Braised Eggplant and Broccolini with Fried Ginger
Photo: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Emma Star Jensen
Most varieties of eggplant work beautifully in this stir-fry. A side of rice is a must.
How to Make It
Step 1
1
In a bowl, blend brown sugar, soy sauce, lemon juice, sesame oil, chile flakes, broth, and minced ginger; set sauce aside.
Step 2
2
Cut slender Asian eggplant into 1- by 2-in. slices or regular globe into 1 1/2-in. chunks; or cut small, egg-shaped Indian eggplant in half lengthwise. Set aside.
Step 3
3
Bring 3 cups water to a boil in a 12-in. wok or frying pan over high heat. Add broccolini; cook, covered, until stems are just tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to a bowl of ice water; when cool, drain and set aside.
Step 4
4
Drain and dry wok, add canola oil, and heat over high heat. Add slivered ginger; cook, stirring, until golden, 2 minutes. Transfer ginger to paper towels. Pour oil into a bowl; return 1 tbsp. oil to wok.
Step 5
5
Add half of eggplant to wok over high heat. Cook, turning often, until lightly browned, 3 minutes. Transfer to a bowl. Add remaining oil to wok with remaining eggplant and the shallots. Cook as before.
Step 6
6
Return eggplant to wok with sauce. Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until eggplant is soft when pressed, 8 to 15 minutes.
Step 7
7
Lay broccolini on eggplant, cover, and heat 2 minutes. If needed, cook, uncovered, over high heat until most of liquid evaporates, 1 minute. Stir in cilantro and mint and top with fried ginger.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
1/4 teaspoon red chile flakes
1/2 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger plus 1/3 cup finely slivered fresh ginger matchsticks
1 pound eggplant (Chinese, Japanese, regular globe, or Indian), stemmed
1/4 pound slender broccolini, cut in half crosswise
3 tablespoons canola oil
1/2 cup finely chopped shallots
1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint leaves
Directions
Step 1
1
In a bowl, blend brown sugar, soy sauce, lemon juice, sesame oil, chile flakes, broth, and minced ginger; set sauce aside.
Step 2
2
Cut slender Asian eggplant into 1- by 2-in. slices or regular globe into 1 1/2-in. chunks; or cut small, egg-shaped Indian eggplant in half lengthwise. Set aside.
Step 3
3
Bring 3 cups water to a boil in a 12-in. wok or frying pan over high heat. Add broccolini; cook, covered, until stems are just tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to a bowl of ice water; when cool, drain and set aside.
Step 4
4
Drain and dry wok, add canola oil, and heat over high heat. Add slivered ginger; cook, stirring, until golden, 2 minutes. Transfer ginger to paper towels. Pour oil into a bowl; return 1 tbsp. oil to wok.
Step 5
5
Add half of eggplant to wok over high heat. Cook, turning often, until lightly browned, 3 minutes. Transfer to a bowl. Add remaining oil to wok with remaining eggplant and the shallots. Cook as before.
Step 6
6
Return eggplant to wok with sauce. Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until eggplant is soft when pressed, 8 to 15 minutes.
Step 7
7
Lay broccolini on eggplant, cover, and heat 2 minutes. If needed, cook, uncovered, over high heat until most of liquid evaporates, 1 minute. Stir in cilantro and mint and top with fried ginger.
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