Sichuan Eggplant

Sichuan Eggplant

Eggplant cooked Sichuan-style with plenty of garlic, ginger, scallions, and lots of heat! Perfect for all you who like spicy food.

Sichuan Eggplant

Note: 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.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 lbs. asian (long and skinny) eggplant
  • 2 tablespoons peanut oil
  • 1/4 cup chicken stock (substitute vegetable stock for vegetarian)
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce
  • 1/2 - 1 1/2 tablespoons chili bean paste*
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons crushed sichuan peppercorns** (optional, but inauthentic without)
  • 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
  • 5 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon corn starch
  • 2 teaspoons Chinkiang vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 4 scallions, roughly chopped
  • Cilantro for garnish (optional)
**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.
Instructions:
1. 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.

In a small bowl, mix together the chicken stock, sugar, and soy sauce and set it aside.

In a second bowl, mix together the chili bean paste, garlic, ginger, and sichuan peppercorns and set it aside.

In a third bowl, mix together the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and set it aside.

Lastly, in a fourth bowl, mix together the scallions and vinegar and set it aside.

 

2. 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.

 

3. Add the chili bean paste, garlic, ginger, and sichuan peppercorns and sauté:

until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

 

4. Add the chicken stock mixture:

turn the heat to medium-low and simmer for 90 seconds.

 

5. Add the cornstarch mixture:

and stir together until the sauce thickens a bit.

 

6. Add the scallions and vinegar:

and cook for 15 seconds to diffuse their harsh flavors a bit.

Garnish with cilantro and serve.

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