Fried Stuffed Chinese Eggplant

Fried Stuffed Chinese Eggplant Recipe - Authentic Chinese Cuisine

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Fried Stuffed Chinese Eggplant is a delicious and savory dish that combines the flavors of eggplant, ground pork, and seasonings. This recipe is a popular choice for those looking to enjoy a flavorful and satisfying meal.

History

This recipe has its origins in Chinese cuisine, where eggplant is a commonly used ingredient in many dishes. The combination of eggplant and ground pork creates a rich and flavorful filling that is sure to please your taste buds.

Ingredients

1 (9 inches) eggplant (about 3 inches wide; 1.25 lb (567 g))
0.25 lb (113 g) ground pork (not lean)
2 tbsp finely chopped scallion greens
1 tsp minced peeled fresh ginger
1.5 tbsp soy sauce
0.25 tsp salt
3 to 4 cups peanut or vegetable oil for frying
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 large egg, lightly beaten
0.75 cup water

How to prepare

Cut off the bottom inch and a half of the eggplants and discard.
Make a shallow cut in each eggplant, creating a pocket. Repeat this step seven times.
In a bowl, combine pork, scallion, ginger, soy sauce, and salt.
Add 1 tbsp of the mixture to each pocket.
Heat oil in a skillet to 360°F (182°C).
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, eggs, and water until smooth.
Dip the eggplants into the batter and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.

Variations

You can customize this recipe by using ground chicken or tofu instead of ground pork. You can also add additional vegetables or seasonings to the filling for added flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cut the eggplant carefully to create a pocket for the filling.

- Be sure to cook the eggplant in hot oil to achieve a crispy and golden brown exterior.

- You can customize the filling by adding your favorite seasonings or vegetables.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Fried Stuffed Chinese Eggplant with steamed rice and a side of stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making Fried Stuffed Chinese Eggplant is to fry the eggplant until it is crispy and golden brown. Be sure to cook the eggplant in hot oil to achieve the desired texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are vegetarian, you can substitute the ground pork with tofu or mushrooms. You can also use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version of this recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the filling for Fried Stuffed Chinese Eggplant ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. You can also fry the eggplant in advance and reheat it in the oven before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Fried Stuffed Chinese Eggplant on a platter garnished with fresh herbs and a drizzle of soy sauce for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Fried Stuffed Chinese Eggplant pairs well with a light and refreshing cucumber salad or a side of steamed bok choy.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Fried Stuffed Chinese Eggplant in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Fried Stuffed Chinese Eggplant contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Fried Stuffed Chinese Eggplant contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Fried Stuffed Chinese Eggplant contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Fried Stuffed Chinese Eggplant contains approximately 10 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and wheat allergens.

Summary

Fried Stuffed Chinese Eggplant is a nutritious dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Fried Stuffed Chinese Eggplant is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With a crispy exterior and a flavorful filling, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Fried Stuffed Chinese Eggplant. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting a friend who had just returned from a trip to China. She had brought back with her a cookbook filled with traditional Chinese recipes, and as soon as I saw the picture of the Fried Stuffed Chinese Eggplant, I knew I had to try making it.

My friend and I spent the entire afternoon in her kitchen, carefully following the instructions in the cookbook and preparing all the ingredients. I was amazed at the combination of flavors and textures that went into the dish - from the tender eggplant to the savory pork filling and the crispy fried exterior. It was a labor of love, but when we finally sat down to eat, it was worth every minute.

As I savored the first bite of the Fried Stuffed Chinese Eggplant, I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen. I asked my friend for a copy of the cookbook, and she graciously agreed to lend it to me. From that day on, I made it a point to perfect the recipe, tweaking it here and there to suit my own tastes.

Over the years, I have made the Fried Stuffed Chinese Eggplant for countless family gatherings and dinner parties. It has become a signature dish of mine, one that always impresses and satisfies my guests. I take great pride in sharing this recipe with others, and I love seeing their faces light up as they take their first bite.

But the true magic of this recipe lies not just in its delicious flavors, but in the memories and stories that come along with it. Every time I make the Fried Stuffed Chinese Eggplant, I am transported back to that sunny afternoon in my friend's kitchen, learning something new and exciting. I am reminded of the joy of discovery, the thrill of trying something different, and the satisfaction of creating something beautiful with my own two hands.

And so, as I sit here now, writing down the recipe for Fried Stuffed Chinese Eggplant, I am filled with a sense of gratitude for all the experiences and people that have brought me to this moment. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share that passion with others.

I hope that when you make this recipe for Fried Stuffed Chinese Eggplant, you will feel the same sense of anticipation and excitement that I did all those years ago. May it bring you joy, satisfaction, and a whole lot of delicious flavors. Bon appétit!