Ma Po Eggplant in Garlic Sauce Recipe

Name: Ma Po Eggplant in Garlic Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound ground pork, preferably from the shoulder; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon sambal oelek or other Asian chile sauce; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1/4 cup soy sauce; Six 8-ounce Asian eggplants, halved lengthwise; 1 tablespoon peanut oil, plus more for brushing; Kosher salt; 2/3 cup chicken stock or low-sodium broth; 1/4 cup dry sake; 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar; 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil; 1 teaspoon chile-bean sauce, such as Lee Kum Kee Toban Djan; 3 scallions, minced, plus thinly sliced scallions, for garnish; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 1/2 tablespoons minced peeled fresh ginger; Steamed rice, for serving

Servings: persons

1 pound ground pork, preferably from the shoulder
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sambal oelek or other Asian chile sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 cup soy sauce
Six 8-ounce Asian eggplants, halved lengthwise
1 tablespoon peanut oil, plus more for brushing
Kosher salt
2/3 cup chicken stock or low-sodium broth
1/4 cup dry sake
1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
1 teaspoon chile-bean sauce, such as Lee Kum Kee Toban Djan
3 scallions, minced, plus thinly sliced scallions, for garnish
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 tablespoons minced peeled fresh ginger
Steamed rice, for serving

1
In a large bowl, mix the pork with the vinegar, sambal oelek, cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of the soy sauce.
2
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 8 hours.
3
Preheat the broiler and position the rack 8 inches from the heat.
4
Brush the eggplants with peanut oil and season with salt.
5
Arrange the eggplants cut side down on a rimmed baking sheet and broil for 12 to 15 minutes, turning once, until lightly charred and tender.
6
Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, whisk the chicken stock with the sake, sugar, sesame oil, chile bean paste and remaining 3 tablespoons of soy sauce.
7
In a wok or large skillet, heat the 1 tablespoon of peanut oil until shimmering.
8
Add the minced scallions, garlic and ginger and stir-fry over high heat until fragrant, 1 minute.
9
Add the pork and stir-fry until no pink remains, 3 to 5 minutes.
10
Add the chicken stock mixture and bring to a boil.
11
Simmer over moderately high heat, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, about 3 minutes.
12
Arrange the eggplants cut side up on a platter and spoon the pork on top.
13
Garnish with thinly sliced scallions and serve with steamed rice.

618

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 17 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1 pound ground pork, preferably from the shoulder, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon sambal oelek or other Asian chile sauce, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and more.

Yes, Ma Po Eggplant in Garlic Sauce falls under the Vegetarian category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Ma Po Eggplant in Garlic Sauce

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions