Irresistible Sticky Garlic Eggplant Recipe to Savor Recipe
Introduction
This irresistible sticky garlic eggplant is a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s perfect as a side or a main. With tender fried eggplant coated in a sweet and savory garlic sauce, it’s sure to become a favorite at your dinner table.
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
- Step 1: Slice the eggplants into bite-sized pieces and sprinkle them with salt. Let them sit for 20 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
- Step 2: Rinse the salt off under cold water, then pat the eggplant dry thoroughly with paper towels.
- Step 3: In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey or maple syrup, minced garlic, and rice vinegar until well combined.
- Step 4: Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the eggplant pieces in batches until they are golden brown and tender on all sides.
- Step 5: Reduce the heat to low and pour the sauce mixture into the skillet. Toss the eggplant gently to coat each piece evenly with the sticky garlic sauce.
- Step 6: Serve the eggplant hot, garnished with toasted sesame seeds for a nutty finish.
Tips & Variations
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil to the sauce mixture.
- Try substituting hoisin sauce for honey if you want a slightly different sweet-savory flavor.
- Ensure the eggplant is well dried before frying to avoid sogginess and achieve a crispy texture.
Storage
Store leftover sticky garlic eggplant in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to keep it moist.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I bake the eggplant instead of frying?
Yes, you can roast the eggplant pieces at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes until tender and golden, then toss with the sauce. Frying gives a crisper texture, but baking is a healthier alternative.
What can I serve with sticky garlic eggplant?
This dish pairs well with steamed rice, noodles, or as part of a larger Asian-inspired meal with other vegetable and protein dishes.
PrintIrresistible Sticky Garlic Eggplant Recipe to Savor Recipe
This irresistible sticky garlic eggplant recipe is a flavorful Asian-inspired dish featuring tender, golden-fried eggplant pieces coated in a savory-sweet garlic sauce. Perfect as a side or main, it combines the rich umami of soy sauce with the subtle sweetness of honey or maple syrup and the tang of rice vinegar, topped with toasted sesame seeds for an extra nutty crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Low Salt
Ingredients
Eggplant
- 2 medium eggplants (about 500g)
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)
Garnish
- Toasted sesame seeds (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Eggplant: Slice the eggplants into bite-sized pieces and sprinkle them evenly with salt. Let them sit for 20 minutes to draw out excess moisture, which prevents sogginess during cooking.
- Rinse and Dry: After 20 minutes, rinse off the salt under cold running water, then pat the eggplant pieces dry thoroughly using paper towels to ensure they fry crisp.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, honey or maple syrup, minced garlic, and rice vinegar until well combined to create a balanced sticky sauce.
- Fry the Eggplant: Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the eggplant slices in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan, until they become golden brown and tender on all sides.
- Coat with Sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low. Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet and toss the fried eggplant pieces gently to coat them evenly, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and become sticky.
- Serve: Transfer the sticky garlic eggplant to a serving dish and garnish generously with toasted sesame seeds. Serve hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Salting the eggplant before cooking helps reduce bitterness and excess moisture for a better texture.
- You can substitute honey with maple syrup for a vegan-friendly option.
- Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point for frying to prevent burning.
- Adjust the sweetness or acidity of the sauce by varying the honey or vinegar amounts to taste.
- Serve with steamed rice or noodles to make a complete meal.
Keywords: sticky garlic eggplant, fried eggplant recipe, Asian eggplant dish, vegetarian side, quick eggplant recipe
