Sichuan Eggplant
Ingredientsfor 2
350
Cal
8g
Protein
30g
Carbs
22g
Fat
- 11.5 pounds sliced Egg Plants
- 22 tablespoons Peanut Oil
- 31/4 cup Chicken Stock
- 42 tsp Sugar
- 51/2 tsp Soy Sauce
- 61 ½ tbsp Chilli Bean Paste
- 72 tsp Sichuan Pepper
- 82 tsp Ginger
- 95 cloves Garlic
- 101 tsp Cornstarch
- 112 tsp Apple Cider Vinegar
- 124 Chopped Scallions
- 13Garnish Cilantro
Instructions
- 1
This recipe calls for asian eggplants, or Japanese eggplants. They are long and thin compared to a European or globe eggplant, and much more tender and delicate. If you can't find them you can substitute globe eggplant, but the dish is really best with the asian eggplant.
- 2
*A lot of grocery stores have Asian ingredient aisles now. You should be able to find chili-bean paste, a mixture of preserved chilies mixed with mashed soybeans, there or at any Asian market. (Do not confuse with black bean paste or chili-garlic paste.)
- 3
**Sichuan peppercorns are available at some stores and online for quite cheap. They aren't spicy like other peppers but rather have a citrusy flavor and induce a tingly, numbing sensation like a carbonated drink.
- 4
Prep eggplant, chili sauce, cornstarch slurry, vinegar and scallions: Begin your mise en place. Quarter the eggplant lengthwise and chop into large batons and set aside.
- 5
In a small bowl, mix together the chicken stock, sugar, and soy sauce and set it aside.
- 6
In a second bowl, mix together the chili bean paste, garlic, ginger, and sichuan peppercorns and set it aside.
- 7
In a third bowl, mix together the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and set it aside.
- 8
Lastly, in a fourth bowl, mix together the scallions and vinegar and set it aside.
- 9
Sauté eggplant: Place the oil in a wok or large sauté pan over medium-high heat until the oil is almost smoking. Add the eggplant and sauté, allowing it to sit for a few seconds each time you move it to allow it to brown and blister. If the eggplant absorbs all the oil and some pieces don't get any then add a little more oil.
- 10
Add the chili bean paste, garlic, ginger, and sichuan peppercorns and sauté: until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- 11
Add the chicken stock mixture: turn the heat to medium-low and simmer for 90 seconds.
- 12
Add the cornstarch mixture: and stir together until the sauce thickens a bit.
- 13
Add the scallions and vinegar: and cook for 15 seconds to diffuse their harsh flavors a bit.
- 14
Garnish with cilantro and serve.