This Chinese takeout-style crispy salt and pepper eggplant is tossed in fragrant spices, aromatics that makes it addictive and delicious!

Salt and Pepper Eggplant

This Chinese takeout-style crispy salt and pepper eggplant is tossed in fragrant spices, aromatics that makes it addictive and delicious!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Chinese, Fusion
Keyword: eggplant
Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 2 medium eggplants
  • 1/3 cup corn starch
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp 5-spice
  • 1 tsp gochugaru
  • oil for frying

Aromatics and Spices

  • 1/2 red onion
  • 1 large red chili
  • 2 stallks scallions
  • 1/2 tsp 5-spice
  • 1/4 tsp white pepper
  • 1/2 tsp sichuan pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Instructions

  • Chop eggplant into cubes and soak them in a bowl of water and 1 tsp salt for 10 minutes.
  • In a bowl, mix the cornstarch, salt, white pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, 5-spice and gochugaru. Toss the eggplant cubes in this mixture until evenly coated. You can also coat them one by one but it may take more time.
  • Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the eggplant cubes in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches).
  • Fry until golden and crispy on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  • On a separate pan, saute finely chopped onions, red chili and saute for 3 minutes. Add spring onions and eggplant, give it a good toss.
  • Mix seasoning – 5-spice, white pepper, garlic powder and salt. Mix well and sprinkle on eggplant. Give it a good even toss and serve!