Why choose to make braised eggplant as a home-cooked delicacy?
Braised eggplant is a classic Chinese dish and a staple in many household kitchens. Eggplants are readily available all year round and inexpensive, making it an affordable and healthy addition to your meal. It is also extremely versatile and can be cooked with various ingredients and methods, catering to different tastes and preferences. Moreover, the soft and tender texture of the eggplant and its ability to absorb the flavours of the ingredients make it a popular comfort food for many.
What ingredients do you need?
To make braised eggplant, you will need:
- 2 medium-sized eggplants, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice wine or cooking wine
- 1 cup water or chicken broth
- 1 stalk green onion, chopped (optional)
What are the steps to prepare the dish?
1. In a wok or deep frying pan, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil on medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic and ginger and fry until fragrant.
2. Add the eggplant to the pan and stir fry for a few minutes until slightly browned.
3. Pour soy sauce, sugar, and rice wine into the pan and stir well.
4. Pour in water or chicken broth and cover the pan with a lid. Simmer on low heat for approximately 15-20 minutes until the eggplant is soft and tender.
5. Garnish with chopped green onions (optional) and serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.
What are the tips to make the perfect braised eggplant?
1. Choose fresh eggplants, preferably with smooth and shiny skin, and avoid those with wrinkled skin or blemishes.
2. Cut the eggplants into evenly sized pieces so that they cook evenly.
3. Salt the eggplants for 20 minutes before cooking to remove excess moisture and improve texture.
4. Use high-quality soy sauce and rice wine to enhance the flavour.
5. Adjust the amount of sugar and salt to your personal liking.
Conclusion
Overall, braised eggplant is an easy and delicious home-cooked dish that you can enjoy with your family and friends. By following the above steps and tips, you can quickly create a mouthwatering meal that is sure to impress!