Szechuan Style Eggplant And Green Beans

Are you looking to add a touch of Szechuan spice to your weekly dinner rotation? Look no further than this mouth-watering recipe for Szechuan Style Eggplant and Green Beans. This delightful dish combines tender eggplant and crisp green beans with a flavorful and aromatic sauce that will have your taste buds dancing with delight. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out on your culinary journey, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends with its bold flavors and comforting appeal.

**Szechuan Style Eggplant and Green Beans**

**Ingredients:**
– 1 large eggplant, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup green beans, trimmed and halved
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
– 1 tablespoon chili garlic paste
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

**Instructions:**
1. Start by preparing the eggplant. Sprinkle the eggplant pieces with a little salt and let them sit in a colander for about 15 minutes. This helps draw out excess moisture and bitterness. After 15 minutes, rinse the eggplant under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.

2. In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, chili garlic paste, sesame oil, and sugar to create the sauce. Set aside.

3. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Add the eggplant to the skillet and stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until it starts to soften and brown slightly.

5. Next, add the green beans to the skillet and continue to stir-fry for another 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.

6. Pour the prepared sauce over the vegetables in the skillet and toss everything together to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld.

7. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

8. Once the vegetables are cooked to your desired doneness and the sauce has thickened, remove the skillet from the heat.

9. Transfer the Szechuan Style Eggplant and Green Beans to a serving dish and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for an extra burst of flavor and texture.

10. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles for a satisfying and flavorful meal that is sure to please your palate.

There you have it – a simple and delicious recipe for Szechuan Style Eggplant and Green Beans that brings the bold flavors of Szechuan cuisine right to your dining table. Enjoy this dish as a main course or as a tasty side dish that will surely become a favorite in your recipe collection. Let the aromatic spices and vibrant colors of this dish transport you to the bustling streets of Szechuan with every flavorful bite. Happy cooking!