Description

Enjoy a delicious and flavorful plant-based dish with this Sticky Garlic Eggplant recipe. Tender eggplant cubes are sautéed to golden perfection and coated in a sticky, savory-sweet garlic sauce made from soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Garnished with fresh green onions and sesame seeds, this quick and easy recipe is perfect for a healthy weeknight meal or a tasty side dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

2 medium eggplants, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Sauce Ingredients

3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

Garnish

2 green onions, sliced
Sesame seeds

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Instructions

Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Set this flavorful sauce mixture aside.
Coat the Eggplant: In another bowl, toss the eggplant cubes with cornstarch until they are evenly coated. This coating will help achieve a crispy texture when cooked.
Sauté the Eggplant: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated eggplant cubes and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the eggplant is golden brown and tender.
Add the Sauce and Cook: Pour the prepared sauce over the sautéed eggplant. Stir well to ensure all pieces are coated. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and become sticky, clinging deliciously to the eggplant.
Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish the sticky garlic eggplant with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds before serving. Enjoy immediately.

Notes

To make cutting easier, slice the eggplant into manageable pieces before cubing.
For extra crispness, you can roast the coated eggplant cubes for 10-15 minutes in an oven preheated to 425°F (220°C) instead of sautéing.
This dish pairs well with steamed rice or quinoa to make a complete meal.
Adjust the amount of garlic and ginger according to your taste preference for stronger or milder flavors.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stovetop.