Often asked: How To Cook Chinese Eggplant?

What is the difference between Chinese eggplant and regular eggplant?

Due to the fact that Chinese eggplant has less number of seeds, it is not bitter like that of typical eggplant and tends to have a mild and sweet flavor. In fact, Chinese eggplant is considered to have the most delicate flavor of all eggplants varieties. On the other hand, regular eggplant is less flavorful.

How do you prepare and cook eggplant?

1. Preheat oven to 400°. Peel eggplant and cut into 1″ cubes. Place in colander and sprinkle with salt.
2. Once eggplant is drained, rinse, dry, and place on baking sheet. Toss with olive oil and roast 20 to 25 minutes, tossing halfway through, until eggplant is golden and tender. Season with salt and pepper and serve.

Can you eat Chinese eggplant skin?

Do you have to peel eggplant before you cook it? You don’t. The skin is entirely edible, though with larger eggplants it can be a little tough. If your eggplant is young, tender, and on the small side, the nutrient-rich skin can probably be left on for skillet frying or braising.

Why is eggplant not good for you?

Eggplants are part of the nightshade family. Nightshades contain alkaloids, including solanine, which can be toxic. Solanine protects these plants while they are still developing. Eating the leaves or tubers of these plants can lead to symptoms such as burning in the throat, nausea and vomiting, and heart arrhythmias.

Is eggplant healthy to eat?

Eggplant is a high-fiber, low-calorie food that is rich in nutrients and comes with many potential health benefits. From reducing the risk of heart disease to helping with blood sugar control and weight loss, eggplants are a simple and delicious addition to any healthy diet.

Can you use regular eggplant instead of Chinese?

In most recipes, the different types of eggplant are interchangeable. If you would like to serve a more delicate eggplant than the common type, use the mild-flavored, excellent Chinese and Japanese varieties. Some cooks are concerned that their eggplant might be bitter.

Should you soak eggplant in salt water before cooking?

Many recipes call for salting and rinsing eggplant before cooking it to draw out its bitterness. This technique of soaking sliced or chopped eggplant in salt water is particularly useful when making grilled eggplant. You can brine eggplant for use in any recipe (whether it calls for brining or not) using this method.

Can you eat eggplant uncooked?

While it can be eaten raw, eggplant is even most wonderful when it’s grilled, baked, braised or cooked and pureed into a dip.

Do you have to prepare eggplant before cooking?

Many recipes call for eggplants to be salted and rinsed to draw out any bitter juices, but this shouldn’t be necessary if they’ re fresh. If the seeds are too defined or feel hard, the eggplant may be old and should be salted.

How long should I boil eggplant?

Steps

1. Peel the eggplant then slice dice.
2. Put into a cup so you know the ratio between the eggplant and the water, because it has to be 1:2.
3. Prepare the water and heat it over medium heat.
4. Wait until it boil.
5. Reduce the heat till it reach small fire.
6. Boil the eggplant about 8-15 minutes (just until the eggplant turn soft)

How do you pick a good Chinese eggplant?

Picking Chinese eggplant is the art of picking any eggplant. Look for ones that are firm and have shiny skin, and avoid any blemishes or soft spots. This means that they’ll be young, tender and full of flavor.

How do you cook eggplant without getting soggy?

Microwave it first. Before hitting the stovetop, give cubed and sliced eggplant pieces a spin in the microwave. Pre- cooking the eggplant (in a single layer, on a paper towel-lined plate) for about five minutes helps collapse the spongey structure, which will prevent it from absorbing quite so much oil.

How do you not cook eggplant?

5 Mistakes to Avoid When Cooking Eggplant

1. Not cooking it in enough fat. The flesh of eggplant is like a sponge — it will immediately soak up any liquid it touches.
2. Cooking it in too much fat.
3. Always peeling it before cooking.
4. Overcrowding the pan.
5. Drowning it with sauce or cheese.