Beer and Eggplant Stir-Fry (10 Minute Recipe)
A quick and deeply flavourful Japanese-inspired stir-fry that comes together in just 10 minutes. Tender slices of eggplant are cooked in a rich, savory sauce of beer, soy, sesame oil, and garlic until silky and glossy. A family favourite passed down from an old friend in Japan, with simple ingredients and bold results. Serve hot over fluffy rice, donburi style, or as a side with miso soup and pickles.
Servings: 2
Calories: 484kcal
Equipment
- Frying pan skillet or stainless steel
- Spatula
- Sharp knife
- Chopping board
Ingredients
- 250 g eggplant (1 eggplant per 2 serves for main or 4 side dishes)
- 80 ml neutral oil
- 1 spring onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 20 ml toasted sesame oil
- 120 ml beer
- 1 ½ tablespoon soy kikkoman or equivalent
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ¼ teaspoon Chilli flakes
Instructions
- Peel and slice your garlic into thin discs (you can mince it in a garlic crusher if you prefer)
- Trim eggplant and cut it in half lengthways. Cut into thin half moons (approximately ½cm thick).
- Heat your neutral oil in a pan over a medium high heat and sizzle your garlic until golden.
- Add your eggplant and sizzle until soft and slightly seared. Add more oil if the pan is looking dry.
- Next pour over your beer, sugar, soy and sesame oil. Fry for a further 2-3 minutes or so until the beer has fully absorbed.
- Your eggplant should be soft and tender. Taste and add a little salt and pepper to taste if you feel it could do with a bit of extra seasoning.
- Serve over rice or on a side platter as part of a larger meal.
Notes
Salt your eggplant first if it's older or bitter - slice, sprinkle with salt, leave for 10 minutes, then rinse and pat dry before cooking. Skip this with a fresh one.
Use a dry lager like Asahi or Kirin for the best flavour. No beer? Swap in a tablespoon of mirin or a splash of sake.
Swap soy sauce for tamari and use a certified gluten-free beer to keep this recipe gluten-free.
Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan with a splash of water.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 serve | Calories: 484kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 47g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 35g | Sodium: 16mg | Potassium: 352mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 209IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 1mg
