How to Cook Sichuan Fried Eggplants

Serves: 2-4

Preparation time: 10 mins

Cooking time: 20 mins

Ingredients needed to make Sichuan Fried Eggplants:

• 4 small Japanese eggplants, halved longitudinally and then chopped crosswise
• 10 Chinese chives, thinly sliced
• One 2’’ fresh ginger root, peeled and minced
• 4 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
• 2 tsp Chinkiang black vinegar
• 2 tbsp light soy sauce
• 2 tbsp Chinese red chile bean paste
• 3 cups canola oil
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp sugar
• Salt to taste

Cooking instructions for Sichuan Fried Eggplants:

• Empty the cups of oil into a large wok and heat it to 350 degrees F.
• Make criss-cross, 1/6’’ deep slashes on the skin of the eggplants, using a sharp knife and soak them in ice water for about 5-8 minutes.
• Drain them out onto a plate and dab them with paper towels to soak away any water on them.
• Lower them carefully into the hot oil and deep-fry for a couple of minutes or until they soften slightly.
• Drain them out into a bowl, with the help of a slotted spoon and fill it up with water until the eggplants remain completely immersed in it.
• Let it soak for about 3 minutes and then drain them out onto a plate.
• Pat them dry with kitchen papers and set aside until required.
• Skim off the hot oil from the wok, leaving only ¼ cup in it and reheat it over moderately high flame.
• Throw in the garlic, chives as well as ginger and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until they soften.
• Add a splash of soy sauce and sprinkle the sugar as well as a pinch of salt over them.
• Spoon in the red chile bean paste and stir them all together until they mix well.
• Continue to cook the mixture until it starts simmering and continue to do so for a couple of minutes more.
• Return the eggplants into the wok and give them a nice stir to mix well.
• Cook for 2 more minutes and spoon them into a large platter.
• Sprinkle more chives on top and bathe them with a drizzling of sesame oil and black vinegar.
• Serve hot alongside steamed rice.

Image credit: Wikimedia Commons