Irresistible Sticky Garlic Eggplant Recipe

Introduction

This sticky garlic eggplant recipe is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines tender eggplant with a sweet and savory sauce. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner or as a delicious side to your favorite meal.

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 excess moisture.
2. Step 2: Rinse the salt off under cold water and pat the eggplant pieces dry with paper towels.
3. Step 3: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), minced garlic, and rice vinegar to create the sauce.
4. Step 4: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the eggplant slices in batches until they are golden brown on all sides.
5. Step 5: Lower the heat and add the prepared sauce to the skillet. Toss the eggplant pieces to coat them evenly with the sticky garlic sauce.
6. Step 6: Serve the dish hot, garnished with toasted sesame seeds for a nutty finish.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, coat the eggplant pieces lightly with 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 prefer a spicy kick.
• Serve over steamed rice or noodles to make it a complete meal.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to maintain the eggplant’s texture and sauciness.

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 the eggplant pieces with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes until tender and golden, then add the sauce as directed.

What can I use instead of rice vinegar?

If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can substitute with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar in the same quantity for a similar tangy flavor.

Irresistible Sticky Garlic Eggplant Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 64 reviews

This irresistible sticky garlic eggplant recipe features tender fried eggplant pieces coated in a savory, sweet, and tangy garlic sauce. Perfect as a flavorful side dish or vegetarian main, this recipe delivers a delightful combination of textures and bold flavors with a simple cooking process that highlights the natural umami of eggplant.

• Author: Lisa
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Asian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Eggplant Preparation

• 2 medium eggplants (about 500g)
• Salt (for drawing out moisture)

Sauce

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

For Frying and Garnish

• 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 generously with salt. Let them sit for 20 minutes to draw out excess moisture, which helps the eggplant achieve a better texture when cooked.
2. Rinse and Dry: Rinse the salted eggplant pieces under cold water to remove excess salt, then thoroughly pat them dry using paper towels to prevent oil splattering during frying.
3. Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, low-sodium soy sauce, honey or maple syrup, and rice vinegar until well combined, creating a balanced sweet and tangy garlic sauce.
4. Fry the Eggplant: Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the eggplant slices in batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per batch.
5. Coat with Sauce: Reduce heat to low, return all fried eggplant pieces to the skillet, and pour the prepared sauce over them. Toss gently but thoroughly to evenly coat the eggplant with the sticky garlic sauce and warm through for 1-2 minutes.
6. Serve: Transfer the coated eggplant to a serving dish and garnish generously with toasted sesame seeds. Serve hot for the most enjoyable flavor and texture experience.

Notes

• Salting the eggplant helps remove bitterness and excess water, ensuring it fries up crispy rather than soggy.
• If you prefer a vegan version, use maple syrup instead of honey in the sauce.
• To reduce oil absorption, be sure to pat dry eggplant thoroughly before frying and avoid overcrowding the pan.
• For extra flavor, garnish with chopped green onions or fresh cilantro along with toasted sesame seeds.
• This dish pairs well with steamed rice or as a side to grilled meats or tofu.

Keywords: sticky garlic eggplant, fried eggplant recipe, Asian eggplant dish, savory sweet eggplant, vegetarian side dish