Chinese Eggplant with Garlic Sauce

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chinese Eggplant with Garlic Sauce recipe is packed with bold flavors and textures. The eggplant becomes soft and juicy after being cooked in the savory garlic sauce, while the garlic and other seasonings enhance the overall taste. The dish is simple to make, yet it delivers restaurant-quality flavors that are sure to please everyone at the table. It’s a great option for vegetarians and those who enjoy plant-based meals, but it can also complement meat dishes. If you love bold, garlicky flavors with a touch of spice, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.

Ingredients

• 2 medium Chinese eggplants (or Japanese eggplants)

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons ginger, minced

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce

• 1/2 cup water

• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

• 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)

• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the eggplants: Cut the eggplants into 2-inch long pieces, then slice each piece into half or quarters, depending on the size of the eggplants. You want them to cook evenly and absorb the sauce.

2. Cook the eggplants: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the eggplant pieces and cook, turning occasionally, until the eggplants are golden brown and tender, about 7-10 minutes. Once done, remove them from the pan and set them aside.

3. Prepare the garlic sauce: In the same pan, add the minced garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, hoisin sauce, and water. Stir well to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes.

4. Thicken the sauce: Stir in the cornstarch mixture (cornstarch mixed with water) to thicken the sauce. Continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.

5. Combine eggplant and sauce: Add the cooked eggplants back into the pan with the garlic sauce. Toss everything together so the eggplant is evenly coated with the sauce. Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes for the flavors to meld.

6. Garnish and serve: Remove the pan from the heat, and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Garlic Sauce: If you like your dishes on the spicier side, add more crushed red pepper flakes or a sliced chili pepper to the garlic sauce. This will give it an extra kick.

• Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or onions to the dish for more variety and color.

• Add Protein: For a non-vegetarian version, you can add cooked chicken, beef, or shrimp to the dish to make it more hearty.

• Sweet and Sour Twist: Substitute the sugar with pineapple juice or add some pineapple chunks to introduce a sweet and tangy flavor to the sauce.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover Chinese Eggplant with Garlic Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in a pan over medium heat until heated through. You may want to add a splash of water or vegetable broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much during storage.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular eggplant instead of Chinese eggplant?

Yes, you can use regular eggplant if Chinese eggplant is not available. However, Chinese eggplant has a more delicate texture, so the result might differ slightly.

2. Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the garlic sauce and cook the eggplants ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge, and combine them just before serving.

3. Can I make this recipe without hoisin sauce?

Yes, you can substitute hoisin sauce with additional soy sauce and a small amount of honey or molasses for sweetness.

4. Can I freeze leftover Chinese eggplant with garlic sauce?

While it’s best fresh, you can freeze the dish for up to 1 month. To reheat, thaw and heat in a pan with a little water to loosen the sauce.

5. How do I prevent the eggplants from becoming soggy?

Make sure to cook the eggplants until they are golden and tender before adding the sauce. You can also salt the eggplant pieces before cooking to draw out excess moisture.

6. Can I use other types of vinegar?

Yes, you can use apple cider vinegar or white vinegar instead of rice vinegar, but this may change the flavor slightly.

7. How spicy is this dish?

The dish is mildly spicy if you use the optional crushed red pepper flakes. If you prefer a more mild flavor, you can skip the pepper flakes.

8. Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, this dish can be made gluten-free if you use gluten-free soy sauce.

9. Can I use a different sweetener instead of sugar?

Yes, you can substitute sugar with maple syrup, agave, or coconut sugar.

10. Can I serve this dish with noodles?

Yes, Chinese Eggplant with Garlic Sauce pairs wonderfully with noodles like lo mein, rice noodles, or even plain steamed rice.

Conclusion

Chinese Eggplant with Garlic Sauce is a fantastic, flavorful dish that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. The tender eggplant drenched in a savory, garlicky sauce is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Whether you’re a vegetarian or just love bold flavors, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy it on its own, over rice, or with your favorite protein for a complete meal.

Chinese Eggplant with Garlic Sauce

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

• Author: Alice
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stir-fry
• Cuisine: Chinese
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

---

Description

Chinese Eggplant with Garlic Sauce is a delicious, savory dish that features tender eggplant cooked in a rich, flavorful garlic sauce. This vegetarian recipe combines umami, sweetness, and heat, making it an irresistible option for a side or main dish. Whether served over steamed rice or noodles, this dish is easy to prepare, full of bold flavors, and perfect for anyone who loves Chinese cuisine.

---

Ingredients

• 2 medium Chinese eggplants (or Japanese eggplants)

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons ginger, minced

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce

• 1/2 cup water

• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

• 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)

• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

• Prepare the Eggplants:

  • Cut the eggplants into 2-inch long pieces, then slice each piece into halves or quarters, depending on the size.

• Cook the Eggplants:

  • Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the eggplant pieces and cook, turning occasionally, until golden brown and tender (about 7-10 minutes). Remove the eggplant from the pan and set it aside.

• Prepare the Garlic Sauce:

  • In the same pan, add minced garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for about 1 minute until fragrant.

  • Add soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, hoisin sauce, and water to the pan. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes.

• Thicken the Sauce:

  • Stir in the cornstarch mixture (cornstarch mixed with water) to thicken the sauce. Continue cooking for 1-2 minutes until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

• Combine Eggplant and Sauce:

  • Add the cooked eggplant back into the pan with the garlic sauce. Toss everything together so the eggplant is evenly coated in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.

• Garnish and Serve:

  • Remove from heat, garnish with chopped green onions, and serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.

---

Notes

Spicy Garlic Sauce: Add more crushed red pepper flakes or sliced chili peppers for an extra spicy kick.Add Vegetables: You can add bell peppers, mushrooms, or onions to the dish for more variety.Add Protein: For a non-vegetarian version, add cooked chicken, beef, or shrimp to make it more hearty.Sweet and Sour Twist: Substitute the sugar with pineapple juice or add pineapple chunks for a tangy flavor.