STICKY GINGER AUBERGINE (EGGPLANT)
A vibrant Asian-inspired vegetarian dish with tender aubergine in a glossy ginger sauce
KEY INFO:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Easy
Dietary: Vegetarian, Vegan-adaptable, Gluten-free optional
EQUIPMENT NEEDED:
- Large non-stick frying pan
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Alternative: Wok or heavy-based skillet
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 large aubergines/eggplants (about 600g/1.3lbs)
- 3 tbsp cornflour/cornstarch
- 4 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 inches ginger, finely grated
- 4 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for GF)
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 120ml/½ cup water
- 2 spring onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional)
METHOD:
- Slice aubergines into 2cm/¾inch thick rounds
- Dust aubergine slices with cornflour, ensuring even coating
- Heat oil in pan over medium-high heat
- Fry aubergine in batches for 4-5 minutes each side until golden brown and tender
(Visual cue: Should be soft when pressed) - Remove aubergine and set aside
- In same pan, fry garlic and ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant
- Add soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and water
- Simmer sauce until it starts to thicken (3-4 minutes)
- Return aubergine to pan, coat with sauce
- Cook for 2-3 minutes until sauce is sticky and glossy
CRUCIAL TIPS:
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying
- Sauce should coat the back of a spoon when ready
- If sauce gets too thick, add splash of water
STORAGE & SCALING:
- Keeps in fridge for up to 3 days
- Double recipe: Cook in batches, make sauce fresh
- Freezing not recommended (texture becomes mushy)
COMMON MISTAKES:
- Skipping the cornflour coating
- Using too little oil
- Rushing the cooking process
VARIATIONS:
- Add chili flakes for heat
- Include bell peppers and onions
- Serve with rice or noodles
- Use honey instead of brown sugar
- Add toasted cashews for crunch
For best results, choose firm, glossy aubergines with no soft spots. The success of this dish lies in achieving that perfect sticky-sweet sauce and tender, golden aubergine pieces that melt in your mouth.
