Stir-Fried Sesame-Garlic Eggplant with Chili and Scallions
Tender eggplant slices stir-fried with garlic, chili, and toasted sesame seeds for a rich, flavorful vegetarian Asian dish. This Asian-inspired stir-fry recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 30 minutes, pairs Japanese eggplant, vegetable oil, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 190 calories and feeds 4, 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.
Ingredients
- 2 medium (about 12 oz each), cut into 1/2-inch thick slices Japanese eggplant
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 3 sliced thinly scallions
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Woks that get real sear at home → Best Woks for 2026: Carbon Steel, Nonstick & Flat-Bottom Picks + Buying Guide
Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →
Equipment for this recipe
Tools this recipe's steps call for, with a link to each on Amazon.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 2 medium Japanese eggplants cut into 1/2-inch thick slices in a single layer, cooking for 4-5 minutes per side until tender and golden brown, working in batches to avoid crowding.
- Step 2: Return all eggplant to the skillet and add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes; stir-fry for 1 minute until fragrant but garlic is not burnt.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tsp brown sugar, tossing to coat the eggplant evenly. Cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and clings to the eggplant.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and mix in 3 sliced scallions, 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.







