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Irresistible Sticky Garlic Eggplant Recipe to Savor

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Sticky Garlic Eggplant is a Chinese-inspired vegan dish where crispy fried eggplant is coated in a sticky, umami-rich sauce made with fermented bean curd, black bean garlic sauce, and vegetarian oyster sauce. Served with jasmine rice, it’s bold, flavorful, and comforting.

  • Author: Tina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 3–4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying & Stir-Frying
  • Cuisine: Chinese
  • Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

2 medium eggplants, cut into large chunks

1/4 cup cornstarch

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Oil, for deep frying

2 cubes fermented bean curd

3 garlic cloves, minced

2 spring onions, diced (plus more for garnish)

2 tablespoons black bean garlic sauce

2 tablespoons vegetarian oyster sauce

1 tablespoon sugar

1 fresh chili, sliced (optional)

1 tablespoon oil (for stir-frying)

Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

Fried crispy shallots, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Soak eggplant chunks in salted water for 30 minutes, weighing them down to fully submerge. Drain and pat dry.
  2. Mix cornstarch, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Toss eggplant to coat evenly.
  3. Heat oil in a deep pot or wok to 350–375°F (180–190°C). Fry eggplant in batches for 3–4 minutes until golden. Drain on paper towels.
  4. In a small bowl, mix black bean garlic sauce, vegetarian oyster sauce, and sugar. Set aside.
  5. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté spring onions until glossy. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in the sauce and fermented bean curd, breaking down the curd until dissolved.
  6. Add fried eggplant and fresh chili. Toss gently to coat in sauce.
  7. Transfer to a serving dish. Garnish with extra spring onions, sesame seeds, or crispy shallots. Serve hot with jasmine rice.

Notes

  • Soaking eggplant helps reduce bitterness and oil absorption.
  • For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free sauces.
  • Shallow fry or air fry as alternatives to deep frying.
  • Dish is best enjoyed fresh as crispiness fades after storage.
  • Prep sauce and eggplant ahead, then fry and coat just before serving.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cheftinaskitchen.com/irresistible-sticky-garlic-eggplant-recipe-to-savor/