Savory Eggplant and Ground Beef Stir-Fry

A rich and flavorful stir-fry combining tender eggplant and seasoned ground beef in a savory sauce.

Ingredients

  • 250g ground beef
  • 2 medium eggplants (cut into bite-sized pieces)
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1-inch piece of ginger, finely chopped
  • 3 green onions, sliced (whites and greens separated)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 teaspoon chili paste (optional, for heat)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons water)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish
  • Salt (for preparing the eggplant)
Savory Eggplant and Ground Beef Stir-Fry

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Eggplant:

    • Sprinkle the eggplant pieces with a little salt and let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
    • Rinse under cold water and pat dry.

  2. Cook the Ground Beef:

    • Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat.
    • Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces.
    • Drain any excess fat and set aside.

  3. Sauté the Aromatics:

    • In the same pan, add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
    • Sauté the garlic, ginger, and the white parts of the green onions for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

  4. Cook the Eggplant:

    • Add the eggplant to the pan and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, until soft and slightly browned.

  5. Combine the Beef and Seasonings:

    • Return the cooked ground beef to the pan.
    • Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, chili paste (if using), and sugar.

  6. Thicken the Sauce:

    • Mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry.
    • Pour the slurry into the pan and stir until the sauce thickens, coating the beef and eggplant.

  7. Serve:

    • Garnish with the green parts of the green onions and fresh cilantro.
    • Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.

Notes

  • Eggplant Tip: Salting the eggplant before cooking helps prevent it from absorbing too much oil.
  • Flavor Adjustments: Adjust the soy sauce and sugar levels to your taste for a sweeter or saltier profile.
  • Vegetable Add-Ins: Bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini can be added for extra texture and flavor.

Nutritional Benefits

  • Eggplant: Low in calories, high in fiber, and a good source of antioxidants.
  • Beef: Provides protein, iron, and B vitamins, adding richness to the dish.