Entrées,  Recipes

Spicy Eggplant, Pork, and Tofu Stir-fry

This was a nice variation on a stir-fry dinner for us. I don’t use eggplant very often, because Dino isn’t a big fan of it. But when it’s done right, like in this recipe, he really enjoys it. I also really liked that it combined tofu and meat. It was spicy without being too spicy, and it made a great meal over brown rice.

Eggplant, pork, and tofu stir-fry over rice.

Spicy Eggplant, Pork, and Tofu Stir-fry
Sunset March 2004

Makes 4 servings

1 pound eggplant
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon Asian sesame oil
1 tablespoon minced ginger
1 tablespoon minced garlic
8 ounces ground pork
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon rice or white wine vinegar
1 1/2 teaspoons Asian red chili paste
2 teaspoons cornstarch
8 ounces extra-firm tofu, drained and cut into 1-inch cubes
1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions

1. Rinse eggplant and cut crosswise into 1-inch thick rounds. Cut rounds into 1-inch-wide strips.

2. Pour vegetable and sesame oils into a 12-inch nonstick frying pan or a 14-inch wok over medium-high heat. When hot, add eggplant and stir frequently until soft when pierced and lightly browned, about 8 minutes. Transfer eggplant to paper towels to drain.

3. Add ginger and garlic to pan and stir frequently until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add pork and stir until crumbled and brown, about 5 minutes.

4. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, chili paste, cornstarch, and 1/4 cup water. Pour into pan and stir until mixture is simmering and thickened, about 1 minute.

5. Gently stir in tofu, eggplant, and green onions until heated through.

Big Flavors Rating: 4 Stars

Ashley Covelli is a food photographer, recipe developer, and culinary instructor based in Ossining, New York. She loves helping people become enthusiastic and adventurous in the kitchen so that they can build skills and confidence to cook for themselves and their loved ones. She can almost always be found with at least 3 different beverages within arm's reach.

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