Are you craving a flavorful, healthy, and surprisingly easy weeknight dinner? Look no further than this delightful Chinese eggplant minced pork recipe! This dish is packed with umami goodness, showcasing the beautiful marriage of tender eggplant and savory minced pork. It's perfect for busy weeknights, impressing guests, or simply enjoying a delicious homemade meal. This recipe is a testament to how quick dinner ideas can be both healthy meals and delicious dishes. Get ready to elevate your culinary skills with this simple yet satisfying recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 large eggplant (about 1 pound), diced into 1-inch cubes
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing rice wine (or dry sherry)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Optional: 1-2 red chilies, finely chopped (for added spice)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Eggplant
- Sprinkle the diced eggplant with 1 tablespoon of salt. This helps draw out excess moisture, preventing the eggplant from becoming soggy. Let it sit for about 15-20 minutes. Afterward, rinse the eggplant thoroughly and pat it dry with paper towels. This simple step is crucial for achieving the best texture in your dish.
Step 2: Cook the Pork
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground pork and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned. Remove the cooked pork from the wok and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
- Add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil to the wok. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. If using chilies, add them now.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Eggplant
- Add the dried eggplant to the wok and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.
Step 5: Combine and Simmer
- Return the cooked pork to the wok. Add the soy sauce, Shaoxing rice wine, oyster sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, and black pepper. Stir well to combine. Add a splash of water (about 1/4 cup) if needed to create a slightly saucier consistency.
Step 6: Serve
- Simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot with steamed rice.
Cooking Tips for Best Results:
- Don't skip salting the eggplant! This step is essential for achieving a delicious texture.
- Use a wok if you have one; its shape helps create a good stir-fry. A large skillet will work just as well.
- Adjust the amount of soy sauce and oyster sauce to your taste preference.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
Variations:
- Spicy Version: Add more chilies or a dash of chili garlic sauce for extra heat.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground pork with crumbled firm tofu for a delicious vegetarian option.
- Garlic Lovers: Add an extra clove or two of garlic for a more intense garlic flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Fat: 15-20g
This delicious Chinese eggplant minced pork recipe is a fantastic example of easy recipes that are both healthy and satisfying. It's a perfect quick dinner idea for busy weeknights, and it's sure to become a family favorite! Enjoy this delicious homemade dish, one of the best recipes you'll ever try!