A quick and flavorful Thai-inspired stir-fry with tender eggplant, bell peppers, and fragrant basil in a savory and slightly sweet sauce. Perfect as a side dish or light main for festive meals.
Ingredients
For the Stir-Fry:
- 2 medium Thai eggplants (or regular eggplants), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (or vegetarian oyster sauce)
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Serves:
4 people
Instructions
- Prepare Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, water, and cornstarch (if using). Set aside.
- Cook the Eggplant:
- Heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the eggplant and cook for 4-5 minutes until it starts to soften. Remove and set aside.
- Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
- Add the remaining oil to the pan. Sauté garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the bell peppers and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender.
- Combine and Add Sauce:
- Return the eggplant to the pan. Pour in the sauce and stir to coat. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and the vegetables are tender.
- Add Basil:
- Stir in the fresh basil leaves and cook for an additional minute until wilted.
- Serve:
- Transfer to a serving plate and garnish with sesame seeds if desired. Serve warm with steamed jasmine rice.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 400mg
Notes
- For added spice, include sliced chili peppers or a dash of chili paste in the sauce.
- Substitute eggplants with zucchini for a different texture.
- This dish pairs beautifully with grilled meats or tofu for a complete meal.
Let me know if you’d like more details or variations! 😊