Stir-fried eggplant with pork belly is a flavorful and satisfying dish that showcases the beautiful interplay of textures and tastes. The tender, melt-in-your-mouth pork belly contrasts beautifully with the soft, slightly smoky eggplant, creating a culinary experience that's both comforting and exciting. This classic Chinese-inspired recipe is surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner cooks, requiring readily available ingredients and simple techniques. The rich, savory sauce perfectly complements the ingredients, coating each bite in a delightful umami flavor.
Forget complicated recipes and long preparation times; this dish comes together quickly and efficiently. The fragrant aroma of garlic and ginger, combined with the sizzling sounds of the stir-fry, will have your mouth watering in anticipation. Ready to create this delicious meal yourself? Let's dive into the step-by-step process outlined below!
Tools Needed
- knife
- cutting board
- wok or frying pan
Ingredients
- Eggplant
- Pork belly
- Perilla leaves
- Garlic
- Chili
- Peanuts
- Salt
- Fish sauce
- Oyster sauce
- Vinegar: optional, less
- Lemon: optional, less
- Water
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients and Marinate Eggplant
- Cut off the eggplant ears and slice them thinly, but not too thin. Soak them in diluted salt water for about 15 minutes to remove the smell and resin.
Step 2. Stir-fry Pork Belly and Aromatics
- Prepare the pork belly, perilla leaves, and garlic.
- Sear the pork belly to let the fat come out, then drain the fat and add garlic to stir-fry.
- Add chili for a spicy taste and peanuts.
- Season with salt, fish sauce, and oyster sauce.
Step 3. Cook the Eggplant
- Stir-fry the pork belly, then add the eggplant and stir-fry. Add a little more water so that the eggplant is soft and not dry.
- When the water dries up and the eggplant is soft and pale, add the perilla leaves and stir-fry a little more.
Step 4. Serve
- Serve and enjoy!
Read more: Crispy Tofu with Onions: A Delicious Vietnamese Beer Snack
Tips
- Soaking the eggplant in salt water helps to remove bitterness and excess moisture.
- Adding less vinegar and lemon can enhance the flavor.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- If you don't have perilla leaves, you can use Indian pennywort.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I substitute the pork belly with another type of meat?
Yes! You can substitute pork belly with other fatty cuts of pork like shoulder or belly, or even use chicken thighs or beef for a different flavor profile. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.
2. How can I prevent the eggplant from absorbing too much oil?
Salt the sliced eggplant and let it sit for 15-20 minutes to draw out excess moisture before stir-frying. This helps prevent oil absorption and keeps the eggplant from becoming soggy.
This stir-fried eggplant with pork belly recipe is a testament to the simplicity and deliciousness of well-executed home cooking. Enjoy the satisfying blend of textures and flavors – a perfect weeknight meal or a delightful addition to your weekend repertoire. We hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do!