Braised Eggplant with Savory Minced Pork
4
servings30
minutes1
hour5
minutes651
kcalDiscover how to prepare a delectable dish of braised eggplant with minced pork. This recipe combines the flavors of succulent pork and tender eggplant, creating a satisfying and savory meal
INGREDIENTS
1 teaspoon of salt (plus additional for seasoning)
2 pounds of cubed eggplant
8 ounces of ground pork
2 teaspoons of Shaoxing wine
¼ teaspoon of ground white pepper
 2 teaspoons of light soy sauce (divided, 1 tablespoon and 1 teaspoon)
½ teaspoon of sesame oil
½ teaspoon of cornstarch
10 ounces of dried spaghetti or noodles
4 tablespoons of oil (divided)
½ diced bell pepper
1 tablespoon of ginger, minced
1 tablespoon of minced garlic
1 chopped red chili
2 tablespoons of ground bean sauce
1 teaspoon of dark soy sauce
2 tablespoons of oyster sauce
2 cups of chicken stock (or water)
¼ cup of chopped cilantro (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
- Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in 8 cups of water in a large bowl. Soak the cubed eggplant in the salted water for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, drain the eggplant and use your hands or a clean dish towel to squeeze out the water. Set it aside. This step expedites the eggplant’s cooking process and reduces its oil absorption later. It’s a win-win!
- In a separate bowl, combine the ground pork with 2 teaspoons of Shaoxing wine, ¼ teaspoon of ground white pepper, 2 teaspoons of light soy sauce, ½ teaspoon of sesame oil, ½ teaspoon of cornstarch, and 2 teaspoons of water. Marinate for 15-20 minutes.
- Next, cook the spaghetti (or noodles) following the package instructions. Drain and set them aside.
- Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a clean wok over medium heat, and stir-fry the bell pepper for about a minute. Transfer the peppers to a dish and set them aside.
- Following that, warm up 3 tablespoons of oil in the wok on low heat. Stir-fry the ginger and garlic for roughly one minute before introducing the chili and continuing to cook for an additional minute. Stir in the ground bean sauce and cook for another minute. Then add the marinated pork and increase the heat. Once the pork has browned, incorporate the eggplant and thoroughly stir-fry the mixture.
- Cook for a couple of minutes before adding 1 tablespoon of light soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of dark soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce, and 2 cups of chicken stock (or water). Mix everything well, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes over medium heat or until the eggplant becomes tender. By this stage, there should be plenty of sauce in the wok, and the starch from the spaghetti or noodles will help thicken it.
- Finally, add the sautéed bell pepper, cooked noodles, and chopped cilantro (if using) to the wok. Mix everything well, adjust the seasoning with salt to taste, and serve immediately!”
Recipe: Instructions for making braised eggplant with minced pork
Recently, we’ve been sharing a variety of “home-style” dishes. Braised eggplant with minced pork is one of those simple yet delightful recipes that might remind you of the comforting meals your grandparents or parents used to prepare. One of the great things about this dish is the use of ground meat, eliminating the need for chopping, dicing, and the hassle of cleaning cutting boards and knives. We all cherish a bit of extra time, which is why I’ve given this classic recipe a twist by incorporating cooked spaghetti, turning it into a delightful one-pot meal.
For the eggplant, we opted for the large black variety commonly found in supermarkets, but you can use any type of eggplant you prefer, including the long Chinese or Japanese varieties, which are lighter in color. Spaghetti serves as a fantastic substitute in dishes like this, whether it’s for stir-fry, noodle soups, or even as a side to accompany a steak. Plus, spaghetti reheats better than noodles – we’re all familiar with how noodles left out overnight can lose their appeal. In the end, I encourage making the most of what you have!
Speaking of noodles, it’s worth noting that Braised Eggplant with Minced Pork is traditionally served with rice. If you prefer it this way, simply remember to thicken the sauce with a small amount of cornstarch (cornflour + water). Whether you choose to enjoy this dish with noodles, pasta, rice, or as a standalone meal, it promises to be a delicious treat that will satisfy everyone at the table. Here’s how to prepare it.
