Irresistible 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
Scale
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
