Craving a vibrant and flavorful dish that’s both quick to make and incredibly satisfying? Look no further than this Spicy Eggplant & Glass Noodles recipe! This dish bursts with the smoky char of eggplant, the satisfying chew of glass noodles, and a kick of spice that will leave you wanting more. The combination of textures and tastes is simply irresistible, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a flavorful addition to your next potluck. Imagine tender eggplant mingling with slippery glass noodles, all coated in a fragrant, spicy sauce.
This recipe balances the richness of the eggplant with the delicate lightness of the glass noodles, creating a truly harmonious culinary experience. We’ll guide you through each step, ensuring you achieve perfectly cooked eggplant and wonderfully tender noodles. Ready to dive into this delicious adventure? Let's get started with the step-by-step instructions below!
Tools Needed
- Shallow plates
- Rubber bands
- Plastic weights
- Knife
- Small jar
- Spoon
- Peeler
Ingredients
- Eggplant
- Glass noodles
- Onion: 1
- Spring onions
- Garlic: 6 cloves
- Ginger
- Chili
- Minced pork
- Sugar
- Meat
- Cooking oil
- Soy sauce
- Oyster sauce
- Crispy chili oil
- Gochugaru
- Gochujang
- Water
- Starch water
- Freshly ground pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients and Sauce
- Soak glass noodles in cold water for 30 minutes.
- Cut the eggplant into chunks.
- Dice half of the onion and slice the other half.
- Chop the white parts of spring onions into small pieces.
- Chop six cloves of garlic.
- Peel and break the ginger.
- Prepare starch water.
- Stir fry gochugaru with chili oil, add sugar.
- Stir fry gochujang, oyster sauce, and soy sauce.
- Add water or vegeta.
- Add a little bit of acidity.
- Add freshly ground pepper.
Step 2. Stir-fry Aromatics and Meat
- Fry the chopped spring onions in oil.
- Add chopped garlic, ginger, and chilies.
- Add minced pork and cook until browned, do not stir too much.
- Add sugar.
- Add meat into tablespoon (or sake, soju, or wine).
- Add crispy chili oil.
Step 3. Cook Eggplant and Noodles
- Add eggplant.
- Rinse cooked glass noodles with cold water.
- Add sliced onion and stir-fry.
Step 4. Combine and Serve
- Add a touch of water to thicken the sauce.
- Combine all ingredients and serve.
Read more: Glass Noodle Stir-fry with Shrimp & Veggies: Easy Korean Recipe
Tips
- Use rubber bands to soak glass noodles instead of wet dish towels or kitchen papers.
- Never waste the roots of spring onions; use them for stocks.
- Use a peeler for ginger to avoid skin spreading.
- Do not stir too much when cooking the meat and eggplant to prevent sticking.
- Sugar helps the Maillard reaction and tenderizes the meat.
- Use medium heat to prevent the sauce from reducing too much.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of noodles?
Yes! While glass noodles are traditional, you can substitute with thin rice noodles or even spaghetti for a different texture.
2. How can I make it less spicy?
Reduce the amount of chili flakes or chili garlic sauce you add. You can also add a touch more soy sauce or vinegar to balance the flavors.
3. What if my eggplant is too watery?
Make sure to salt the eggplant slices and let them sit for 15-20 minutes to draw out excess moisture before stir-frying. Pat them dry with paper towels before cooking.
This Spicy Stir-fried Eggplant with Glass Noodles recipe is a testament to the delicious simplicity of well-executed Asian cuisine. The vibrant flavors and satisfying textures will undoubtedly become a new favorite in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy this flavorful dish, and don't hesitate to experiment with different spice levels and additions to make it your own!