Authentic Fish Fragrant Eggplant with Minced Pork (Yuxiang Qiezi)

Name: Authentic Fish Fragrant Eggplant with Minced Pork (Yuxiang Qiezi)
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1 lb purple Chinese eggplants; 4 oz ground pork; 3 tbsp neutral oil; 1/2 cup chicken stock; 1 tbsp spicy bean sauce; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine; 2 tsp sugar; 2 tsp oyster sauce; 1 tsp sesame oil; 1 tsp rice vinegar; 1 tsp fish sauce; 1/8 tsp white pepper; 1/2 tsp minced ginger; 10 pieces dried chili peppers; 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced; 2 pieces scallions; 2 tsp cornstarch

Experience the bold, complex flavors of Sichuan with this classic Yuxiang Qiezi. Tender seared eggplant is tossed in a signature 'fish-fragrant' sauce that perfectly balances spicy, sweet, sour, and savory notes for a truly addictive meal.

Servings4 Portions

Prep Time20 Mins

Cook Time20 Mins

Difficulty

Intermediate

Ingredients

purple Chinese eggplants
1 lb
ground pork
4 oz
neutral oil
3 tbsp
chicken stock
0.5 cup
spicy bean sauce
1 tbsp
soy sauce
1 tbsp
Shaoxing wine
1 tbsp
sugar
2 tsp
oyster sauce
2 tsp
sesame oil
1 tsp
rice vinegar
1 tsp
fish sauce
1 tsp
white pepper
0.1 tsp
minced ginger
0.5 tsp
dried chili peppers
10 pieces
garlic cloves, minced
4 cloves
scallions
2 pieces
cornstarch
2 tsp

Step-by-Step Instructions

In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the sauce ingredients: chicken stock, spicy bean sauce, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sugar, oyster sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, fish sauce, and white pepper. Set aside.

Prepare the eggplants by washing them and trimming the ends. Slice them into uniform, bite-sized triangular pieces to ensure even cooking.

Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of neutral oil to coat the surface. Arrange the eggplant in a single layer and sear until browned on all sides. Cook for 7-10 minutes until tender, adding a splash of water or Shaoxing wine if the eggplant looks too dry. Remove the eggplant and set aside on a plate.

Increase the heat to high until the wok begins to smoke. Add another tablespoon of oil followed by the ground pork. Stir-fry until the pork is well-browned and slightly crispy, then remove and set aside.