Mapo Eggplant (麻婆茄子)

Nguyên liệu

• 1 lb Chinese eggplants (about 2 small) (, cut into bite-sized pieces(*Footnote 1))
• 1 tablespoon peanut oil ((or vegetable oil))
• 2 teaspoons Sichuan peppercorns
• 8 oz ground chicken ((*Footnote 2))
• 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons doubanjiang ((*Footnote 3))
• 4 green onions (, sliced with some green part reserved for garnish)
• 2 cloves garlic (, minced)
• 1 ” ginger (, minced)
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine ((or dry sherry))
• 1 cup chicken stock ((or water))
• 1 tablespoon homemade chili oil
• 2 teaspoons soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

Cách làm

1. 1

   Add the oil and sichuan peppercorns to a large skillet and cook over medium heat. Let the peppercorns cook until they are fragrant and turn brown, about 5 minutes. Remove the peppercorns using a spatula without removing the oil, and transfer them into a small bowl. (*Footnote 4)

2. 2

   Add the ground chicken and spread it across the pan. Top with the doubanjiang. Let the chicken cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute until the bottom turns golden. Stir with the doubanjiang and cook until the chicken is almost cooked through, 1 to 2 minutes.

3. 3

   Add the green onions, ginger, and garlic. Continue cooking for another 30 seconds to a minute to release the fragrance.

4. 4

   Pour in the Shaoxing wine. Immediately use your spatula to scrape off any browned bits from the pan.

5. 5

   Add the eggplant, stock, chili oil, soy sauce, and sugar. Stir gently to incorporate everything. Bring to a boil, then cover. Simmer over medium-low heat until the eggplant is cooked through, about 7 minutes. Carefully taste one piece of eggplant to make sure it reaches your desired texture. Let cook a bit longer if needed.

6. 6

   Mix together the cornstarch and water together in a small bowl and stir until fully dissolved. Drizzle over the sauce and turn the heat back to medium. Stir constantly and cook until the sauce has thickened. Transfer everything to a serving plate. Garnish with the reserved green onion, if using.

7. 7

   Enjoy hot as a main dish over steamed rice or boiled noodles.