesh so that it runs into the cuts. Turn eggplants skin side up. Pour remaining marinade into dish. Let stand for 45 minutes.
• Turn eggplants skin side down. Cover tightly with microwave plastic wrap. Cook at 100 percent power in a high-power oven for 10 minutes. Prick plastic to release steam.
• Remove from oven and uncover. Spoon sauce over eggplants.

ASIAN EGGPLANT

Steps:

• Combine cilantro, 1 tablespoon broth, green onions, garlic, chili and ginger in processor and puree until paste forms.
• Heat 2 tablespoons oil in heavy large nonstick skillet over high heat until very hot. Add half of eggplant. Cover skillet and cook until eggplant is tender and beginning to brown, turning once, about 5 minutes. Transfer to paper towels. Repeat with remaining 2 tablespoons oil and remaining eggplant.
• Add cilantro paste and soy sauce to skillet and stir over medium-high heat 2 minutes. Return eggplant to skillet and add remaining 4 tablespoons broth. Stir until sauce thickens and boils and eggplant is heated through, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.