Szechuan Spicy Eggplant Recipes

SZECHUAN EGGPLANT

Steps:

• Cut eggplant into 1/2 inch thick half-moons or into bite-sized pieces ( see photos). Place in a big bowl covered with water and stir in 2 teaspoons salt. Cover with a plate and let stand 20-30 minutes.
• In the meantime, chop the garlic and ginger and make the Szechuan Sauce.
• To make the Szechuan Sauce: Toast the Szechuan peppercorns in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes. Crush. Place these along with the remaining ingredients ( soy, chili paste, sesame oil, rice vinegar, Chinese cooking wine, sugar, and five spice) in a small bowl and whisk. Set by the stove.
• Drain and rinse the eggplant and pat dry with a towel. Toss with the corn starch.
• heat 1 -2 tablespoons oil in an extra-large skillet over medium heat. Add half the eggplant spreading them out. You want to get both sides nice and golden, and the insides cooked through -so take your time here and dont rush this step. Let one side brown then turn them over using tongs. This will take about 10 minutes for each batch. ( If in a hurry sometimes I'll use 2 pans.) Set the eggplant aside.
• Add 1 more tablespoon oil to the skillet, and over medium heat, add the garlic and ginger, stirring for 2 minutes. Turn the fan on, add the dried chilis and stir one minute. Pour the Szechuan sauce into the pan and bring to a simmer for 20 seconds. Add the eggplant back into the skillet, tossing gently for about 1 minute. If it seems dry add a tablespoon of water to loosen.
• Place in a serving dish and top with scallions and optional peanuts.
• Serve with rice, cauliflower rice, black rice or rice noodles.

SICHUAN EGGPLANT IN GARLIC SAUCE

Steps:

• Gather the ingredients.
• Bring a large pot of well salted water to a boil.
• Cut the ends off the eggplant, then halve lengthwise. Cut each half diagonally into 4 crosswise pieces.
• Add the eggplant to the boiling water for 2 to 3 minutes.
• Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
• Make the sauce by combining the chicken broth, dark and light soy sauces , vinegar, rice wine, and sugar in a small bowl. Set aside.
• In a separate small bowl, use your fingers to mix 1/4 teaspoon cornstarch and the black pepper into the ground pork. (The black pepper adds a bit of extra flavor and a small amount of cornstarch helps keep the ground pork from sticking).
• Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. When the pan is hot, add the oil to the wok . When the oil shimmers, add the garlic, ginger, and green onion.
• Stir-fry to combine, about 10 seconds, then add the ground pork.
• Stir in the chili garlic sauce.
• Stir-fry until the pork turns white and is nearly cooked, using a spatula to break the pork into small pieces, about 1 minute.
• Add the eggplant, and continue to stir-fry until the ingredients are combined, about 1 minute. Give the sauce a quick re-stir and swirl it into the pan. Turn the heat to medium-low, cover and simmer until the eggplant is tender, about 10 minutes.
• In a small cup, mix the remaining 1 tablespoon cornstarch and water.
• Add the cornstarch slurry to the middle of the pan, stirring quickly to thicken. Once thickened, the dish is done. Serve hot.

SZECHWAN EGGPLANT STIR-FRY

Steps:

• Cut the eggplants in 1/2 lengthwise and then slice crosswise into wedges, no more than 1-inch wide.
• Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high flame and add the oils; tilt the pan to coat all sides. When you see a slight smoke, add a layer of eggplant, stir-fry until seared and sticky, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove the eggplant to a side platter and cook the remaining eggplant in same manner, adding more oil, if needed.
• After all the eggplant is out of the pan, add the green onions, ginger, garlic, and chile; stir-fry for a minute until fragrant. Add the broth. In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and cornstarch until the sugar and cornstarch are dissolved. Pour the soy sauce mixture into the wok and cook another minute, until the sauce has thickened. Put the eggplant back in the pan, tossing quickly, until the sauce is absorbed. Garnish with sesame seeds, Thai basil, and cilantro and serve.