Easy & Delicious Thai Basil Eggplant Recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my favorite Thai Basil Eggplant recipe! This dish has been my go-to for years when I’m looking for something delicious and easy to throw together. It’s full of flavor from the garlic, chilies, and basil and has a great balance of sweet, salty, and spicy. It’s a great vegetarian meal and is sure to be a hit with friends and family alike. So let’s get cooking!

Thai Basil Eggplant Recipe

Ingredients

• 3 Japanese eggplants
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons red curry paste
• 1/4 cup Thai basil leaves
• 1/4 cup coconut milk
• 1/4 cup vegetable stock
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon fish sauce

Instructions

• Begin by prepping your ingredients – finely dice the 3 Japanese eggplants, mince the 2 cloves of garlic, and tear or roughly chop the Thai basil leaves.
• Now, it’s time to get cooking! In a large pan, heat the 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced eggplants and minced garlic and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
• Next, add the 2 tablespoons of red curry paste and stir everything together. Let the eggplants and garlic cook for another minute.
• Now, add the 1/4 cup of Thai basil leaves, 1/4 cup of coconut milk, 1/4 cup of vegetable stock, 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of fish sauce. Stir everything together and let simmer for 7-8 minutes until the eggplants are cooked through.
• Finally, turn off the heat and let the Thai Basil Eggplant cool before serving. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 302
• Total Fat: 17.3g
• Saturated Fat: 12.3g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 798mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 25.8g
• Dietary Fiber: 5.9g
• Sugars: 8.2g
• Protein: 5.2g

What makes thai basil eggplant such an irresistible dish?

You can’t beat Thai basil eggplant when it comes to irresistible dishes! This vegan-friendly dish packs a powerful punch of flavors that make it a favorite among food lovers around the world. With its combination of sweet, spicy, and umami flavors, Thai basil eggplant is sure to tantalize your taste buds.

The base of the dish is made from eggplant, which is rich in vitamins and minerals and provides a unique flavor and texture. The eggplant is then combined with fresh basil leaves and a delicious garlic, soy sauce, and oyster sauce mixture. The combination of these flavors creates a savory and sweet sauce that coats the eggplant, making it irresistibly delicious.

To give it an extra kick of flavor, many Thai basil eggplant recipes also call for red curry paste and fish sauce, both of which bring a unique sweetness and spiciness to the dish. The combination of these spices and sauces really takes the flavor of the dish to the next level. For an extra boost of flavor, a few slices of fresh red peppers can also be added.

The combination of flavors in Thai basil eggplant is simply divine and it’s no wonder why this dish is so popular. It’s easy to make, vegan-friendly, and absolutely delicious. So if you’re looking for a flavorful, vegan-friendly dish that’s sure to please, Thai basil eggplant is a great option.

Why should you never skip the step of deep-frying your eggplant?

You should never skip the step of deep-frying your eggplant when making Thai basil eggplant because it helps to enhance the flavor and texture of the dish. Deep-frying the eggplant before adding it to the stir fry creates a crispy outer layer that helps to lock in the flavor of the sauce. Additionally, deep-frying the eggplant helps to keep it from becoming soggy or mushy in the stir-fry.

In order to achieve the best result, you should cut the eggplant into slices or cubes, depending on the dish, and then deep-fry it in hot oil for two to three minutes. This creates a crunchy and flavorful outer layer that seals in the juices. Once the eggplant is fried, it’s ready to be added to the stir-fry with the other ingredients.

Deep-frying the eggplant also helps to make the dish healthier by reducing the amount of oil used in the stir-fry. The eggplant absorbs a lot of the oil, so you don’t need to use as much in the stir-fry. This reduces the fat content of the dish and makes it a healthier option.

Overall, deep-frying the eggplant is an important step in making Thai basil eggplant that should never be skipped. Doing so helps to enhance the flavor and texture of the dish and makes it a healthier option.

How do you know when your eggplant is perfectly cooked?

You know your eggplant is perfectly cooked when it’s tender and has a glossy sheen.

