Crispy Chinese Eggplant

Crispy Chinese eggplant is a delicious and popular dish that showcases the eggplant's natural flavors and textures. Here's a recipe to make crispy Chinese eggplant:

Ingredients:

• 2 medium Chinese eggplants
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• Optional toppings: sesame seeds, sliced green onions

Instructions:

1. Wash the eggplants and cut off the ends. Slice them into approximately 1/2-inch thick rounds.
2. In a shallow bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper.
3. Dip each eggplant slice into the flour mixture, ensuring that both sides are coated evenly. Shake off any excess flour.
4. In a large skillet or frying pan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
5. Carefully place the coated eggplant slices into the hot oil, in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Fry them until they turn golden brown and crispy, usually about 2-3 minutes per side.
6. Once cooked, remove the eggplant slices from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
7. In a separate pan, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger, and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
8. In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, honey or sugar, and water. Add this sauce mixture to the pan with garlic and ginger.
9. Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
10. Add the fried eggplant slices to the pan with the sauce, tossing gently to coat the eggplant evenly.
11. Cook for another minute or so to allow the flavors to meld together.
12. Remove from heat and transfer the crispy Chinese eggplant to a serving dish.
13. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions, if desired.
14. Serve hot as a side dish or as part of a larger Chinese-inspired meal.

Crispy Chinese eggplant is best enjoyed immediately while it's still warm and crispy. It pairs well with steamed rice or noodles.