P.F. Chang’s Stir-Fried Spicy Eggplant Recipe

P.F. Chang’s Stir-Fried Spicy Eggplant is a popular dish known for its crispy eggplant coated in a savory, sweet, and spicy sauce.

It’s a great option for vegetarians and anyone who enjoys bold Asian flavors.

Don’t skip the corn starch slurry; it thickens the sauce nicely and makes the dish even more satisfying!

I also recommend salting the eggplant before cooking to draw out excess moisture. We don’t want soggy eggplant while frying!

Add a few Thai chiles if you want an extra spice level, but it tastes great without it too.

How to Make P.F. Chang’s Stir-Fried Spicy Eggplant

Ingredients

• 12 cups Eggplant (peeled, 1-inch dice)
• Oil for frying

Spicy Sauce:

• 1 tsp Wok Oil
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Combine all ingredients for the spicy sauce in a bowl and mix well.

Set aside until needed.

Step 2:

Heat oil in a wok to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Make sure the eggplant pieces are prepared as indicated.

Step 3:

Deep-fry the diced eggplant in the oil for 1 minute.

Remove the eggplant and drain excess oil on paper towels.

Step 4:

Reduce the oil in the wok to 1/2 teaspoon.

On high heat, stir-fry the minced garlic for about 5 seconds.

Step 5:

Add the prepared spicy sauce to the wok with the garlic.

Let it simmer for about 20 seconds before adding the eggplant back in.

At this point, cook everything together for another 10 seconds, allowing the eggplant to absorb some of the sauce flavors.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Choosing the Right Eggplant

I always recommend using firm and fresh eggplants for this recipe; they absorb the flavors much better.

Look for eggplant that is smooth and free of any soft spots to ensure the best texture.

Perfecting the Oil Temperature

Use a kitchen thermometer if possible to maintain the oil temperature at 350 degrees Fahrenheit while frying the eggplant.

This will help avoid soggy or overly greasy eggplant pieces.

Modifying the Spicy Sauce

Feel free to adjust the levels of garlic or add other seasonings based on your taste preferences.

A hint of ground ginger adds a wonderful depth to the spicy sauce if you’re feeling adventurous.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the stir-fried eggplant over steamed rice or alongside noodles for a complete meal.

I love garnishing it with chopped green onions for an extra pop of color and flavor.

Experiment With Frying Techniques

If deep-frying isn’t your style, try pan-frying the eggplant for a lighter version.

This slight adjustment can create a different texture that’s equally delicious!

What to Serve with P.F. Chang’s Stir-Fried Eggplant Recipe

Rice Dishes

White or brown rice makes a classic pairing with stir-fried eggplant because it absorbs the rich flavors of the sauce beautifully.

You can’t go wrong with a nice jasmine or basmati rice to complement the savory broth of the eggplant.

Garlic Noodles

Garlic noodles add another layer of flavor and are perfect for soaking up any extra sauce from the eggplant.

They’re incredibly easy to make and give your meal a satisfying texture contrast.

Steamed Broccoli

Steamed broccoli provides a fresh and nutritious side that goes well with the deep savory flavors of the stir-fry.

Its slight crunch and earthy flavor balance the richness of the eggplant dish.

Cucumber Salad

A cool cucumber salad is a refreshing side that lightens up the meal with crisp, chill notes, providing a wonderful balance to the spicy sauce.

Toss cucumbers with a touch of sesame oil and rice vinegar for an easy yet tasty salad addition.

Pickled Ginger and Daikon

Pickled ginger and daikon are unconventional but offer a burst of tangy freshness that can break the richness of the stir-fry.

These pickles introduce a different texture and taste to surprise and refresh your palate.

Variations and Substitutions

Eggplant Alternatives

You can substitute Chinese eggplants with Japanese eggplants if you prefer a milder taste.

Try using zucchini for a similar texture with a different flavor profile.

Sauce Adjustments

Feel free to adjust the spiciness by adding more or less chili sauce to suit your taste.

Add some hoisin sauce for a sweeter touch, or include oyster sauce for a more savory depth.

Oil Selection

If you’re concerned about the amount of oil, try pan-frying instead of deep-frying to reduce oil use.

Consider using grape seed oil or avocado oil if you want a lighter finish with a higher smoke point.

Herb and Spice Variations

Replace green onions with fresh cilantro to bring a different, fresh twist.

Try incorporating Szechuan peppercorns for a unique, tingling flavor experience.

How to Store Leftover Stir-Fried Eggplant

Storing your leftover stir-fried eggplant is an art form that can help maintain its flavor and texture for future meals.

You want to start by allowing the eggplant to cool down at room temperature before transferring it to a storage container.

Airtight Containers

Place your eggplant in an airtight container to keep flavors locked in.

This step is crucial to prevent moisture from affecting the taste and freshness.

Store the container in the refrigerator, where your dish will stay fresh for up to three to four days.

Use of Paper Towels

Before sealing the container, place a paper towel on top of the eggplant.

This will absorb any extra moisture and prevent the eggplant from becoming soggy.

Replace the paper towel daily if you plan to store it for longer periods.

Separate Other Ingredients

If your dish includes sauce or additional ingredients, keep them separate.

Store each component in its own container to maintain the dish’s overall quality.

Combine them only when you’re ready to savor your leftovers!

This simple practice helps the eggplant keep its unique texture and avoids any unwanted mixing of flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcrowding the Pan

You might be tempted to cook all the eggplant in one go, but overcrowding the pan can lead to soggy results.

Stir-frying relies on high heat, and adding too much at once can lower the temperature quickly.

Cook in batches to keep the eggplant crispy.

Skipping the Drain Step

After frying the eggplant, it’s crucial to let them drain properly to remove excess oil.

Too much oil can make the dish greasy and affect the overall texture of the final meal.

Use paper towels to absorb excess oil and enhance the dish’s flavor.

Ignoring Ingredient Preparation

Every ingredient needs to be prepped beforehand to make the cooking process smooth and efficient.

Chop the garlic, ginger, and green onions in advance so everything is ready to be tossed into the pan.

Having ingredients ready to go keeps the pace quick and the results top-notch.