Yu Xiang Qie Zi (Sichuanese Fried Eggplant)

Ingredients

• 3 cups canola oil
• 1 inch crosswise
• 4 Japanese eggplants
• 10 chinese chives suan miao, blossoms discarded or scallions, thinly sliced, plus more for garnish
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 ginger 2" piece, peeled and minced
• 2 tablespoons bean paste douban jiang, Chinese red chile
• 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons black vinegar Chinkiang, for garnish, optional
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil for garnish, optional
• rice Steamed, for serving