18 Chinese Salt Pepper Eggplant Recipe You Must Try Them!
Published on: Mar 24, 2024
In Chinese cuisine, eggplant is a versatile and popular vegetable that is used in a variety of dishes. One of the most beloved eggplant dishes is the Chinese salt and pepper eggplant. This dish features tender eggplant pieces coated in a crispy and flavorful batter, seasoned with a combination of salt and pepper. It is a simple yet delicious recipe that is perfect for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. In this article, we will explore the history and origins of this dish, as well as provide a step-by-step guide on how to make it at home. So, let's dive in and discover the secrets of this mouthwatering Chinese salt and pepper eggplant recipe.
Main Ingredients: Japanese Eggplant, Salt, Water, Cornstarch, Peanut Oil
If you're looking to add a little heat to your beer can chicken, this Chinese eggplant recipe is the perfect choice. The spicy Szechuan sauce adds a kick of flavor that pairs perfectly with the juicy and tender chicken. This dish is a fusion of Chinese and American flavors, making it a unique and delicious addition to your beer can chicken repertoire.
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Chinese Eggplants with Garlic Sauce
Main Ingredients: Asian Eggplants, Salt, Cooking Oil, Garlic, Green
This classic Chinese eggplant recipe is a must-try for any beer can chicken lover. The garlic sauce brings a rich and savory flavor to the dish while the eggplants add a nice, meaty texture. This dish is perfect for those looking for a healthier option as it is full of vegetables and packed with flavor.
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Chinese Eggplant Dip
Main Ingredients: Chinese Eggplants, Red Bell Pepper, Red Onion, Garlic
For a fun and flavorful twist on traditional beer can chicken, try this Chinese eggplant dip. The creamy texture and tangy flavor of the dip pairs perfectly with the juicy chicken. This is a great dish to serve as an appetizer at your next barbecue or game day gathering.
This classic Chinese dish is a staple in many households and for good reason. The combination of garlic sauce and tender eggplant creates a burst of flavor in every bite. This dish is easy to make and can be enjoyed as a side dish or as a main course.
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Chinese Eggplant with Spicy Garlic Sauce
Main Ingredients: Cooking Oil, Eggplant, Garlic, Red Chile Pepper, Fresh
If you love a little heat in your beer can chicken, this recipe is for you. The spicy garlic sauce adds a kick of flavor to the tender and juicy chicken. This dish is perfect for those who enjoy bold and spicy flavors.
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Chinese Eggplant and Lentil Stir Fry - US
Main Ingredients: Garlic, Minced Ginger, Scallion, Chopped Celery
This Asian-inspired stir fry is a great way to incorporate lentils into your beer can chicken meal. The combination of Chinese eggplant and lentils creates a hearty and flavorful dish that is sure to satisfy your taste buds. This dish is also great for vegetarians and can be made with a variety of protein options.
This dish takes a unique spin on traditional beer can chicken by using eggplant as the "can" for the chicken. The eggplant is stuffed with a flavorful mixture of ground chicken, vegetables, and Asian spices. This dish is sure to impress your guests with its beautiful presentation and delicious flavors.
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Chinese Sweet and Sour Eggplant
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Cornflour, Sesame Oil, Ginger, Garlic, Onion
If you're a fan of sweet and sour dishes, this Chinese eggplant recipe is a must-try. The combination of tangy and sweet flavors pairs perfectly with the juicy chicken. This dish is also great for those looking for a healthier option as it is made with fresh ingredients and no added sugars.
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Chinese Pork and Eggplant Chow
Main Ingredients: Pork, Egg White, Cornstarch, Vegetable Oil, Salt, Globe
This dish is a hearty and flavorful meal that combines Chinese eggplant and pork. The tender and juicy pork pairs perfectly with the soft and flavorful eggplant. This dish is a great way to switch up your beer can chicken game and incorporate different proteins into your meal.
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Chinese Stuffed Eggplant, Dim Sum Style
Main Ingredients: Shrimp, Ground Pork, Salt, Sugar, White Pepper, Sesame
This dish is a fun and unique way to enjoy beer can chicken. The eggplant is stuffed with a flavorful mixture of chicken, vegetables, and Asian spices and then steamed to perfection. This dish is perfect for those looking to impress their guests with a dish that is both delicious and visually appealing.
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Chinese Deep Fried Eggplant with Spicy Garlic Sauce
Main Ingredients: Chinese Eggplants, Salt, Oil, Cornstarch, White Pepper
If you're a fan of deep-fried foods, this dish is for you. The crispy and flavorful eggplant pairs perfectly with the spicy garlic sauce and juicy chicken. This dish is a great option for those looking for a little indulgence in their beer can chicken meal.
