Sticky Garlic Eggplant Recipe

Introduction

Sticky Garlic Eggplant is a flavorful and satisfying dish that brings tender eggplant pieces glazed in a sweet and savory garlic sauce. This easy recipe is perfect as a side or a main for a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 medium eggplants (about 500g)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
• Toasted sesame seeds (for serving)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Slice the eggplants into bite-sized pieces and sprinkle with salt. Let them sit for 20 minutes to draw out moisture.
2. Step 2: Rinse off the salt under cold water and pat the eggplant dry with paper towels.
3. Step 3: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), minced garlic, and rice vinegar.
4. Step 4: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the eggplant slices in batches until golden brown on all sides.
5. Step 5: Lower the heat and add the sauce to the skillet, tossing to coat the eggplant pieces evenly.
6. Step 6: Serve hot, garnished with toasted sesame seeds.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, coat the eggplant pieces lightly in cornstarch before frying.
• Use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan-friendly version.
• Add a pinch of chili flakes to the sauce if you like a little heat.

Storage

Store leftover sticky garlic eggplant in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to maintain texture and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake the eggplant instead of frying?

Yes, baking is a healthier alternative. Toss eggplant pieces with a little oil and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden and tender before tossing with the sauce.

How do I prevent the eggplant from becoming too soggy?

Salting the eggplant and letting it rest helps remove excess moisture. Also, make sure to pat the pieces dry before cooking and avoid overcrowding the pan while frying.

Sticky Garlic Eggplant Recipe

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5 from 118 reviews

Sticky Garlic Eggplant is a flavorful dish featuring tender eggplant pieces coated in a sweet and savory garlic soy glaze. Perfect as a side or a vegetarian main, this recipe balances the richness of fried eggplant with a sticky, aromatic sauce and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for a delightful crunch.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Asian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Eggplant

• 2 medium eggplants (about 500g)
• Salt, for sprinkling

Sauce

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar

Cooking

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
• Toasted sesame seeds (for serving)

Instructions

1. Prepare the eggplant: Slice the eggplants into bite-sized pieces and sprinkle them generously with salt. Let them sit for 20 minutes to draw out moisture, which helps to reduce bitterness and achieve a better texture when frying.
2. Rinse and dry: After 20 minutes, rinse off the salt under cold running water thoroughly to remove excess sodium. Pat the eggplant pieces dry using paper towels to ensure they fry properly without splattering.
3. Make the sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, honey or maple syrup, minced garlic, and rice vinegar until well combined to create a sticky, flavorful glaze.
4. Fry the eggplant: Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the eggplant slices in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, turning occasionally until they become golden brown and tender on all sides. Remove the cooked eggplant and set aside.
5. Combine with sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low and pour the prepared sauce into the skillet. Add the fried eggplant back into the pan and toss carefully to coat each piece evenly with the sticky garlic soy glaze. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly and adhere to the eggplant.
6. Serve: Remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds to add a nutty flavor and a nice crunch. Serve hot as a delectable side or main dish.

Notes

• Salting the eggplant helps remove bitterness and excess moisture, resulting in better frying.
• Patting the eggplant dry prevents oil splatters during frying and helps achieve a crispy exterior.
• You can substitute maple syrup for honey to make the recipe vegan-friendly.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels and keep the dish healthier.
• Fry the eggplant in batches to maintain pan temperature and ensure even cooking.
• Serve immediately for the best texture as the sauce tends to thicken and stick upon resting.

Keywords: Sticky Garlic Eggplant, Garlic Eggplant, Fried Eggplant, Vegetarian Asian Recipes, Side Dish, Soy Sauce Eggplant