Bought eggplants on sale and forgot to buy minced pork. Today, I am using XO Chili sauce paste to finish off from my friend; who passed away two years ago. No more XO Chili sauce like his. Got to searched for it. This XO chili sauce paste is really spicy to my liking and taste buds.

“Eggplant is a low-calorie, high-fiber vegetable that supports heart health, aids digestion, and assists with weight management. It contains antioxidants that benefit brain health, minerals for strong bones, and may protect against certain cancers. Its fiber helps lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels, while antioxidants in the skin can help lower blood pressure and protect eye cells. Additionally, it may improve memory and is suitable for a diabetes-friendly diet.”

I will miss your XO chili sauce paste. As there aren’t any that are the same and really spicy and delicious. Today, I am very happy, got my spicy meal that is awesome to my liking, and delicious. Let’s cook!!!

Ingredients

2 medium eggplants, cut into bite size
2 Tbs minced garlic
3 Tbs XO chili sauce paste
2 Tbs sugar
1 Tbs minced ginger
1 Tsp light soy sauce
1 1/2 Tsp honey
1 1/2 Tsp Shao Xing Chinese cooking wine
oil
salt
pepper

Method

Wash and dry the eggplants. Trim off the stems and cut the eggplants into bite size. Arrange the pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet. Sprinkle generously with salt, making sure to coat both sides. Let the salted eggplant sit for at least 30 minutes. You will see moisture (sweat) bead on the surface. Rinse the eggplant pieces under cold water to wash off the excess salt. Pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels. The eggplant is now ready to be cooked.

Heat 4 Tbs oil in a saucepan on high heat until hot. Add eggplants cook for 5 minutes, stirring and turning gently a few times, until eggplants are soft all the way through and a bit browned on the surface. Transfer eggplants out to a paper towel plate.

Using the oil from the saucepan, if needed, add 1-2 more Tbs of oil. Add garlic and ginger, and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Next, add soy sauce, sugar, honey, Shao Xing Chinese cooking wine, and XO chili sauce paste. Cook for 1 minute. Add eggplant pieces and toss gently until the sauce starts to be absorbed for about 30 to 45 seconds. Switch off the hob. Spoon onto a serving plate and serve with rice. Enjoy with a glass of white wine!!!

https://helenscchin.com/2022/12/30/spicy-eggplant/

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