SPICY JAPANESE EGGPLANT RECIPE RECIPES

Steps:

• Trim off the calyx end of the eggplants. Cut in half lengthwise, then slice thin (about 1/4 inch). Lightly salt, and toss in a colander. Allow to sit for 15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients. Squeeze out excess water, then dry between sheets of paper towel.
• Meanwhile, trim off the ends of the cucumbers. Cut in half lengthwise, then slice on the diagonal into 1/4-inch thick slices.
• Combine the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, salt and sesame oil in a small bowl. Place all of the ingredients near your wok or frying pan.
• Heat a 14-inch flat-bottomed wok or 12-inch steel skillet over high heat until a drop of water evaporates within a second or two from the surface of the pan. Add the peanut or canola oil to the sides of the pan and tilt the pan to distribute. Add the eggplant. Stir-fry for three to four minutes until cooked through. Add the ginger and red pepper flakes, and stir-fry for 30 seconds. Add the cucumbers and scallions or chives. Stir-fry 30 seconds. Add the soy sauce mixture to the wok, and stir-fry one minute until the cucumber just begins to wilt. Remove from the heat and serve.

Steps:

• Stir together water, soy sauce, brown sugar, miso and sesame oil in a small bowl until smooth; set aside.
• Heat a large (12-inch) cast-iron skillet over high until smoking. Add eggplant and canola oil to skillet; cook until eggplant is well browned, 2 to 3 minutes, stirring once during cook time. Add scallions, jalapeño, garlic and ginger; cook, undisturbed, until scallions slightly char, about 1 minute. Stir mixture in skillet.
• Add reserved soy sauce mixture to skillet; stir to coat eggplant. Cover and cook over high until sauce is thickened and eggplant is tender, about 1 minute. Remove from heat; transfer mixture to a serving dish. Sprinkle with cilantro and Fresno chile.