Stir-Fried Eggplant with Ground Pork and Soy-Garlic Sauce

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

Tender eggplant stir-fried with savory ground pork in a rich soy and garlic sauce, capturing the hearty, home-style flavors of Filipino cuisine. This filipino-inspired pork ready in about 30 minutes blends ounces ground pork, garlic cloves, minced, soy sauce into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 20 min Serves 4 Filipino cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 8 ounces ground pork and cook for 5 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 medium eggplants cut into 1-inch chunks, coating them with the pork and garlic mixture. Cook for 3 minutes until eggplants start to soften.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon fish sauce, 1 teaspoon brown sugar, and 1/4 cup water. Stir well and cover the skillet. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 7 minutes until eggplants are tender and sauce thickens.
  5. Step 5: Remove the lid, increase heat to medium-high, and cook uncovered for 2 more minutes to evaporate excess liquid.
  6. Step 6: Season with 1/4 teaspoon black pepper and sprinkle 2 sliced green onions before serving hot with steamed rice.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Eggplant with Ground Pork and Soy-Garlic Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Stir-Fried Eggplant with Ground Pork and Soy-Garlic Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Eggplant with Ground Pork and Soy-Garlic Sauce?

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 Eggplant with Ground Pork and Soy-Garlic Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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.

What goes well with Stir-Fried Eggplant with Ground Pork and Soy-Garlic Sauce?

Filipino pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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