Eggplant With Shrimp And Garlic Sauce Recipe

Alright, so picture this: I’m in the kitchen, armed with a ripe eggplant and a pound of shrimp, ready to create a culinary masterpiece that will make my taste buds do a happy dance. Get ready for a dish that mixes savory, spicy, and umami flavors into one delightful stir-fry that’s as fun to make as it is to eat! 🥢✨

One of my favorite dishes is eggplant with shrimp and garlic sauce. I adore the (sometimes spicy, always savory) flavor combination.

Eggplant is often called for as a main or supporting character in a dish like this because of its texture. Chunks of sautéed eggplant add a dimension and heartiness, and they sop up all the sauce (comprised mainly of garlic, soy sauce, and oyster sauce, with a few other flavor-makers thrown in for good measure).

And then there’s the matter of protein. You could serve this without it, but shrimp is the perfect addition (and it acts like a flavor delivery vehicle).

It is (mostly) a low-calorie source of protein, and it brings a sweet, almost nutty flavor to the dish.

Eggplant With Shrimp And Garlic Sauce Recipe Ingredients

• Eggplant: High in fiber, low-calorie, and rich in antioxidants.
• Shrimp: Excellent source of protein and low in fat.
• Garlic: Boosts flavor and has heart-healthy properties.
• Soy sauce: Adds umami and depth, but be mindful of salt content.
• Oyster sauce: Sweet and savory, enhances the dish’s richness.
• Chili flakes: Brings heat and boosts metabolism.
• Chicken broth: Adds flavor and moisture, low in calories.

Eggplant With Shrimp And Garlic Sauce Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 large eggplant, diced
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
• 2 green onions, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make this Eggplant With Shrimp And Garlic Sauce Recipe

1. Warm a big frying pan or wok on medium-high heat and put in the oil from vegetables.

2. Introduce the eggplant, cubed, into the pan. Sauté for around 5-7 minutes until it reaches doneness and a lovely golden brown hue. Then, eggplant, you can remove from the pan and set you aside.

3. In the identical skillet, put the minced garlic. Sauté for around 30 seconds until it gives off an inviting aroma.

4. Put the shrimp in the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they’re pink and opaque.

5. The eggplant returns to the pan. It is mixed with the shrimp.

6. In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and chicken broth.

7. Place the sauce over the shrimp and eggplant blending. Mix really nicely.

8. Incorporate the chili flakes, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir to distribute the flavors evenly.

9. Combine the cornstarch and water in a small bowl and stir. Add this mixture to the pan and stir to combine. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the mixture is thick and glossy.

10. Before serving hot, sprinkle with chopped green onions. Enjoy!

Eggplant With Shrimp And Garlic Sauce Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large frying pan or wok
2. Stove or heat source
3. Spatula or wooden spoon
4. Knife
5. Cutting board
6. Small bowl (for sauce mixture)
7. Measuring spoons
8. Measuring cup
9. Small bowl (for cornstarch slurry)
10. Spoon or small whisk (for mixing slurry)

FAQ

• Q: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?A: Yes, you can use shrimp that have been frozen. Just be sure to have them thawed completely and to dry them very well before putting them in the pan to cook.
• Q: What other vegetables can I substitute for eggplant?A: Zucchini and bell peppers work well as substitutes for eggplant in this dish.
• Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?Yes, it is possible to omit the shrimp and substitute more vegetables, such as mushrooms or tofu, in its place.
• Q: Is there an alternative to oyster sauce I can use?A: In case you require a stand-in, you may use hoisin sauce or a vegetarian oyster sauce crafted from mushrooms.
• Q: How spicy is this dish?A: The dish features a mild heat from the chili flakes. You can ramp up the spice level by adding more chili flakes or, conversely, tone it down with fewer chili flakes. The secret is to find the balance that works for your personal preferences.
• Q: What can I serve with this dish?A: Steamed rice or noodles are good companions for this dish. They soak up the delicious sauce.
• Q: Can I prepare this dish in advance?A: The ingredients can be readied beforehand, but it’s ideal to prepare the dish fresh for the best textural results—particularly with the shrimp and eggplant.

Eggplant With Shrimp And Garlic Sauce Recipe Substitutions and Variations

You can replace soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free alternative or with coconut aminos for a soy-free option.
Hoisin sauce or a vegetarian stir-fry sauce can take the place of oyster sauce and give a similar flavor.
Canola oil or olive oil can be used in place of vegetable oil.
For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth.
Tofu or chicken can take the place of shrimp, supplying a different protein option.

Pro Tips

1. To prevent the eggplant from absorbing too much oil and becoming soggy, salt the diced eggplant lightly and let it sit for 15-20 minutes before cooking. Then, rinse and pat it dry with paper towels.

2. For an extra layer of flavor, marinate the shrimp briefly (for about 10-15 minutes) in a little soy sauce and garlic before cooking.

3. Make sure your pan or wok is hot before adding the oil. This helps to sear the eggplant and shrimp quickly, improving texture and flavor.

4. If you enjoy a bit more heat, consider adding fresh sliced chili peppers along with the garlic to infuse the oil with spicy notes from the beginning.

5. To accentuate the presentation, save some green onion tops to add as a fresh garnish right before serving. This adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.