When minced meat harmoniously integrates with eggplant, they intertwine, creating a tantalizing flavor that makes one’s mouth water. Each bite exudes the aroma of meat and the refreshing sweetness of eggplant, providing a delightful culinary experience on the palate. Besides its delectable taste, Stir-Fried Eggplant with Minced Meat Sauce also boasts abundant nutritional value. It is loaded with vitamins and fiber, aiding in boosting the immune system and facilitating intestinal movement.
Ingredients for Stir-Fried Eggplant with Minced Meat Sauce
| Purple eggplant | two |
| Red pepper | half |
| Green pepper | half |
| Garlic | 4g |
| Dried chilli | 8g |
| Pork | 100g |
| Edible oil | 200g |
| Bean paste | 5g |
| Oyster sauce | 5g |
| Salt | 2g |
| Pepper powder | 1g |
| Sugar | 4g |
| Chili oil | 5g |
| Starch | 3g |
Steps:
1.First, we prepare two purple eggplants. Remove the stems and cut them into evenly sized rectangular pieces. Half of a green bell pepper is sliced into strips, and a red bell pepper is also sliced into strips for color. Two cloves of garlic are sliced, and a small handful of dried chili peppers is added. Pound 100g of pork vigorously to make it easier to slice, then chop it into minced meat. Finally, prepare some chopped spring onions. Once all the ingredients are ready, we can start cooking.
2.Firstly, you need to place a deep pot on the stove and add enough cooking oil. Heat it up. When the oil temperature gradually rises, typically around 180 degrees Celsius (356 degrees Fahrenheit), there will be slight smoke coming from the oil surface. Once the oil temperature is suitable, you can add the diced eggplant into the pot. Remember to use high heat for frying so that the eggplant surface gets quickly cooked and the interior gets thoroughly heated. You need to keep stirring the eggplant in the pot to prevent them from burning. Fry until the eggplant surface turns slightly golden, then remove them from the oil to drain excess oil. This step is important to reduce greasiness and enhance the taste of the eggplant.
3.Next, you need to add an appropriate amount of cooking oil to a wok or skillet and heat it over medium heat. When the oil reaches around 180 degrees Celsius (356 degrees Fahrenheit), add the minced meat to the pan and quickly stir-fry to separate it. Once the minced meat changes color completely, add the garlic slices and dried chili peppers to the pan, and continue stir-frying over low heat. You will begin to smell the fragrance of garlic and dried chili peppers, creating a flavorful and spicy aroma. Then, add 5g of doubanjiang (fermented bean paste) and 5g of oyster sauce, and continue stir-frying over low heat. The addition of doubanjiang will make the dish more flavorful, while the oyster sauce adds a delicious taste. Stir-fry all the ingredients evenly.
4.Add the sliced green and red bell peppers and the fried eggplant into the pan, and stir-fry until they are thoroughly mixed. Then, add 2g of salt to help the vegetables absorb it more easily; add 1g of white pepper powder for a more savory taste; add a little sugar for sweetness; pour in 5g of chili oil to enhance the flavor of the vegetables. Finally, stir-fry everything evenly.
5.Place the prepared spring onion sections into the pan, then add a small amount of water starch and gently stir with a spoon or spatula to mix well. Then, stir-fry over high heat to completely blend the spring onion sections and the seasonings, making the sauce thicker. Pay attention to the heat while stir-frying to avoid scorching the pan. Once the sauce thickens, you can remove it from the heat. Before serving, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. Finally, transfer the stir-fried dish to a plate and enjoy.
Tips
1.Pay attention to handle the stir-frying process gently to avoid compromising the texture and appearance of the ingredients. Also, be mindful of controlling the heat, preventing burning or excessive cooking.
2.Eggplant selection: Choose smooth and brightly colored purple long eggplants, which are typically fresher and have better flavor. Also, consider selecting eggplant varieties with a fine and tender texture to ensure a soft mouthfeel and excellent taste.
3.Minced meat choice: Use high-quality lean meat, such as pork or beef, to prepare the minced meat, ensuring freshness and tenderness. When stir-frying the minced meat, you can add a moderate amount of ginger, garlic, and spices to enhance the flavor.
Stir-Fried Eggplant with Minced Meat Sauce is a delicious, flavorful, and nutritionally rich dish. It can be served as a main course with rice or noodles, or enjoyed as a side dish or appetizer. Whether for a family gathering or dining out at a restaurant, it is a beloved and timeless classic. This dish can become the highlight of both home and social gatherings, allowing people to savor the taste while experiencing the joy of cooking.