Chinese Style Eggplant

Eggplant, oh, where do I start? It's that dependable veggie that finds its way into so many dishes, loved for its affordability and adaptability. Whether you know it as eggplant, brinjal, or aubergine, this colorful member of the nightshade family opens up a world of culinary creativity. Today, I've got a gem of a recipe to share: my take on Chinese Style Crispy Eggplant. Golden-brown batons of eggplant, fried to crispy perfection, and then tossed with the irresistible trio of dried prawns, garlic, and ginger.

 

This dish isn't just about flavors - it's about the texture that makes each bite a delightful crunch followed by a burst of savory goodness. The eggplant, after getting a crispy makeover in the pan, absorbs all those aromatic spices and seafood flavors like a sponge, creating a dish that's as satisfying as it is flavorful.

So, if you're looking to add a bit of excitement to your dinner table, with a dish that's both familiar and exotic, this Chinese Style Crispy Eggplant is your answer. It's comfort food with a twist, perfect for any occasion where you want to savor the magic of eggplant in a whole new way.

 

Ingredients:

1 large Chinese brinjal/eggplant, cut into batons

1/2 tbsp cornflour

1/2 tbsp rice flour

White pepper powder and salt, to taste

2 tbsp dried prawns/shrimps, soaked and rinsed

5 cloves garlic, sliced or chopped

1/2 inch ginger, sliced or chopped

Oil, as needed

Salt, to taste

 

Method:

Prepare the eggplant by cutting it into batons.

Mix cornflour, rice flour, white pepper powder, and salt in a bowl.

Coat the eggplant batons evenly with this mixture.

Heat oil in a pan or wok over medium-high heat.

Fry the coated eggplant batons until they are crispy and golden brown.

Remove from the pan and set aside.

In the same pan, leave about 2 teaspoons of oil.

Add the soaked and rinsed dried prawns/shrimps.

Fry until they turn aromatic.

Stir in the sliced or chopped garlic and ginger.

Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Return the crispy eggplant to the pan with the aromatics.

Season with salt to taste.

Stir-fry everything together for a few minutes until well combined and heated through.

Dish out.