✅ Step 1: Ingredient List
Here are the main ingredients needed to make Minced Beef with Eggplant.
| Category | Ingredient | Quantity | Notes (Emoji & Description) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main | Minced Beef | 150g | 🐄 Can use beef from cuts like beef shank |
| Eggplant (long variety preferred) | 2 (approx. 300g) | Washed, cut into rolling chunks or strips | |
| Accessories | Garlic | 3-5 cloves (approx. 15g) | Minced |
| Spicy Bean Paste / Fermented Black Beans (Douchi) | 20-30g | 🌶️ Minced for better flavor release; adjust spiciness to taste | |
| Other | Cooking Oil | As needed | For stir-frying and stewing |
| Boiling Water | ~200ml | For stewing the eggplant |
👨🍳 Step 2: Instructions
Making Minced Beef with Eggplant emphasizes marinating the beef, preparing the eggplant, and heat control. Here are the core steps.
- 🐄 Marinate the Minced Beef (Key Step):
- Place the minced beef in a bowl. Add a little salt, cooking wine (approx. 10g), sugar (approx. 5g), and wet starch (approx. 10g). Mix well and let marinate for at least 10 minutes. Adding wet starch during marination helps lock in moisture, resulting in a more tender final product.
- 🍆 Prepare the Eggplant:
- Wash the eggplant and cut it into rolling chunks or strips.
- Mince the spicy bean paste (or fermented black beans) and garlic; set aside.
- 🔥 Stir-fry Beef and Aromatics:
- Heat the wok, then add an appropriate amount of cooking oil. Add the marinated minced beef and stir-fry until it slightly releases oil.
- Add the minced spicy bean paste (or fermented black beans) and minced garlic. Stir-fry until fragrant.
- 🍳 Stir-fry and Stew Eggplant:
- Add the cut eggplant pieces. Stir-fry to combine.
- Add dark soy sauce (approx. 10g), sugar (approx. 5g), and a little vinegar (approx. 5g). Stir-fry to coat the eggplant.
- Pour in boiling water (enough to just cover the ingredients). Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium heat and stew for about 10 minutes, allowing the eggplant to become soft and absorb the flavors.
- 🧂 Season and Reduce Sauce:
- Season with salt to taste.
- Increase heat to high to reduce the sauce until it thickens.
- Drizzle with a little sesame oil (approx. 5g) before serving.
🌟 Step 3: Seasoning Ratio & Nutrition Info
Precise seasoning ratios are key to the flavor of Minced Beef with Eggplant, especially for marinating the beef and using the sauces.
| Seasoning | Precise Amount (g) | Notes (Emoji & Description) |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking Wine | 10g | 🍶 Removes gaminess, adds aroma |
| Sugar | 10g | 5g for marinating beef, 5g for seasoning during stir-frying to balance taste |
| Wet Starch | 10g | Makes minced beef more tender |
| Dark Soy Sauce | 10g | Primarily for coloring |
| Vinegar | 5g | Adds depth of flavor |
| Table Salt | 3-5g | Provides base saltiness; used in marinating and final seasoning |
| Sesame Oil | 5g | Enhances aroma |
| Spicy Bean Paste / Fermented Black Beans | 20-30g | 🌶️ Provides sauce aroma and spiciness; minced for better flavor release |
💡 Chef’s Tips (TIPS)
- Choosing Ingredients is Fundamental: For minced beef, choose cuts like beef shank. For eggplant, long eggplants are preferred; round eggplants are often starchier and better suited for steaming.
- Marinating is Essential: Marinating the minced beef with wet starch in advance effectively locks in moisture, which is key to ensuring a tender texture.
- Bean Paste Preparation: Mincing the bean paste or fermented black beans before stir-frying makes it easier to release their flavor, resulting in a more intense sauce aroma.
- Health Adjustment: Eggplant absorbs oil readily. Those concerned about fat intake can consider pre-cooking the eggplant by steaming or using an air fryer to reduce the overall fat content of the dish.
- Adjustable Spiciness: The amount and type of spicy bean paste or fermented black beans can be flexibly adjusted according to personal taste. Choose non-spicy bean paste if sensitive to heat.
