Spicy Chinese Eggplant with Szechuan Sauce

A bold, flavour-packed dish featuring tender Chinese eggplant smothered in a fiery, umami-rich Szechuan sauce.

This Spicy Chinese Eggplant with Szechuan Sauce is a perfect balance of heat, savoury depth, and a touch of sweetness. The eggplant is pan-seared until soft and creamy, then tossed in a fragrant sauce infused with garlic, ginger, and Szechuan peppercorns. Serve it over rice or noodles for a comforting, flavourful meal.

Ingredients:

For the Eggplant:

• 2 Chinese eggplants, cut into long strips or bite-sized chunks
• 1 teaspoon salt (for draining)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons neutral oil (such as avocado or vegetable oil)

For the Szechuan Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (or substitute with a touch of maple syrup for sweetness)
• 1 tablespoon chili oil (adjust to spice preference)
• 1 teaspoon Szechuan peppercorns, lightly crushed (or red pepper flakes)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the eggplant: Toss eggplant pieces with salt and let sit for 15 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Pat dry and coat lightly with cornstarch.
2. Sear the eggplant: Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add eggplant and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and softened. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Make the Szechuan sauce: In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Add garlic, ginger, and Szechuan peppercorns, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Simmer and thicken: Pour in soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, chili oil, and cornstarch mixture. Stir well and let simmer until slightly thickened.
5. Combine: Return the eggplant to the pan and toss to coat in the sauce. Let cook for 1-2 more minutes until heated through.
6. Finish & serve: Drizzle with sesame oil, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

Optional Additions:

Customize this dish with extra textures and flavours:

• Crispy tofu or tempeh: Add protein to make it a complete meal.
• Sliced red bell peppers: For extra colour and sweetness.
• Chopped peanuts or cashews: Adds a crunchy contrast.
• More spice: Increase chili oil or add fresh chili slices for an extra kick.

This dish is a deliciously addictive combination of spice, umami, and tenderness—perfect for a quick and satisfying meal!