Spicy Eggplant Stir Fry
Believe it or not, but there’s more to a great dish than just meat. When many think of a filling meal, more often than not it’s one that involves generous portions of protein. Whether it be beef, pork, chicken or seafood, meat isn’t an all too uncommon sight at the dining table. But what if…
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Believe it or not, but there’s more to a great dish than just meat. When many think of a filling meal, more often than not it’s one that involves generous portions of protein. Whether it be beef, pork, chicken or seafood, meat isn’t an all too uncommon sight at the dining table. But what if you could tuck into a dish that doesn’t have meat, yet is still equally satisfying? Those looking to add a new dish to their plant-based diet need not look any further. One bite of this spicy eggplant stir fry will have everything you could ever want in a healthy, meatless dish!
The marriage of a mouthwatering aroma and absolutely insane flavors produces this divine dish. Spicy eggplant stir fry is an easy and tasty way of segueing into a healthier meal plan. If you don’t feel like having meat for lunch or dinner, that in itself is no excuse to skimp on your flavor. And spicy eggplant stir fry gives you all of that and more. From its chewy texture, to the savory, umami sauce, to the kick the chili peppers will give you, you couldn’t ask for a more perfect dish!
Spicy Eggplant Stir Fry Ingredients
Savory and sweet all at the same time, eggplant stir fry doesn’t need a whole lot of ingredients to make it taste divine. All this dish really requires are your eggplants, string beans, and chili peppers. Staples like onion and garlic are also indispensable, and go into the process of adding more layers of unforgettable flavors to your dish.
The best thing about not needing meat for this dish is it cuts your cook and prep time down tenfold. With this dish, there’s no need to wait for the meat to soften for too long! Eggplant stir fry is great for those who want a quick fix and craving for familiar flavors, without having to sacrifice their health. Eggplants are, after all, a powerhouse of nutrition: rich in fiber, protein, and other antioxidants. Like tofu, eggplant is a great substitute for meat, and one you can often find in vegan versions of your favorite dishes.
What really makes this delicious eggplant stir fry stand out, however, would have to be its sauce. Thick, rich, and lick-your-fingers good, your eggplant stir fry wouldn’t be complete without it. You’ll be stunned by how quickly a combination of different ingredients can come together to produce a sauce part sweet, part umami, and all yummy. You won’t be able to get enough of it!
What can I eat this spicy eggplant stir fry with?
Whether you’re pouring it over a bed of rice or some nice crispy noodles, this stir fry goes well with anything! Its bold flavors bring life to any dining table, and whatever carb you’re enjoying it with will seep up some of those terrific tastes.
A similar dish that may pair just as well with it is this Tofu and Broccoli Stir Fry. Here, tofu and broccoli come together in a sauce that’s quite similar to the one we’re using for our eggplants. Still without introducing any meat to the table, you’ll truly get your fill from either or both of these dishes on their own! And given that it’s yet another stir fry dish, it won’t cost you that much time in the kitchen, either!
But if you’re looking for a little bit more protein, a little kung pao chicken surely couldn’t hurt! Tangy and refreshing, kung pao chicken is as vibrant as your eggplant stir fry, but in a different way! This refreshing kick of a dish also includes elements like zucchinis, bell peppers, and peanuts. And don’t even get me started on the sauce—talk about life changing! Trust us when we say kung pao chicken and spicy eggplant stir fry are the perfect recipe for a satisfying and full meal.
How to Cook this Spicy Eggplant Stir Fry
There’s no time to waste; let’s make this spicy eggplant stir fry together!
The first step to making your stir fry is to prep your eggplants. Brush your eggplant pieces with oil, then pan fry until they soften. Remove from the pan, then set aside.
Next, make your sauce. Combine brown sugar, soy sauce, white vinegar, oyster sauce, sesame oil, water, and cornstarch in one bowl. The cornstarch is your thickening agent. It will help your reach the viscosity you’re after to give your eggplant stir fry that unforgettable texture. When you’ve mixed all your ingredients for your sauce thoroughly, set it aside and prepare to cook the rest!
Heat more oil in the pan, then sauté your onion, garlic, and chili peppers. When your onions soften, add in your string beans and stir fry for about 1 minute. Your sauce goes back in the pan next to thicken some more—so don’t forget to stir!
After adding in your fried eggplant and ensuring you’ve cooked your string beans all the way through, guess what? You’re done! This easy, breezy eggplant stir fry recipe is finally ready to be devoured. Transfer this saucy dish to a serving plate and serve it with your carb of choice.
Healthy, hearty, and satisfying, you can’t go wrong with this spicy eggplant stir fry! Let us know what you and your family think of this recipe. Share and enjoy!
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Spicy Eggplant Stir Fry Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 eggplants sliced into serving pieces
- 8 string beans
- 1 head garlic minced
- 1 onion minced
- 12 Thai chili peppers
- 3 tablespoons cooking oil
Sauce ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
Instructions
- Brush the eggplants with oil. Pan fry until it softens. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Combine all the sauce ingredients in a bowl. Mix well. Set aside.
- Heat the remaining oil in a pan. Sauté the garlic, onion, and chili pepper.
- Add the string beans once the onion softens. Stir fry for 1 minute.
- Pour the sauce into the pan. Cook while stirring until it thickens.
- Add the fried eggplant. Continue stir-frying until the string beans get cooked completely.
- Transfer to a serving plate. Serve with rice. Share and enjoy!
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