Sichuan Eggplant Recipe - Authentic Chinese Vegetarian Dish

Authentic Chinese Vegetarian recipe — Sichuan Eggplant. Imported from TheMealDB.

Medium
Updated March 14, 2026

4

servings

Medium

Difficulty

Sichuan Eggplant Recipe - Authentic Chinese Vegetarian Dish

Ingredients

Servings:
4
  • 2 medium eggplants (Chinese eggplants are preferred)
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 inch ginger (grated)
  • 2 tablespoons sichuan peppercorns (toasted and crushed)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with water for thickening)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 scallions sliced (for garnish)

Instructions

6 steps

  1. Prepare the Eggplants

    Cut the eggplants into long strips or cubes. Soak them in salted water for about 15 minutes to remove bitterness.

    Soaking also helps to reduce oil absorption during cooking.
  2. Sauté Aromatics

    In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and crushed Sichuan peppercorns. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

    Do not let the garlic burn to avoid bitterness.
  3. Cook the Eggplants

    Drain the eggplants and add them to the skillet. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until they begin to soften.

    If the skillet is too dry, add a splash of water.
  4. Add Sauces

    Pour in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, and water. Stir well to combine and cover the skillet. Simmer for 10 minutes.

    Covering helps to steam the eggplants for better texture.
  5. Thicken the Sauce

    If desired, mix cornstarch with a bit of water and add to the skillet to thicken the sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.

    Stir continuously to avoid lumps.
  6. Finish with Sesame Oil

    Drizzle sesame oil over the dish and give it a final stir. Garnish with sliced scallions before serving.

    Serve hot with steamed rice for a complete meal.

💡 Tips & Tricks

Choose firm and shiny eggplants for best results. Adjust the level of Sichuan peppercorns according to your spice preference. Serve with a side of rice to balance the flavors.

Storage & Reheating

❄️

Refrigerator

Up to 3 days in an airtight container

🧊

Freezer

Up to 2 months — thaw overnight in fridge

🔥

Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

What to Serve With

Complete your chinese meal with these perfect pairings:

🍽️Steamed jasmine rice
🍽️Stir-fried vegetables
🍽️Egg drop soup

About This Dish

Sichuan Eggplant Recipe - Authentic Chinese Vegetarian Dish is a beloved dish from Chinese cuisine.

Chinese cuisine is one of the oldest and most diverse culinary traditions in the world, with thousands of years of history. Each of China's eight major regional cuisines offers unique flavors and cooking techniques.

This recipe is rated medium difficulty and uses 12 ingredients. Intermediate cooks will enjoy the balanced challenge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, but Chinese eggplants are recommended for their texture and flavor.

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Nutrition Facts

4 serving(s) per recipe

Serving size1 serving
Calories180kcal
Total Fat12gg
Sodium800mgmg
Total Carbohydrates15gg
Dietary Fiber6gg
Total Sugars3gg
Protein4gg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Recipe Details

CuisineChinese
CategoryVegetarian