Soft, silky braised eggplant in a savory garlic sauce tops steamed rice for a comforting vegetarian meal. This healthy, family-friendly dish is low calorie and perfect for a clean eats plan.
Cut the eggplant into bite-size strips or cubes and set aside; chop green onions and mince garlic.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add eggplant and cook, stirring frequently, for 5–6 minutes until it begins to soften.
Add the minced garlic and half of the green onion, and cook for 1 minute more, lowering the heat if garlic starts browning.
Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and water; bring the mixture to a simmer and cover. Let eggplant braise gently over medium-low heat for 12–15 minutes, stirring twice, until silky-tender and sauce is reduced.
Turn off the heat and stir in the sesame oil. Serve braised eggplant immediately over beds of steamed rice, topped with remaining green onions.