Szechuan-Style Eggplant in Garlic Sauce

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Szechuan-Style Eggplant in Garlic Sauce brings bold flavor to your table in the most delicious way. This dish is a symphony of spicy, garlicky, slightly sweet, and umami-rich notes that coat tender, silky eggplant in a glossy, addictive sauce. The deep purple hue of the eggplant makes it as stunning as it is satisfying.

Perfect for weeknight dinners or a vegetarian main that impresses, this dish pairs beautifully with a bowl of fluffy jasmine rice or noodles. If you’re exploring more plant-based meals, this recipe will make you wonder why you ever needed meat in the first place.

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What Kind of Eggplant Works Best for This Dish?

Chinese or Japanese eggplants are ideal here because they are slender, have thinner skin, and a sweet, delicate flavor that holds up well to high-heat cooking. They soak up flavor like a sponge without becoming mushy.

If you only have globe eggplants on hand, no problem—just cut them into thinner strips and salt them to draw out excess bitterness before cooking.

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Ingredients for the Szechuan-Style Eggplant in Garlic Sauce

Eggplant: The star of the dish. Choose firm, vibrant eggplants for a satisfying bite.

Garlic: Intensifies the savoriness with its punchy aroma and flavor.

Ginger: Adds warm depth and balances the heat of the sauce.

Soy Sauce: Delivers the salty, umami base every good Szechuan sauce needs.

Chili Garlic Sauce: Provides the kick that defines Szechuan cuisine.

Rice Vinegar: Cuts through the richness with a clean, acidic edge.

Sugar: A touch of sweetness to balance out the spice.

Cornstarch Slurry: Thickens the sauce into that signature glossy finish.

Sesame Oil: Brings toasty, nutty undertones.

Scallions and Sesame Seeds: Optional garnishes that add freshness and crunch.

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How To Make the Szechuan-Style Eggplant in Garlic Sauce

Step 1: Prep and Salt the Eggplant

Cut your eggplants into batons or thick strips. Toss with a generous sprinkle of salt and let them sit for 15-20 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Pat dry with paper towels before cooking.

Step 2: Sear the Eggplant

Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the eggplant and cook until golden brown and tender. Remove from pan and set aside.

Step 3: Stir-Fry Aromatics

In the same pan, add a touch more oil and stir-fry garlic and ginger until fragrant. Keep the heat moderate to avoid burning.

Step 4: Create the Sauce

Add soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and a splash of water to the pan. Bring to a simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Return the eggplant to the pan and toss until well coated. Drizzle with sesame oil and garnish with scallions and sesame seeds before serving.

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Serving and Storing This Spicy Szechuan Favorite

Serve this dish piping hot, straight from the pan, with white rice or noodles. It’s also delicious over brown rice or quinoa for a fiber-rich twist. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat beautifully in a skillet or microwave.

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What to Serve With Szechuan-Style Eggplant?

Steamed Jasmine Rice

Soft, fluffy rice perfectly soaks up the bold sauce.

Stir-Fried Bok Choy

The mellow, crunchy greens offer a refreshing contrast.

Vegetable Fried Rice

Turn it into a full vegetarian spread with more texture and flavor.

Hot and Sour Soup

Adds warmth and zing as a starter or side.

Crispy Tofu

For extra protein and a crunchy pairing.

Chilled Cucumber Salad

Cools your palate between fiery bites.

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Want More Asian-Inspired Ideas?

If you loved this bold and garlicky eggplant, try these other delicious dishes:

• Crispy Fried Zucchini for a crunchy veggie side.
• Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup with comforting, savory richness.
• Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower for a lighter yet flavorful bite.
• Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni for a heartier, meaty main.
• Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings if you’re craving cozy, tender comfort.

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Save This Pin For Later

Save this spicy, satisfying eggplant dish to your go-to Pinterest board for easy weeknight meal planning.

Tried it with a twist? Maybe with crispy tofu cubes or a swirl of hoisin? Drop your take in the comments—we’d love to hear!

Need more inspiration? Check out my daily kitchen creations on Savor Queen’s Pinterest. Discover new food ideas and easy recipes to spice up your table.

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