Eggplant And Hoisin Sauce
A savory Chinese-inspired eggplant dish featuring tender pork, aromatic garlic and ginger, and a rich hoisin sauce glaze, perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. lean pork, cut in strips
- 1 tsp. cornstarch ⓘ
- 1 tsp. light soy sauce ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dry sherry or rice wine ⓘ
- 1 lb. eggplant, cut in 1/2-inch cubes ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. peanut oil ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed ⓘ
- 1 slice ginger, cut into slivers ⓘ
- 4 green onions, julienned ⓘ
- 1 tsp. sesame oil ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. hot sauce
- 1 tsp. mein see (soybean condiment) ⓘ
- 1 tsp. hoisin sauce
- pinch of sugar ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. Chinese parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix the pork with cornstarch, light soy sauce, and dry sherry or rice wine. Set aside.
- Salt the cut-up eggplant and let it drain.
- Stir-fry the pork in peanut oil until tender. Remove and set aside.
- Stir-fry the eggplant in the same pan until tender.
- Add garlic, ginger, green onions, sesame oil, hot sauce, mein see, hoisin sauce, and a pinch of sugar. Cook briefly.
- Return the pork to the pan and heat through.
- Top with Chinese parsley and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider marinating the pork for longer than 15 minutes. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the pork with tofu and adjust the cooking time accordingly. For a spicier kick, add more hot sauce or fresh chilies. Ensure the eggplant is well-salted to reduce bitterness and improve texture. This dish pairs well with fried rice or other Chinese recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish hot over steamed rice or alongside fried rice for a complete meal. Garnish with additional green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and texture. It also pairs nicely with wonton soup for a comforting dinner. For a refreshing contrast, serve with a side salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to maintain the moisture and texture of the eggplant. Avoid using the microwave, which can make the eggplant mushy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Eggplant And Hoisin Sauce contains roughly 652 calories, with 23g protein, 95g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (46% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1925mg per serving (84% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different protein instead of pork?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken, beef, or even a plant-based protein like tempeh or tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time based on the protein you choose, ensuring it's cooked through before serving.
What type of eggplant is best for this dish?
Chinese eggplant is ideal due to its tender skin and sweeter flavor. However, you can also use Italian or globe eggplant if that's what you have on hand. Just remember to cut them into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the soy sauce with a gluten-free variety, such as tamari. Ensure that the hoisin sauce is also gluten-free, as some brands may contain wheat. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).