Stir-Fried Chinese Eggplant with Garlic and Scallions

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender strips of Chinese eggplant stir-fried with fragrant garlic and scallions in a savory soy sauce glaze. This chinese-inspired stir fry (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs medium (about 400g) Chinese eggplant, vegetable oil, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Chinese cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut 2 medium Chinese eggplants into 3-inch long, 1/2-inch thick strips. Set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 3 sliced scallions, stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add the eggplant strips to the wok and stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until they start to soften and brown on the edges.
  4. Step 4: Stir together 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tsp brown sugar, and 1/4 cup water. Pour the sauce over the eggplant and continue stir-frying for another 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the eggplant.
  5. Step 5: Drizzle 1 tsp sesame oil and sprinkle 1/4 tsp red chili flakes (if using), toss well, and remove from heat. Serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Chinese Eggplant with Garlic and Scallions take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Stir-Fried Chinese Eggplant with Garlic and Scallions?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep vegetable oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Chinese Eggplant with Garlic and Scallions?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Stir-Fried Chinese Eggplant with Garlic and Scallions for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Stir-Fried Chinese Eggplant with Garlic and Scallions vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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