Crispy and Delicious: Fried Brinjal Recipe in Chinese Style

If you're in search of a delicious and easy-to-make dish to prepare, consider trying out a fried brinjal recipe in the Chinese style. Brinjal, also referred to as aubergine, is a well-loved ingredient in Chinese cooking, with various methods of preparation available. Fried brinjal is a traditional dish that is both easy to make and versatile enough to be served as either a side dish or main course.

To make a fried brinjal recipe, you'll need a few basic ingredients, including brinjal, garlic, soy sauce, and oil. There are many variations of this recipe, and you can add other ingredients like seafood or vegetables to make it more interesting. The key to making a great fried brinjal dish is to cook the brinjal until it is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

Key Takeaways

• Fried brinjal is a classic Chinese dish that is easy to make and can be served as a side or main course.
• You can add other ingredients like seafood or vegetables to make the dish more interesting.
• The key to making a great fried brinjal dish is to cook the brinjal until it is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

Ingredients and Substitutes

Main Ingredients

The main ingredient for this Chinese fried brinjal recipe is obviously brinjal, also known as eggplant. You can use Chinese/Japanese eggplant which is narrow and long in shape to get the best taste and texture. Other main ingredients include garlic, salt, oil, and cornstarch. You can also add seafood to the recipe to make it more flavourful. Shrimp or prawns would be a great addition to this dish.

Sauce Components

The sauce used in this recipe is what gives it its unique flavour. The sauce components include soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Soy sauce is a must-have ingredient for any Chinese dish as it adds savoury umami flavour and a rich brown colour to the dish. Use light soy sauce for a milder flavour and dark soy sauce for a more intense, caramelised flavour. Oyster sauce is also a key component as it adds a sweet and salty flavour to the dish. You can substitute oyster sauce with hoisin sauce if you prefer. Rice vinegar is used to add a tangy flavour to the dish.

Seasoning Variations

In addition to the main ingredients and sauce components, there are a variety of seasoning variations you can use to make this dish your own. Ginger, pepper, and hing are great additions to the recipe to enhance the flavour. You can also add sesame oil to add depth of flavour and aroma to the dish.

When it comes to seafood, you can use shrimp or prawns as a substitute for meat. Simply sauté the shrimp or prawns in garlic and oil until cooked through, then add them to the dish. This will give the dish a seafood twist and make it even more delicious.

Preparation Techniques

Cleaning and Cutting

Before cooking the brinjal, it is important to clean it thoroughly. Rinse the brinjal under running water to remove any dirt or debris. Then, use a vegetable peeler to remove the skin, if desired.

Next, cut the brinjal into slices or strips, depending on the recipe you are using. One popular cutting technique is the oblique/roll cutting method, where you slice off a 1-inch piece at a bias, roll the brinjal 90 degrees, and cut another piece off. Continue rolling and cutting until you reach the end. This technique creates a unique texture and presentation for the dish.

Marinating the Brinjal

Marinating the brinjal before frying it can enhance its flavour and texture. To marinate the brinjal, sprinkle salt on all sides of the brinjal and allow it to rest for 20-25 minutes. This will help draw out any excess moisture and improve the texture of the brinjal when cooked.

You can also add other ingredients to the marinade, such as cornstarch, to help thicken the sauce and give the brinjal a crispy coating. Sesame oil can also be added to the marinade to provide additional flavour.

If you want to add seafood to your fried brinjal recipe, you can use shrimp or squid. To prepare the seafood, clean and devein the shrimp or slice the squid into rings. Then, marinate the seafood in a mixture of soy sauce, rice wine, and cornstarch for 10-15 minutes before cooking it with the brinjal.

When frying the brinjal, use a neutral cooking oil, such as vegetable oil or canola oil, to prevent the dish from becoming too greasy. Cornstarch can also be added to the oil to create a crispy coating on the brinjal.

By following these preparation techniques, you can create a delicious and flavourful fried brinjal dish that is sure to impress your guests.

Cooking Methods

Stir-Frying in a Wok

Stir-frying is a popular cooking method for brinjal dishes in Chinese cuisine. It involves quickly cooking small pieces of brinjal in a hot wok with oil and other seasonings. The high heat and constant stirring help to create a crispy texture on the outside of the brinjal while keeping the inside tender. Stir-frying is a quick and easy way to cook brinjal, and it can be done in just a few minutes.

To stir-fry brinjal, you will need a wok or a large skillet. Heat the wok on a low flame and add oil. Once the oil is hot, add the brinjal and stir-fry for a few minutes until it is cooked through. You can add other ingredients like garlic, ginger, and scallions to add more flavour to the dish.

