Thai Fried Eggplant with Basil

A bowl of steamed rice and Thai Fried Eggplant with Basil can be your ultimate comfort food when you want something quick yet delicious. The perfectly cooked eggplant combined with garlic, sauce, and a handful of fresh Thai Basil makes this dish simple yet incredibly flavorful.

As always, fresh, homegrown herbs elevate any dish, and that's especially true in this recipe.

If you'd like to grow your own fresh herbs, grab one of our easy-maintenance gardening kits featuring a selection of Basil and other herbs. You’ll be cooking up a storm in no time!

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

Total time: 35 minutes

Serves: 2-3

Ingredients

For the Sauce

• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce or vegan fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• ½ cup warm water

Everything Else

• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
• 3 medium Chinese eggplants (yields about 3 ½ cups when cut)
• 2 Thai red chilies, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped (yields about ¾ cup)
• 1 handful Thai Basil leaves, roughly chopped
• Salt to taste

Towards the End

• 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 4 tablespoons cold water

Directions

1. Mix all the sauce ingredients in a bowl and set aside.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a hot wok, then add the eggplant. Cook over medium-high heat until the flesh is tender. If the eggplant sticks, sprinkle some water.
3. Transfer the cooked eggplant to a bowl and set aside.
4. In the same wok, add 1 tablespoon of oil and sauté the garlic and chopped Thai red chilies for a few seconds. Then, add the onions and cook until they become soft and translucent.
5. Return the eggplant to the wok and stir well. Add the sauce and let it simmer. Sprinkle in the chopped Thai Basil leaves and mix everything together.
6. Add the cornstarch mixture and let it simmer until the sauce thickens (about a minute).
7. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt as needed.
8. Garnish with extra Thai Basil leaves and serve with steamed rice.

Of course, if taste and maximum flavor are important to you, then you need fresh basil! The aroma of freshly picked basil is unmatched by store-bought options. Check this out for more recipes.