Mapo Eggplant Noodles

Mapo Eggplant Noodles: A Spicy and Flavorful Delight
Mapo Eggplant Noodles is a delicious and spicy Chinese dish that combines the goodness of eggplant and noodles with the bold flavors of Sichuan peppercorns and chili bean paste. This dish is perfect for those who love a little heat in their meals and want to try something new and exciting.

Ingredients (serves 4):

- 1 large eggplant, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz. dried noodles
- 2 tbsp. vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp. Sichuan peppercorns
- 2 tbsp. chili bean paste
- 2 tbsp. soy sauce
- 1 tbsp. sugar
- 1 tbsp. cornstarch
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, minced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tbsp. sesame oil
- Salt, to taste

Cooking Tips:

- Use a non-stick pan or wok to prevent the eggplant from sticking to the bottom.
- Soak the dried noodles in hot water for 5-10 minutes before cooking to soften them.
- Adjust the amount of chili bean paste according to your spice tolerance.

Cooking Process:

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or pan over medium-high heat. Add the Sichuan peppercorns and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Add the garlic, ginger, and green onions and stir-fry for another 30 seconds.
3. Add the eggplant and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until it is soft and slightly browned.
4. In a separate bowl, mix together the chili bean paste, soy sauce, sugar, cornstarch, and vegetable broth.
5. Pour the mixture over the eggplant and stir well. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens.
6. Cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
7. Add the cooked noodles to the wok and stir well to combine. Add salt to taste.
8. Drizzle with sesame oil and serve hot.
Appearance and Taste:
Mapo Eggplant Noodles is a beautiful dish with vibrant colors and a spicy aroma. The eggplant is soft and tender, and the noodles are perfectly cooked and coated in a flavorful sauce. The dish has a spicy kick from the Sichuan peppercorns and chili bean paste, balanced by the sweetness of the sugar and the saltiness of the soy sauce. The sesame oil adds a nutty flavor and a glossy finish to the dish.
Type: Chinese Noodles
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Noodles, Chili Bean Paste