Want to make this Heavenly Garlicky Spicy Eggplant at home? Watch the full recipe video on YouTube to see how the eggplant is browned in a pan and combined with a flavourful garlic sauce, green peppers, and fresh green onions. Press play below and cook along with us!
Heavenly Garlicky Spicy Eggplant
This garlicky spicy eggplant is a flavourful vegan dish that makes a delicious homemade alternative to takeout. Tender purple eggplant is browned in a pan and coated in a savoury sauce made with tamari or soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and peanut butter.
The sauce brings together savoury and tangy flavours, while the green peppers add freshness and texture. Once everything comes together, the eggplant becomes the star of a simple yet satisfying dish.
As described with the original recipe, this dish works well as a side or served on its own with jasmine rice. You can also crumble tofu into it if you want to add more protein.
Ingredients for Heavenly Garlicky Spicy Eggplant
- Purple eggplant
- Sesame oil or olive oil
- Peanut butter
- Tamari or soy sauce
- Rice vinegar
- Garlic
- Green peppers
- Green onions
How to Make Heavenly Garlicky Spicy Eggplant
Step 1. Prepare the Eggplant
Start by preparing the purple eggplant. Cut it into the pieces shown in the video, keeping them suitable for cooking in a pan.
The eggplant is the main ingredient in this recipe, so the goal is to brown the pieces while allowing them to become tender. Prepare the remaining ingredients before you start cooking.
Step 2. Heat the Oil
Add sesame oil or olive oil to a pan, covering the bottom with a thin layer. Heat the oil before arranging the eggplant in the pan.
Place the pieces in a single layer so they have enough room to brown. This is an important part of the cooking process because the eggplant needs direct contact with the hot pan.
Step 3. Brown the Eggplant
Let the eggplant cook undisturbed for about five minutes before flipping the pieces gently.
Continue cooking until the eggplant develops a browned exterior and becomes tender. Handle the pieces carefully while turning them so they maintain their shape.
Step 4. Prepare the Garlic Sauce
While the eggplant cooks, prepare the sauce in a bowl. Add the peanut butter, tamari or soy sauce, rice vinegar, and garlic.
The video shows 3 tablespoons of tamari or soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar being added to the sauce mixture. Blend or mix the ingredients until they are combined.
The peanut butter creates a rich base, while the tamari or soy sauce adds savoury flavour. Rice vinegar brings a tangy element that balances the sauce.
Step 5. Add the Green Peppers
Add the diced green peppers to the prepared sauce. The video shows two diced green peppers being mixed into the sauce before it is added to the eggplant.
Stir everything together so the peppers are distributed throughout the mixture.
Step 6. Combine the Eggplant and Sauce
Once the eggplant has browned, add the prepared sauce and green pepper mixture to the pan.
Stir gently to coat the eggplant evenly. Allow the sauce to come together with the cooked eggplant, following the process shown in the video.
The sauce brings the garlic, savoury seasoning, and tangy flavour together, coating the eggplant for a rich and satisfying finish.
Step 7. Finish with Green Onions
Finish the dish with chopped green onions, as shown in the video. Mix them through or scatter them over the finished eggplant before serving.
The green onions add a fresh finishing touch to the savoury sauce and browned eggplant.
How to Serve Heavenly Garlicky Spicy Eggplant
Serve this garlicky spicy eggplant as a side dish or enjoy it with jasmine rice for a satisfying meal. The rice pairs well with the savoury sauce and tender eggplant.
For an additional protein option, the original description suggests crumbling tofu into the dish. This addition is optional, and the eggplant can be enjoyed on its own as well.
Watch More Vegan Recipes on YouTube
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