Sweet and Sour Eggplant with Rice

Looking for a flavorful and satisfying vegetarian dish? Sweet and Sour Eggplant with Rice is a delicious, tangy, and slightly spicy meal that pairs perfectly with fluffy rice. This dish is easy to make at home and packed with bold flavors. Let’s get started!

Ingredients
For the Eggplant:
●    2 medium eggplants, cut into bite-sized pieces
●    2 tablespoons cornstarch
●    1 teaspoon salt
●    2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
●    3 tablespoons soy sauce
●    2 tablespoons rice vinegar
●    1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
●    1 tablespoon ketchup
●    1 tablespoon honey or sugar
●    1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional for heat)
●    2 cloves garlic, minced
●    1 teaspoon ginger, grated
●    1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)

For Serving:
●    2 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice
●    2 green onions, sliced
●    1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Instructions
1. Prepare the Eggplant
Toss eggplant pieces with cornstarch and salt. Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat and sauté eggplant until golden and tender. Remove from the pan and set aside.
2. Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce
In the same pan, add garlic and ginger, sautéing until fragrant. Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, ketchup, honey, and chili flakes. Bring to a simmer.
3. Thicken the Sauce
Add the cornstarch slurry to the sauce, stirring continuously until it thickens.
4. Combine Everything
Return the cooked eggplant to the pan and toss to coat in the sauce. Let it cook for another minute to absorb the flavors.
5. Serve & Enjoy
Serve hot over steamed rice. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Tips for the Best Sweet and Sour Eggplant
●    Use firm eggplants: They hold their shape better while cooking.
●    Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook the eggplant in batches if necessary.
●    Balance the flavors: Adjust the sweetness and sourness to your preference.
This Sweet and Sour Eggplant with Rice is a delightful dish that brings a perfect balance of flavors to your table. Enjoy your homemade meal!