Chinese Eggplant with Garlic Sauce

Name: Chinese Eggplant with Garlic Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 medium Chinese eggplants; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon ginger, minced; 1 bell pepper, sliced; 2 green onions, chopped; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

Experience the vibrant flavors of Asian cuisine with this delightful Chinese Eggplant with Garlic Sauce recipe. Tender eggplant is sautéed to perfection and coated in a rich garlic sauce, creating a dish that is both savory and satisfying. Perfect as a side or a star dish, it’s a great addition to your Japanese Recipe Ideas collection that will impress your family and friends.

Created by

Tabitha Green

Last updated on 2025-12-02T11:31:08.140Z

This Chinese Eggplant with Garlic Sauce is a dish that embodies the rich culinary tradition of China with its bold flavors and simple preparation. It's a fantastic way to enjoy the unique texture and flavor of eggplant, enhanced by a savory sauce.

Discover the Magic of Chinese Eggplant

Chinese eggplant, also known as Japanese eggplant, is a culinary gem celebrated for its tender flesh and unique purple skin. Unlike its common counterpart, this variety possesses a slightly sweeter flavor and a creamy texture when cooked. It absorbs sauces beautifully, making it an ideal ingredient for dishes like our Garlic Sauce recipe. When you bite into Chinese eggplant, you will experience a delightful combination of taste and texture that elevates any meal.

This versatile vegetable is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, eggplant can help support heart health and contribute to a balanced diet. It’s low in calories yet filling, which means you can enjoy generous portions without any guilt. Considering its myriad health benefits and delightful flavor, incorporating Chinese eggplant into your cooking can enhance both your culinary repertoire and your wellbeing.

The Importance of Garlic Sauce

Garlic sauce is a staple in many Asian dishes, and for good reason! It provides a depth of flavor that is unmatched, marrying the aromatic qualities of garlic with the umami of soy sauce and the tang of rice vinegar. This combination not only enhances the eggplant but also complements various other vegetables and proteins, making it an incredibly versatile sauce. You can easily double the recipe and use it in stir-fries, marinades, or as a dipping sauce.

The harmonious balance of sweet, salty, and savory in garlic sauce can transform simple ingredients into extraordinary meals. It’s also easily customizable. Feel free to add your favorite spices or condiments, such as chili paste for heat or sesame seeds for added crunch. With just a few ingredients, you can create a flavorful sauce that will leave your taste buds dancing!

Serving Suggestions

This Chinese Eggplant with Garlic Sauce can be served in various ways, making it a versatile addition to any meal. Enjoy it as a standalone vegetarian dish, paired with steamed rice or noodles to soak up that decadent sauce. Alternatively, it can serve as an impressive side dish alongside grilled meats or tofu. The vibrant colors and aromatic flavors not only please the palate but also make it visually appealing, perfect for impressing your family and friends during dinner gatherings.

For an even heartier option, consider tossing in your favorite protein such as chicken, shrimp, or pork. These additions can create a satisfying one-pan meal that combines both fun and nutrition. Regardless of how you choose to serve it, you can be confident that this dish will be a hit at your table.

Ingredients

For the Eggplant

2 medium Chinese eggplants
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, minced
1 bell pepper, sliced
2 green onions, chopped

For the Garlic Sauce

3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

Make sure all ingredients are fresh for the best flavor!

Instructions

Prepare the Eggplant

Slice the eggplants into thin rounds and sprinkle with salt. Let sit for about 10 minutes to draw out moisture, then rinse and pat dry.

Make the Sauce

In a bowl, mix together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, and cornstarch mixture.

Cook the Eggplant

In a large pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the eggplant and bell pepper, cooking until the eggplant is tender.

Combine and Serve

Pour the garlic sauce over the cooked eggplant and bell pepper. Stir well to coat and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Serve hot as a side dish or over rice.

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers of this delicious Chinese Eggplant with Garlic Sauce, have no fear! Storing this dish is simple. Allow it to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. This dish can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors can even deepen as they meld during storage, making your next meal just as delightful.

When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply heat it up in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to bring back the sauce's luscious consistency. Remember that reheating may make the eggplant a little softer, but it will still be delicious! You can also enjoy it cold in a salad for a refreshing option.

Nutritional Highlights

This Chicken Eggplant with Garlic Sauce is not only delicious but also nutritious. Eggplants are high in fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes a healthy gut. They also contain antioxidants like nasunin, which can help protect brain cells from damage. This dish is low in calories but very satisfying, making it a great option for those looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle while indulging their taste buds.

Moreover, garlic is known for its numerous health benefits. It can boost your immune system, improve heart health, and even possess anti-inflammatory properties. With each bite of this dish, you're not just enjoying delightful flavors but also nourishing your body with essential nutrients.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use regular eggplant instead of Chinese eggplant?

Yes, regular eggplant can be used, but it may have a different texture and slightly bitter taste.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.