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A vibrant garlic eggplant stir fry served in a pan, garnished with herbs.

Easy Eggplant Stir Fry with Garlic Sauce

A quick and savory dish that combines tender eggplant with a rich garlic sauce, perfect for weeknight meals.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course, Vegetarian
Cuisine Asian, Chinese
Servings 4 servings
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

Eggplant Preparation

  • 2 large Chinese long eggplants or your choice of regular eggplant
  • 1 teaspoon salt to draw out moisture and bitterness from the eggplant
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch for coating the eggplant
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch remaining for the sauce

Sauce Ingredients

  • 2.5 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari for a rich umami flavor
  • 1 tablespoon sugar preferably coconut sugar for a richer taste

Other Ingredients

  • 2.5 tablespoons oil neutral oil for high-heat cooking
  • 3 cloves garlic, crushed adds an aromatic kick
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, minced for vibrant freshness
  • to taste green onions/spring onions for garnish and flavor
  • to taste sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Cut the eggplants into four pieces lengthwise, and then cut each piece into approximately 2-inch strips.
  • (Optional) Stir 1 teaspoon of salt into a bowl of water and submerge the eggplant. Let them soak for about 15 minutes.
  • Drain and pat the eggplant dry using paper towels, then toss them in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch until evenly coated.
  • Mix together the soy sauce, sugar, and remaining 1 teaspoon of cornstarch in a small bowl until well combined.

Cooking

  • Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the eggplant in a single layer and cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping frequently until golden brown and tender.
  • Transfer the cooked eggplant to a plate, and add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of oil to the skillet.
  • Sauté the crushed garlic and minced ginger for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Add the prepared sauce and cooked eggplant back into the skillet. Stir gently and cook for another minute, allowing the sauce to thicken.

Serving

  • Decorate the dish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

This dish pairs beautifully with rice or noodles. Ensure eggplants are dry before coating with cornstarch for optimal crispiness.
Keyword Easy Eggplant Stir Fry, garlic sauce, Quick Dinner, Stir Fry, Vegetarian Recipe