• It should be soft when you pierce it with a fork or knife.
• The edges of the eggplant will be slightly browned, adding to the overall flavor.
• If the eggplant still has a crunch to it, it’s not cooked yet.
• For Thai basil eggplant, you want the garlic and ginger to be cooked, but not burned.
• This will add a depth of flavor to the dish that you won’t find any other way.
• If you’re using a recipe, make sure to follow the instructions for cooking the eggplant so it comes out perfect every time.

What are the unique flavors and textures of this dish?

If you’re looking for a unique and flavorful dish, Thai Basil Eggplant is just the thing for you! The unique combination of flavors makes this dish truly stand out.

The eggplant is cooked until soft and moist, allowing it to absorb all the amazing flavors of the stir-fry. The eggplant is combined with garlic, chili, Thai basil, fish sauce, and oyster sauce, which creates a complex and savory flavor. The garlic and chili add a spicy kick, while the Thai basil has a hint of sweetness to balance out the flavors. The fish sauce and oyster sauce bring out the natural umami flavor of the eggplant.

When it comes to texture, the eggplant holds up well to the stir-fry. The eggplant is cooked until it’s soft and tender, but still maintains its structural integrity. This allows the eggplant to hold up to the other ingredients in the stir-fry while still providing a pleasant bite.

In short, Thai Basil Eggplant is a unique and flavorful dish that will tantalize your taste buds. The combination of flavors and textures make this dish truly stand out from the rest.

Are there any alternatives to the traditional thai basil eggplant?

Yes! If you’re looking for alternatives to the traditional Thai basil eggplant, you’re in luck. There are lots of delicious variations you can try.

One of the most popular alternatives is the Thai garlic eggplant. This dish is similar to the traditional Thai basil eggplant in that it also includes garlic, chiles, and eggplant, but instead of basil, it uses sweet Chinese parsley. The result is an incredibly flavorful dish that’s slightly more mild than the traditional Thai basil eggplant.

Another alternative is the Thai green curry eggplant. This dish is made with green curry paste, coconut milk, eggplant, and a variety of other ingredients. The green curry paste gives the dish a distinct flavor that’s slightly different than the traditional Thai basil eggplant.

Finally, there’s the Thai chili eggplant. This dish is made with Thai chiles, garlic, and eggplant. The chiles add a nice kick to the dish and the garlic adds a subtle sweetness. The result is a flavorful and spicy dish that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds.

No matter which alternative to the traditional Thai basil eggplant you choose, you’re sure to have a delicious and satisfying meal. So why not give one of these alternatives a try? You won’t be disappointed.

How can you easily customize this dish to suit your tastes?

You can easily customize Thai Basil Eggplant to suit your tastes! Get creative with the ingredients – swap out the eggplant for tofu, add some extra garlic and ginger for heat, or try out some different veggies! You can also switch up the type of basil you use, using Thai basil, Genovese basil, or even holy basil – the possibilities are endless!

If you want to make it spicier, try adding in some red pepper flakes or a Thai chile pepper. For extra creaminess, stir in some coconut milk or cashew cream. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try adding in a bit of fish sauce for an extra depth of flavor.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavor combinations – that’s the beauty of this dish! Whether you’re looking to lighten it up, or give it an extra kick, you can easily customize Thai Basil Eggplant to your liking.

What are the best ways to serve thai basil eggplant?

There are so many delicious ways to serve Thai basil eggplant! The most popular way is to stir-fry it with garlic, chili peppers, and lots of basil leaves. To make it extra flavorful, you can also add some soy sauce, fish sauce, and oyster sauce. This dish is perfect for a quick and easy meal. Another great way to serve Thai basil eggplant is by making a curry. You can add some coconut milk and spices like turmeric and coriander to give it an extra kick. To top it off, you can add a dollop of creamy yogurt or a sprinkle of chopped peanuts. Serve it with rice or noodles and you’ve got a delicious meal. If you’re looking for something even simpler, you can roast the eggplant with some olive oil and sea salt. This makes for a great side dish or snack.