Irresistible Sticky Garlic Eggplant Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
