There’s something magical about the aroma of Thai Basil Eggplant wafting through the kitchen. Imagine vibrant purple eggplants sizzling in a hot pan, their glossy surfaces caramelizing as they absorb the rich, savory sauce. savory stuffed flank steak The fragrant basil dances in the air, promising a flavor journey that tantalizes your taste buds and warms your heart.

This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience. Picture yourself enjoying Thai Basil Eggplant on a cozy weeknight or impressing friends at a dinner party. chicken linguine with cowboy butter With each bite, you’ll savor the umami goodness and feel transported to a bustling street market in Thailand, where every dish tells a story. For more inspiration, check out this Sticky Honey Chicken recipe recipe.

I still remember the first time I made this dish; my friends couldn’t stop raving about how delicious it was!

this recipe

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Eggplant: Choose firm, shiny eggplants for the best texture; they should feel heavy for their size.

• Thai Basil: Look for vibrant green leaves with a slightly spicy aroma; it adds an authentic touch.

• Garlic: Fresh cloves work best; crush them to release their aromatic oils that enhance the overall flavor.

• Chili Peppers: Use fresh Thai chilies for heat; adjust quantities based on your spice tolerance. stuffed pepper soup.

• Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium varieties to control saltiness without sacrificing flavor.

• Oyster Sauce: This adds depth and umami; choose a vegetarian version if needed.

• Sugar: A little sugar balances out the savory flavors beautifully; brown sugar works great here.

• Vegetable Oil: For sautéing; choose an oil with a high smoke point for best results.

• Cilantro (optional): Fresh cilantro adds brightness as a garnish; sprinkle it on before serving.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by washing and slicing your eggplant into bite-sized pieces. Chop the garlic and slice chili peppers thinly if you like some heat. Have everything ready before cooking.

Heat the Pan: In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. You want that sizzle when the eggplant hits the pan—trust me, it’s essential.

Add Eggplant & Stir-Fry: Toss in the sliced eggplant and stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes until they’re tender and golden brown. They should be soft yet hold their shape nicely.

Add Aromatics & Sauces: Stir in garlic and chili peppers until fragrant—about 30 seconds will do. Then pour in soy sauce and oyster sauce along with sugar to bring everything together.

Incorporate Thai Basil & Serve Up!: Remove from heat and fold in Thai basil leaves until they wilt slightly but remain vibrant green. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles for an unforgettable meal.

Enjoy your homemade Thai Basil Eggplant! It’s bursting with flavor and perfect for sharing (if you’re feeling generous). guilt-free cauliflower mash.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve optimal flavor and texture, stir-fry the eggplant first until golden, then add garlic and basil to infuse all those delicious aromas.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in tofu for a vegetarian option or sprinkle in some chili flakes for an extra kick of heat.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover Thai Basil Eggplant in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop to maintain its flavor and texture. For more inspiration, check out this Cheesy Mushroom Lasagna recipe.

Cooking Thai Basil Eggplant always reminds me of my first attempt, where I accidentally added way too much chili sauce. My friends loved it, though, calling it “spicy surprise night!”

FAQ

What can I serve with Thai Basil Eggplant?

This dish pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Can I make Thai Basil Eggplant vegan?

Absolutely! Just use tofu instead of meat and soy sauce for seasoning.

How do I store leftovers properly?

Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate them within two hours of cooking.

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Thai Basil Eggplant

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• Author: Hellen
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Thai Basil Eggplant is a vibrant, flavorful dish that brings the essence of Thai street food to your kitchen. This quick and easy recipe features tender eggplant stir-fried with aromatic Thai basil, garlic, and zesty chili peppers, all enveloped in a savory sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing dinner guests, this dish pairs beautifully with rice or noodles. Experience the delightful harmony of flavors that will transport you straight to Thailand with every bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb eggplant (preferably Asian eggplants)
• 1 cup Thai basil leaves
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2–3 fresh Thai chili peppers, sliced
• 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce (or vegetarian alternative)
• 1 tsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• Fresh cilantro (optional for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Wash and slice the eggplant into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic and thinly slice the chili peppers.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3. Add the eggplant and stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes until tender and golden brown.
4. Stir in garlic and chili peppers; cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar; stir to combine.
6. Remove from heat and gently fold in Thai basil leaves until wilted but bright green.
7. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Stir-frying
• Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 550mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 23g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 0mg