April 20th, 2024
Recipes
Eggplant and Basil Stir Fry
Valentina P
- Difficulty
•
- Time 20"
Tender stir fried eggplant with bell pepper, meat or tofu, basil, and a delicious umami sauce throughout. Better than takeout and so easy!
How To MakeDiet Type: Classic
Shopping List
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For the Stir Fry
- 2 large japanese eggplants
- 1 pound of ground turkey or pork (or 1 pack firm tofu, drained)
- 2 handfuls basil
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- red pepper flakes, to taste
- cooking oil, for frying (such as avocado oil) For the Sauce
- 6 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (Note 1)
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1/2 tablespoon cane sugar or coconut sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: Stir together the sauce ingredients in a small bowl until smooth. Set aside.
- Step 2: Slice the eggplant 1-inch thick on a diagonal bias. Cut each slice in half to make a half moon shape.
- Step 3: Add a thin layer of oil to coat the bottom of a large skillet. Warm the oil over medium-high heat and then, once it sizzles, add the eggplant pieces in one even layer. Cook for about 5 minutes total, stirring often to brown and soften on all sides. If the eggplant is browning too quickly, lower the heat. The eggplant will absorb oil, so add more as needed to prevent burning. Set the eggplant on a towel-lined plate to drain.
- Step 4: Add the ground turkey or pork to the pan. Use a spatula to continuously break the meat into small pieces. Cook until it is no longer pink and then drain the released liquid. Set it aside. For the tofu option, crumble the tofu into the pan and cook for about 8 minutes. Avoid stirring too much so that the tofu can get browned.
- Step 5: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in the empty frying pan over medium-high heat and add the chopped garlic. Cook for 15 seconds or until starting to color, then add the bell pepper and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until slightly softened. Stir in the fried eggplant, cooked meat or tofu, and sauce. Cook for 1 to 2 more minutes.
- Step 6: Turn off the heat and stir in the whole basil leaves and pepper flakes (be generous if you like it spicy). The residual heat will wilt the basil.
- Serve: Transfer to a plate and enjoy with a side of rice.
Recipe Notes
Note 1: To make this dish soy-free, make the sauce with 4 tablespoons of coconut aminos + 2 tablespoons of water + 1 tablespoon of soy-free hoisin sauce + 1 teaspoon sugar.
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Eggplant and Basil Stir Fry
PT20M 2 large japanese eggplants 1 pound of ground turkey or pork (or 1 pack firm tofu, drained) 2 handfuls basil 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced 6 cloves garlic, minced red pepper flakes, to taste cooking oil, for frying (such as avocado oil) 6 tablespoons water 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (Note 1) 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce 1/2 tablespoon cane sugar or coconut sugar Gluten Free Paleo Vegan 4 Servings
Ingredients:
