Delicious Fish Fragrant Eggplant

Fish fragrant eggplant, very familiar to Sichuan locals, is one of the traditional specialty dishes of Sichuan cuisine. It is visually appealing, aromatic, and pairs well with rice. There are many variations in its preparation, but the main ingredient is doubanjiang (broad bean paste), combined with various seasonings to create its distinctive flavor.

Eggplant is a common vegetable loved by many for its delicate texture and high nutritional value. Fish fragrant eggplant, a classic preparation method for eggplant, is known for its delicious and aromatic flavor, as well as its rich texture, making it a favorite among many. Today, I will introduce how to make a delicious fish fragrant eggplant dish.

1.What is fish fragrant eggplant?

Fish fragrant eggplant is a representative Sichuan dish known for its unique "fish fragrant" flavor and rich texture.

Legend has it that long ago in the Dazhou region of Sichuan, there was a merchant's family who loved eating fish and were particular about seasoning. One evening, the housewife, wanting to avoid wasting ingredients, mixed together leftover seasonings used for cooking fish. This accidental creation unexpectedly delighted the family members. From then on, this dish spread and gradually evolved into the now-famous fish fragrant eggplant.

When making fish fragrant eggplant, start by cutting the eggplant into cubes or strips and stir-frying them until they become tender. Next, add the prepared fish fragrant sauce and stir-fry. Finally, add a mixture of water and starch to thicken the sauce, coating the surface of the eggplant and enhancing its flavor.

2.What type of eggplant to use?

For fish fragrant eggplant, both round and elongated eggplants can be used. Here, I've chosen elongated eggplants because they don't require peeling and can be used as is, preserving the fiber and nutrients in the skin. For round eggplants, it's recommended to peel them thoroughly before use because their skin is thicker and can affect the texture of the eggplant.

3.How to cut eggplant?

First, wash the eggplant and trim off the ends. Then, cut the eggplant into segments, each segment being about 5-6 centimeters in length. Place the eggplant segment on a cutting board, gently hold one end with your hand, and with the other hand holding a knife, cut diagonally from top to bottom. Maintain a consistent angle with the knife blade and roll the eggplant segment as you cut, until it's uniformly diced into pieces resembling batons.

4.How to prepare fish fragrant sauce?

The ratio and ingredients of fish fragrant sauce can vary based on different recipes and personal tastes, but it typically includes vinegar, sugar, and starch as basic components. In my recipe, I primarily use soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, vinegar, and sugar in a ratio of 4:2:2:2:1, and I mix it with a small amount of chicken broth and water. Nowadays, these ingredients are readily available in Asian markets and even regular grocery stores.

5.What is the most crucial ingredient?

The most crucial ingredient for fish fragrant eggplant is doubanjiang (豆瓣酱). Doubanjiang is a reddish-brown seasoning made primarily from fermented broad beans, along with chili peppers, salt, and other ingredients. It has a rich aroma and distinctive flavor, making it a commonly used condiment in Chinese cuisine. It holds a significant place in Sichuan cuisine and is often regarded as the soul of Sichuan dishes. Therefore, doubanjiang is indispensable for making fish fragrant eggplant. You can find it at Asian markets or online platforms like Amazon.

6.What's the secret to cooking the perfect eggplant?

Eggplant is a vegetable that can be tricky to cook, but if done right, it can be delicious. Start by adding a small amount of oil to the pan and stir-fry the eggplant until it becomes soft. Remove it from the pan and set it aside. Later, when stir-frying with the fish fragrant sauce, the eggplant pieces will become extra crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

To make delicious and non-greasy homemade fish fragrant eggplant, a few tips and techniques can make all the difference. After understanding the essentials of fish fragrant eggplant, today I'll share a simple home-style recipe that's easy to follow. It's straightforward and once you see it, you'll know how to make it. If you're interested, give it a try!