Best Easy Eggplant with Basil Recipe

Chinese eggplant is stir-fried with fresh basil leaves and garlic for a fragrant, herbal twist. This vegetarian, healthy family dish is fresh, aromatic, and low in calories.

Cook 25 min Difficulty EASY 105 kcal
#vegetarian #low carb #healthy #stir fry
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • Chinese eggplant 1 lb
  • Fresh basil leaves 1 cup
  • Garlic 4 cloves
  • Scallions 2 pieces
  • Vegetable oil 2 tbsp
Seasonings/Sauce
  • Soy sauce 1.5 tbsp
  • Oyster sauce 1 tbsp
  • Sugar 1 tsp
  • Rice vinegar 2 tsp
  • Black pepper 0.25 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 14 g 53%
Protein 2 g 8%
Fat 5 g 39%
Serving size 160g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Slice Chinese eggplant into bite-sized pieces and soak in water for 10 minutes to reduce bitterness. Drain well and pat dry.

  2. 2

    Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add eggplant pieces and stir-fry for 5–6 minutes, turning frequently until lightly golden and softened. Remove the eggplant from the pan and set aside.

  3. 3

    Add the remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil to the pan. Add minced garlic and chopped scallions, stir-frying for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.

  4. 4

    Return the eggplant to the pan, increase heat to high, and add soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, and black pepper. Stir rapidly to coat eggplant evenly and cook for 2–3 minutes until sauces are absorbed.

  5. 5

    Turn off heat and toss in fresh basil leaves. Stir until basil is just wilted and glossy—serve immediately, garnished with extra scallions if desired.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in Eggplant with Basil?
The key ingredient is Chinese eggplant. Its mild, tender flesh absorbs the aromatic flavors of basil, garlic, and savory sauces, creating the dish's signature taste and texture. Fresh basil leaves add an essential herbal note that defines the overall fragrance.
Q. What’s the most crucial cooking step for perfect eggplant texture?
Proper heat management while stir-frying the eggplant is vital. Adding the eggplant to hot oil over medium-high heat and turning frequently lets it brown without becoming soggy. Draining and drying the eggplant before frying helps achieve the desired texture—soft inside with lightly crisped edges.
Q. How can I prevent the eggplant from turning mushy or undercooked?
Soak the eggplant in water first to reduce bitterness and help with even cooking, then make sure it's dried thoroughly. Fry in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pan, which ensures each piece cooks evenly. Add the sauces towards the end to prevent over-softening.
Q. How many calories and how much protein, fat, and carbohydrates are in each serving?
Each 160g serving of Eggplant with Basil contains 105 kcal, 14g carbohydrates (53% of calories), 2g protein (8% of calories), and 5g fat (39% of calories), making it a light, plant-forward dish suitable for calorie-conscious diets.
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