fish-flavored jacket boxes

How to Make Yu-Shiang Eggplant Boxes

Yu-Shiang Eggplant Boxes, a beloved Sichuan dish, combine crispy fried eggplant with a savory, sweet, and spicy "fish fragrance" sauce. Here’s a simple guide to recreate this flavorful treat at home.

Ingredients:

- 2 medium eggplants, sliced into 0.5cm-thick rounds

- 200g ground pork (or tofu for vegetarian option)

- 2 tbsp light soy sauce, 1 tbsp dark soy sauce, 1 tbsp sugar

- 1 tbsp vinegar, 1 tbsp doubanjiang (broad bean paste), 1 tsp minced garlic

- 1 tbsp starch, oil for frying, chopped scallions and sesame seeds for garnish.

Steps:

1. Prepare the eggplant: Soak eggplant slices in salted water for 10 minutes to remove bitterness, then pat dry. Stuff each slice with a thin layer of seasoned ground pork.

2. Fry the boxes: Dip stuffed eggplants in starch batter, then deep-fry at 170°C until golden and crispy. Drain excess oil.

3. Make the sauce: Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok, sauté garlic and doubanjiang until fragrant. Add soy sauces, sugar, vinegar, and 2 tbsp water, simmer for 1 minute.

4. Combine: Toss fried eggplant boxes in the sauce until evenly coated. Garnish with scallions and sesame seeds.

Serve hot with steamed rice for a satisfying meal. The dish balances crispy textures and bold, complex flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser!

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