If you want to add seafood to your brinjal dish, you can use shrimp or squid. Shrimp is a great addition to stir-fried brinjal, and it only takes a few minutes to cook. Squid can also be used, but it requires a bit more cooking time.

Steaming Methods

Steaming is another great way to cook brinjal. It is a healthier option than frying, and it helps to retain the nutrients in the brinjal. To steam brinjal, you will need a steamer basket or a bamboo steamer.

First, cut the brinjal into small pieces and place them in the steamer basket. Steam the brinjal for about 10-15 minutes until it is tender. You can add other ingredients like garlic, ginger, and scallions to add more flavour to the dish.

If you want to add seafood to your steamed brinjal dish, you can use fish or prawns. Fish is a great addition to steamed brinjal, and it only takes a few minutes to cook. Prawns can also be used, but they require a bit more cooking time.

Overall, stir-frying and steaming are two great cooking methods for brinjal dishes. They are both quick and easy to prepare, and they can be customized to suit your tastes. Whether you prefer a crispy stir-fry or a healthy steamed dish, there is a brinjal recipe out there for you.

Serving Suggestions

Accompaniments

Fried brinjal is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of accompaniments. The most popular choice is steamed rice, which complements the dish's flavourful and savoury taste. You can also serve it with noodles or fried rice for a more filling meal.

If you want to add a bit of heat to your dish, you can pair it with red chilli. The spiciness of the chilli will balance out the dish's savoury taste, giving it a more complex flavour profile. Additionally, you can add black pepper to the dish for an extra kick of spice.

Garnishing Tips

To enhance the visual appeal of your fried brinjal dish, you can garnish it with spring onion. Chopped spring onion adds a pop of colour to the dish, making it more appetising. You can sprinkle it on top of the dish or add it as a side.

Seafood is also an excellent addition to fried brinjal. You can use prawns or squid to give the dish a seafood twist. The seafood's natural sweetness balances out the dish's savoury taste, making it more flavourful. If you decide to use seafood, make sure to cook it thoroughly before adding it to the dish.

Nutritional Information

If you're looking for a tasty and nutritious vegetarian or vegan dish, fried brinjal is a great option to consider. Made with Chinese long eggplant, this recipe is a great source of dietary fibre, potassium, and carbohydrates. One cup of cooked Chinese brinjal contains approximately 230 milligrams of potassium, which is about 5% of your recommended daily intake. Brinjals are also low in calories and high in fibre, making them a great option for those looking to maintain a healthy weight.

When it comes to the nutritional content of fried brinjal, the exact values will depend on the recipe you use and how you prepare the dish. However, you can generally expect fried brinjal to be a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins C and K, as well as folate and manganese.

If you're looking to add more protein to your fried brinjal recipe, you could consider adding seafood to the dish. Shrimp or prawns are a great option to consider, as they pair well with the flavours of the eggplant and can add a boost of protein to the dish. Alternatively, you could consider adding tofu or tempeh to the recipe for a vegetarian or vegan source of protein.

Overall, fried brinjal is a great option to consider if you're looking for a tasty and nutritious vegetarian or vegan dish. With its high fibre and potassium content, it's a great choice for those looking to maintain a healthy diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the secret to crispy fried aubergine?

The secret to crispy fried aubergine is to ensure that the aubergine is sliced thinly and evenly. You should also use cornstarch in the coating mixture to help create a crispy texture.

How do you prepare aubergines for frying to prevent them from absorbing too much oil?

To prevent aubergines from absorbing too much oil, you should slice them thinly and evenly. You can also salt them and let them sit for 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture, which will help prevent them from absorbing too much oil.

Can you fry aubergines with the skin on, or should they be peeled?

You can fry aubergines with the skin on, but it's important to slice them thinly to ensure they cook evenly. If you prefer to peel the skin, you can do so, but be sure to slice the aubergine thinly.

What are the best spices to use in a Chinese-style fried aubergine dish?

The best spices to use in a Chinese-style fried aubergine dish include ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and black pepper. You can also add chilli flakes or Sichuan peppercorns for a spicy kick.

Is it necessary to salt aubergines before frying them, and if so, why?

Salting aubergines before frying them can help draw out excess moisture, which will prevent them from absorbing too much oil. This will also help create a crispy texture.

How can you create a garlic sauce for Chinese fried aubergine?

To create a garlic sauce for Chinese fried aubergine, you can mix together minced garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and cornstarch. You can also add seafood, such as prawns or scallops, to the garlic sauce for added flavour and texture.