Craving a flavorful and satisfying meal that's ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further! This Chinese aubergine and minced pork recipe is a delicious and healthy option perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a delightful weekend treat. It's bursting with umami flavors and textures, a testament to the magic of simple homemade cooking. This recipe is surprisingly easy, making it ideal for both beginner cooks and seasoned chefs looking for a quick, satisfying meal. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this stunningly simple yet incredibly tasty dish!
Ingredients:
- 1 large aubergine (about 500g), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 250g minced pork
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, minced
- 2 red chilies, finely chopped (optional, adjust to your spice preference)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Shaoxing rice wine (or dry sherry)
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- ½ tsp ground white pepper
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Spring onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Aubergine
- Sprinkle the cubed aubergine generously with salt and leave it in a colander for about 15 minutes. This helps draw out excess moisture, resulting in a less soggy dish. After 15 minutes, rinse the aubergine under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
Step 2: Stir-frying the Aromatics
- Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the onion, garlic, ginger, and chilies (if using). Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
Step 3: Cooking the Minced Pork
- Add the minced pork to the wok and stir-fry until it's browned and cooked through. Break up any lumps as you stir. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
Step 4: Adding the Aubergine and Sauce
- Add the prepared aubergine to the wok and stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes. Then, pour in the soy sauce, Shaoxing rice wine, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and white pepper. Stir everything well to combine and coat the aubergine and pork evenly.
Step 5: Simmering and Serving
- Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the wok, and simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until the aubergine is tender but still retains some bite. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Garnish with chopped spring onions before serving hot with steamed rice. This simple addition elevates the dish's visual appeal and adds a fresh, vibrant note.
Tips and Variations:
- For a spicier dish: Add more chilies or a dash of chili oil.
- Vegetarian option: Replace the minced pork with firm tofu, cubed and pan-fried until golden brown.
- Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or broccoli florets along with the aubergine.
- Adjust seasonings: Taste the dish as you go and adjust the seasonings to your liking.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Fat: 15-20g
This easy recipe delivers a delicious and healthy meal. Enjoy this quick dinner idea as a comforting and flavorful escape from the mundane! It's a testament to how incredibly satisfying a simple, well-executed dish can be. This recipe will quickly become a staple in your weekly meal rotation, perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a delicious and healthy meal on the table fast.