Chinese Eggplant with Garlic Sauce 

This Chinese Eggplant with Garlic Sauce is a savory, plant-based stir-fry featuring tender long eggplants tossed in a rich garlic-ginger sauce. With savory soy, tangy vinegar, a touch of sugar, and aromatic red chile, this classic Sichuan-inspired dish delivers bold flavor without seafood. The eggplant becomes silky and succulent as it soaks up the sauce, while garlic, ginger, and scallions add fragrant depth. Garnished with sesame seeds and green onion, it’s perfect over rice or noodles—a simple yet satisfying vegan meal that feels restaurant-quality right at home.

Ingredients

• 2–3 Chinese or Japanese eggplants, cut into 2‑inch strips
  
  

• Salt (for optional brining)
  
  

• 1–2 tbsp cornstarch (for optional coating)
  
  

• 2½ tbsp soy sauce or tamari
  
  

• 1 tbsp brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
  
  

• 1 tbsp rice vinegar or Chinese black vinegar
  
  

• ½ tsp toasted sesame oil (optional)
  
  

• 2½ tbsp high‑heat cooking oil (e.g. avocado or vegetable oil)
  
  

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
  
  

• 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
  
  

• 1 red chile pepper or red pepper flakes, chopped/adjust to taste
  
  

• 1 green onion, chopped
  
  

• Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
  
  

Directions

1. (Optional) Dissolve 1 tbsp salt in 4 cups water, add eggplant and brine 15 min. Drain and pat dry; optionally toss with cornstarch.
   
   

2. Heat 1½ tbsp oil in a skillet or wok over high heat. Add eggplant in one layer; cook 5–6 min turning until golden and tender. Transfer to plate.
   
   

3. Add remaining oil to the pan. Sauté garlic, ginger, and chile for ~1 min until fragrant.
   
   

4. Combine soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, and cornstarch in a bowl; add to pan and bring to a boil, stirring.
   
   

5. Return eggplant to the pan; toss to coat in sauce and cook an additional minute to thicken.
   
   

6. Garnish with chopped scallions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately over rice or noodles.
   
   

Nutrients (per serving, serves ~4)

• Calories: ~160 kcal
  
  

• Carbohydrates: ~22 g
  
  

• Protein: ~4 g
  
  

• Fat: ~7 g
  
  

• Fiber: ~10 g
  
  

• Sugar: ~13 g
  
  

• Sodium: ~260 mg
  
  

• Potassium: ~832 mg
  
  

• Iron: ~1 mg
  
  

• Calcium: ~34 mg
  
  

• Vitamin C: ~24.8 mg