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Sweet and Spicy Eggplant – The Best Healthy Side Dish

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Sticky Garlic Eggplant is a quick, plant-based dish featuring tender eggplant glazed in a sweet-savory garlic sauce. Perfect over rice or noodles, it’s satisfying and packed with umami.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 2 medium Chinese or Japanese eggplants

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tsp fresh grated ginger (optional)

  • 2 tsp cornstarch (plus 1 tsp for sauce)

  • 3 tbsp soy sauce

  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar

  • 1 tbsp maple syrup or brown sugar

  • 1/4 cup water

  • 1 tbsp neutral oil (for frying)

  • 1 tsp sesame oil (for finishing)

  • Chopped scallions and sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

  • Cut eggplant into thick slices or batons. Optional: salt and let sit 15 minutes, then pat dry.

  • Toss eggplant with 2 tsp cornstarch. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

  • Fry eggplant in batches until golden and tender, about 5–7 minutes. Set aside.

  • In a bowl, whisk soy sauce, vinegar, maple syrup, 1 tsp cornstarch, water, and ginger.

  • Lower heat. Add minced garlic to the pan and sauté for 30 seconds.

  • Return eggplant to the pan. Pour in the sauce and toss to coat. Simmer 1–2 minutes until sticky.

  • Finish with sesame oil and garnish with scallions and sesame seeds. Serve hot.

Notes

  • Can be made gluten-free with tamari.

  • Serve over rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps.

  • Store leftovers for up to 3 days

Find it online: https://dryrecipes.com/sweet-and-spicy-eggplant-the-best-healthy-side-dish/