If you're looking to elevate your dinner table with a dish that bursts with flavor and a touch of elegance, look no further than our delightful Aubergine in Plum Sauce! This Chinese-inspired recipe combines the rich, savory notes of aubergines with the sweet and tangy essence of plum sauce, creating a symphony of tastes that will tantalize your taste buds. Perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions, this dish is not only easy to prepare but also visually stunning. Dive into this culinary adventure and discover how you can whip up a meal that will leave your guests asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 medium aubergines
- 1/2 cup plum sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Wash and trim the aubergines, then cut them into 1-inch thick diagonal slices, ensuring even thickness for consistent cooking.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine plum sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Whisk thoroughly to create a uniform marinade.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers and becomes glossy.
- Carefully place aubergine slices into the hot oil, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown color and become slightly crispy.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and pour the prepared plum sauce mixture over the aubergine slices, coating them evenly. Allow the sauce to simmer and caramelize for 2-3 minutes.
- Gently turn the aubergine slices to ensure they are completely coated and heated through, allowing the sauce to slightly thicken.
- Remove from heat and transfer the aubergine slices to a serving platter.
- Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the top and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.
- Serve immediately while warm, ideally accompanied by steamed rice or as a side dish.
Tips
- Choose the Right Aubergines: Look for firm, glossy aubergines with a vibrant purple color. Smaller ones tend to be sweeter and less bitter, making them ideal for this recipe.
- Uniform Slicing: Ensure that your aubergine slices are cut evenly to guarantee consistent cooking. This helps achieve that perfect golden-brown crisp on each piece.
- Marinate for Flavor: For an extra burst of flavor, let the aubergine slices marinate in the plum sauce mixture for about 10 minutes before cooking. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeper into the vegetable.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When frying the aubergine slices, make sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Cooking them in batches will ensure they get that desirable crispiness.
- Garnish Generously: Don’t skimp on the sesame seeds and cilantro! They not only add a beautiful presentation but also enhance the flavor profile of the dish.
- Serve Hot: For the best experience, serve the Aubergine in Plum Sauce immediately while it's warm, paired with steamed rice or as a vibrant side dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
