Yu Xiang Qie Zi Sichuan Eggplant Recipes

LIANG BAN QIE ZI (EGGPLANT WITH GARLIC, GINGER AND SCALLIONS)

Steps:

• Set up a wide, deep skillet or wok with a steamer insert, bamboo steamer or stainless steel trivet (see Tip). Find a heatproof plate that fits into your cooking vessel. Add about 1 to 2 inches of water (making sure it won't touch the bottom of the plate), cover with a lid (or sheet pan or aluminum foil) that fully encloses the steamer, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
• Meanwhile, slice the eggplant into ½-inch-thick circles, then slice each disk into ½-inch strips. Arrange the eggplant pieces on the heatproof plate, stacking them but leaving some gaps to allow the steam to reach all sides of the eggplant.
• Carefully place the plate of eggplant into the steamer insert or bamboo steamer, or on top of the trivet. Cover and steam for 9 to12 minutes, until the flesh is easily pierced with a fork, but still firm enough to hold its shape. Carefully transfer the eggplant to a colander set in the sink to cool and drain.
• In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, black vinegar, chile crisp and granulated sugar.
• When the eggplant is cool to the touch, transfer it to a shallow serving bowl or a rimmed plate. Pile the garlic, scallions and ginger in the center of the eggplant; don't scatter.
• In a small pan, heat the oil on medium-high for 2 to 3 minutes; the oil is hot enough if it bubbles when a wooden chopstick or spoon is inserted. Very carefully pour the hot oil over the ginger, garlic and scallions; it will sizzle and become very fragrant.
• Pour the soy sauce mixture over the eggplant. Serve warm, at room temperature or cold, with rice.

YU XIANG QIE ZI (SICHUAN SPICY EGGPLANT)

Steps:

• Trim the ends off the eggplants and peel them. Slice the eggplants lengthwise into 2-inch long by 3/4-inch thick strips. Place the strips in a bowl, toss them with the salt, and set aside for 1 hour to draw out excess water. Rinse the strips under cool water, drain, and pat them dry with paper towels.
• In a bowl combine the soy sauce, garlic, ginger, hoisin sauce, sugar, sesame oil, green onions, chili bean paste, and rice vinegar. Set aside.
• Heat the vegetable oil in a wok over high heat until it is very hot. Add the eggplant strips and stir-fry for 5 minutes or until the eggplant is limp and cooked through. Add soy sauce mixture to the wok and stir-fry 1 additional minute. Serve with white rice.