Best 2 Chinese Spicy Eggplant Recipes

**Tantalize your taste buds with our collection of authentic Chinese spicy eggplant recipes, offering a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving for more.**

Embark on a culinary journey with our carefully curated recipes, each bursting with unique characteristics that cater to diverse palates. Delight in the classic Sichuan-style eggplant, renowned for its fiery and numbing sensation, or savor the comforting flavors of Hunan-style eggplant, known for its balanced blend of heat and sweetness.

For those seeking a milder option, Jiangsu-style eggplant offers a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors, while Anhui-style eggplant captivates with its smoky and garlicky notes. Vegetarian enthusiasts will find solace in our selection of vegan spicy eggplant recipes that deliver an explosion of flavors without compromising on authenticity.

Regardless of your preference, our comprehensive guide ensures a culinary adventure that will ignite your senses and leave you yearning for the next bite. Prepare to be enthralled by the vibrant colors, tantalizing aromas, and unforgettable tastes that await you in these exceptional Chinese spicy eggplant recipes.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

SPICY CHINESE EGGPLANT (AUBERGINE) AND CHICKEN

Spicy Chinese Eggplant (Aubergine) and Chicken image

This is one of my favorite dishes. It has a really good kick. Make sure not to overcook the eggplant because then it will get mushy.

Provided by jordana sarrell

Categories Asian

Time 25m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

1 lb eggplant
1 lb chicken
1 teaspoon garlic
1 tablespoon cornstarch
canola oil
green onion
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon chili paste
1 tablespoon sesame oil

Steps:

Combine Spicy Sauce Ingredients.
Cut up chicken to desired size.
Peel eggplant and cut up to desired size.
Deep fry eggplant submerged in Canola Oil in a wok about 2 minutes, then remove and place on paper towel to drain.
Stir Fry garlic in wok, about 10 seconds.
Cook chicken.
Add Spicy Sauce into wok and simmer then add cornstarch.
Add eggplant and stir, about 30 seconds.
Serve and Enjoy!

SPICY CHINESE EGGPLANT (AUBERGINE)

Spicy Chinese Eggplant (Aubergine) image

Make and share this Spicy Chinese Eggplant (Aubergine) recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Miraklegirl

Categories Vegetable

Time 17m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

5 Japanese eggplants (about 2 pounds)
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
6 garlic cloves, minced
1 small onion, sliced
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons sesame oil
1 tablespoon rice wine or 1 tablespoon dry white vermouth
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon Asian chili sauce
2 green onions, thinly, sliced
1/2 sweet red pepper, diced

Steps:

Trim off eggplant stems.
Cut eggplant in half lengthwise, cut each half lengthwise into 1-inch (2. 5 cm) thick strips.
Cut each strip into 2-inch (5 cm) pieces; place in colander.
Sprinkle with salt; let stand for 1 hour.
Pat dry.
In large wok or shallow Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat; stir-fry garlic and onion for 2 minutes.
Add eggplant; stir-fry for 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, in bowl, whisk together sauce ingredients; pour into wok, cover and cook, stirring often, for 5 minutes or until eggplant is tender.
Sprinkle with green onions and red pepper.

Tips for Making Chinese Spicy Eggplant

Choose the Right Eggplant: Select firm, young eggplants with smooth, shiny skin. Avoid eggplants with bruises or blemishes.
Cut the Eggplant Properly: Cut the eggplant into uniform-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. For a classic Chinese spicy eggplant dish, cut the eggplant into long, thin strips.
Salt the Eggplant: Salting the eggplant helps to remove excess moisture and prevent it from becoming soggy during cooking. Sprinkle salt over the eggplant slices and let them rest for 15-20 minutes. Rinse the eggplant thoroughly before cooking.
Use a Wok or Large Skillet: A wok or large skillet is ideal for cooking Chinese spicy eggplant. The wide surface area allows for even heat distribution and prevents the eggplant from steaming.
Heat the Oil Properly: Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the eggplant. This helps to sear the eggplant and prevent it from absorbing too much oil.
Don't Overcook the Eggplant: Eggplant cooks quickly, so be careful not to overcook it. Overcooked eggplant becomes mushy and loses its texture.
Add Aromatics and Spices: Ginger, garlic, and chili peppers are commonly used aromatics in Chinese spicy eggplant dishes. You can also add other spices, such as cumin, fennel, or Sichuan peppercorns, to taste.
Use a Good Sauce: The sauce is key to a flavorful Chinese spicy eggplant dish. Use a combination of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar to create a balanced flavor profile.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Garnish the finished dish with fresh herbs, such as cilantro or scallions, for added flavor and color.

Conclusion

Chinese spicy eggplant is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, side dish, or main course. With its vibrant flavors and textures, this dish is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. By following these tips, you can create a restaurant-quality Chinese spicy eggplant dish at home. Experiment with different ingredients and cooking techniques to find your perfect combination. Enjoy this classic Chinese dish!