Craving a vibrant, flavorful, and surprisingly affordable Thai dish? Look no further than this budget-friendly stir-fried eggplant with basil recipe! This simple yet satisfying meal showcases the delicious versatility of eggplant, transforming it from humble vegetable to a star ingredient. The rich, savory sauce, infused with aromatic basil and a hint of spice, perfectly complements the tender eggplant's slightly smoky texture. It's a quick and easy weeknight dinner that's both healthy and incredibly delicious, perfect for anyone looking to expand their culinary horizons without breaking the bank.
This recipe requires minimal ingredients and cooking expertise, making it ideal for both novice and experienced cooks alike. Forget complicated techniques and expensive ingredients – this dish prioritizes fresh, accessible produce and simple, effective methods. Ready to dive into the deliciousness? Let's get started with the step-by-step instructions below!
Tools Needed
- wok or frying pan
- knife
- cutting board
Ingredients
- Thai garlic: 1 head
- Green chilies
- Red chilies: 10 pieces (or more, to taste)
- Bird's eye chilies: 10 pieces (or more, to taste)
- Eggplant: ½ kg
- Basil leaves
- Oyster sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Light soy sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Fish sauce: a little
- White sugar: ½ teaspoon
- Water: a little
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare and Fry Eggplant
- Prepare garlic and chilies. Pound the garlic and chilies.
- Cut the eggplant into 4 parts (or as preferred).
- Heat oil in a wok or frying pan and fry the eggplant until lightly cooked or crispy, depending on preference. Do not soak in salt water.
- Remove the eggplant and set aside. Leave excess oil in the pan.
Step 2. Sauté Aromatics and Make Sauce
- Add a little new oil to the pan, then add the pounded chilies and garlic. Stir-fry until fragrant.
- Add a small amount of water to the pan. Add oyster sauce, light soy sauce, fish sauce, white sugar, and stir-fry together.
Step 3. Combine and Finish
- Add the fried eggplant to the pan and stir-fry until combined with the sauce.
- Add basil leaves and stir-fry briefly.
Step 4. Serve
- Serve hot with rice.
Read more: Thai Basil Pork: A Quick & Easy Recipe (with Fried Egg!)
Tips
- To prevent eggplant from turning black, fry it immediately after cutting, without soaking in salt water.
- Adjust the cooking time for the eggplant depending on your preferred texture (softer or crispier).
- For stir-fried dishes, don't add too much salt; it's easier to adjust if it lacks salt rather than being too salty.
- Adding a little sugar balances the flavors.
- Optional: Add meat (pork, chicken, or beef) for extra protein.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I substitute the eggplant?
Yes! You can use other vegetables like zucchini, green beans, or even firm tofu as a substitute. Adjust cooking time as needed.
2. What if I don't have fish sauce?
Soy sauce or tamari can be used as a substitute, but the flavor will be slightly different. You might want to add a touch more salt to compensate.
3. Can I make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! Add more chilies (Thai chilies are ideal), or a dash of chili garlic sauce to increase the heat level to your liking.
This simple stir-fried eggplant with basil is a testament to how delicious and satisfying budget-friendly cooking can be. Enjoy this vibrant and flavorful dish as a quick weeknight meal or a delightful addition to your next Thai-inspired feast. Now go forth and enjoy the delicious fruits of your culinary labor!