This dish is a flavorful and sticky twist on traditional beer can chicken. The eggplant is coated in a sweet and savory sauce that is sure to satisfy your taste buds. This dish is also great for vegetarians and can be made with a variety of protein options.
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Chinese Eggplant Stir Fry with Prawns and Green Peppers
Main Ingredients: Soy Sauce, Garlic, Runny Honey, Chinese Rice Vinegar
This dish is a seafood lover's dream. The combination of tender prawns, juicy chicken, and crispy eggplant creates a burst of flavors in every bite. This dish is perfect for those looking for a lighter and healthier option for their beer can chicken meal.
This dish is a simple and delicious way to enjoy beer can chicken. The garlic sauce adds a rich and savory flavor to the tender and juicy chicken. This dish is easy to make and can be enjoyed as a side dish or as a main course.
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Chinese Fried Stuffed Eggplant (炸茄盒, Zha Qie He)
Main Ingredients: Chinese Eggplant, Ground Pork, Shaoxing Wine, Light Soy
This dish is a fun and unique way to enjoy beer can chicken. The eggplant is stuffed with a flavorful mixture of chicken, vegetables, and Asian spices and then deep-fried to perfection. This dish is perfect for those looking for a little indulgence in their meal.
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Air Fried Spicy Chinese Eggplant
Main Ingredients: Asian Eggplant, Kosher Salt, Oil, Ground Turkey, Soy
This dish is a healthier alternative to traditional beer can chicken. The eggplant is air-fried to create a crispy and flavorful dish that pairs perfectly with the juicy chicken. This dish is also great for vegetarians and can be made with a variety of protein options.
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Paleo Chinese Eggplant In Garlic Sauce
Main Ingredients: Chinese Eggplants, Avocado Oil, Ground Pork, Coarse Sea
This paleo-friendly dish is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy beer can chicken. The garlic sauce adds a rich and savory flavor to the tender and juicy chicken, while the eggplant brings a nice, meaty texture. This dish is perfect for those following a paleo diet or looking for a lighter option for their meal.
This dish is a classic Chinese combination of tender pork and flavorful eggplant. The dish is easy to make and can be enjoyed as a side dish or as a main course. This dish is also great for those looking to incorporate different proteins into their beer can chicken meal.
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Chinese Salt and Pepper Pork
Main Ingredients: Pork Chops, Light Soy Sauce, Pepper, Cooking Wine
This dish is a flavorful and spicy twist on traditional beer can chicken. The combination of tender pork, crispy eggplant, and bold spices creates a burst of flavor in every bite. This dish is perfect for those who enjoy bold and spicy flavors.
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Chinese Salt & Pepper Squid
Main Ingredients: Squid, Sichuan Peppercorns, Black Peppercorns, Sea
This dish is a seafood lover's dream. The tender and crispy squid pairs perfectly with the juicy chicken, creating a burst of flavors in every bite. This dish is a great way to switch up your beer can chicken game and incorporate different proteins into your meal.
The Origin of Chinese Salt and Pepper Eggplant
A Traditional Chinese Dish
The Chinese salt and pepper eggplant dish, also known as "Jiaojiang Qiezi," has been a staple in Chinese cuisine for centuries. It originated in the Guangdong province of China and is believed to have been created during the Qing dynasty. The dish was often served in Chinese tea houses as a snack or side dish. Over time, it gained popularity and spread to other regions of China, and eventually to other parts of the world.
The Influence of Chinese Culture
The use of salt and pepper in this dish is a reflection of traditional Chinese cooking. Chinese cuisine is known for its use of five main flavors: sweet, sour, bitter, spicy, and salty. Salt and pepper are two of the most commonly used seasonings in Chinese cooking, and they add a depth of flavor to dishes. The combination of these two ingredients in the Chinese salt and pepper eggplant recipe is what gives it its unique and delicious taste.
The Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 large eggplants
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp Chinese five-spice powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp ground pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Oil for frying
- Chopped green onions for garnish
- Soy sauce for dipping
Instructions:
1. Cut the eggplants into 1-inch thick slices and sprinkle with salt. Let sit for 10-15 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
2. In a shallow dish, mix together the cornstarch, flour, Chinese five-spice powder, garlic powder, ground pepper, and salt.
3. Dredge the eggplant slices in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
4. Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
5. Fry the eggplant slices for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
6. Drain the eggplant on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions and with soy sauce for dipping.
Final Thoughts
The Chinese salt and pepper eggplant recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that showcases the flavors and techniques of traditional Chinese cuisine. The crispy and flavorful eggplant slices are a perfect balance of salt and pepper, making it a favorite among many. So, the next time you're in the mood for a tasty and unique eggplant dish, give this recipe a try and impress your taste buds with the flavors of China.
