Simple Stir-Fried Aubergine with Chilli Flakes

Minimalist, flavourful, and utterly satisfying - this Stir-Fried Aubergine with Chilli Flakes is perfect as a light main or lovely side. Believe me, you'll need extra rice because this dish pairs so well with it!

Each bite is a harmonious blend of sweetness, softness, and juiciness, brought to life with savoury soy sauce and a touch of spice. Ready in just 15 minutes, this recipe proves that simple can be sensational.

Key ingredients

Aubergine: This recipe uses two medium-sized aubergines, yielding four servings. Aubergines are quick to oxidise and turn brown once cut. To prevent this, submerge the aubergine sticks in a big bowl of water mixer with a teaspoon of salt. Rinse them thoroughly just before cooking.
Aromatics: Minced garlic and ginger are essential for a flavourful base.
Sauce components: Soy sauce adds savoury depth, sugar balances the flavours, and cornflour is used to thicken the sauce.
Oil: A couple of tablespoons of olive oil for stir-frying.
Chilli flakes: These add the perfect kick of spice to the dish.

How to cook Stir-Fried Aubergine with Chilli Flakes

Prep the ingredients

Cut aubergine into sticks and soak them in salted water to avoid browning. Mince garlic and ginger for later use. Mix a small amount of cornflour with water and set it aside.

Start stir-frying

Heat olive oil in a wide pan over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and ginger, stirring for about a minute until golden and fragrant.
Add the aubergine sticks and stir-fry for two minutes, ensuring they don't stick to the pan.

Build the flavour

Pour in soy sauce, stirring to coat the aubergine evenly.

Stir for another minute, allowing the aubergine to soak up the savoury flavour.
Add a splash of water to prevent sticking and create a light sauce.

Simmer and thicken

Sprinkle sugar over the aubergines, stir well, and let everything simmer for 5 - 7 minutes until the aubergine sticks are soft and tender.
Add the cornflour mixture to the pan and stir to thicken the sauce.

Add the heat and serve

Sprinkle chilli flakes over the dish and immediately turn off the heat.
Serve your Stir-Fried Aubergine with a bowl of steaming jasmine rice.

Why you'll love this recipe

Quick and Easy: Only 15 minutes from start to finish.
Versatile: Perfect as a side dish or a light main.
Irresistible Flavour: The savoury soy sauce and subtle heat from the chilli flakes make it unforgettable.

Enjoy this dish with family or friends - it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. What's more, it's a great way to turn a humble aubergine into something truly special.

Have you tried this recipe? Let me know how it went in the comments and don't forget to check out my other delicious recipes that pair perfectly with rice here!

Prep Time 5 mins

Cook Time 10 mins

Total Time 15 mins

Cooking Method: Simmering

Cuisine: Vietnamese

Courses: Dinner, Salad and Vegetable

Difficulty: Beginner

Servings: 4

Estimated Cost: £ 2

Description

A quick and easy stir-fried aubergine recipe packed with savoury soy sauce, fragrant garlic and ginger, and a touch of spice from chilli flakes. Perfect as a light main or a side dish, ready in just 15 minutes!

Ingredients

2 medium aubergines (cut into sticks)
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tablespoon minced ginger
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon cornflour (mixed with a dash of water)
1/2 teaspoon chilli flakes (to taste)
Water (as needed)

Instructions

1
Prepare the Aubergine
Cut aubergine into sticks and soak in salted water to prevent browning. Rinse before cooking.
2
Cook Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a wide pan over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger, stirring until golden and fragrant.
3
Stir-Fry Aubergine
Add the aubergine sticks, stirring for 2 minutes to prevent sticking.
4
Season
Pour in soy sauce, stirring to coat the aubergines. Add a splash of water and sprinkle sugar. Stir well and simmer for 5-7 minutes until the aubergines are soft.
5
Thicken and Add Spice
Add the cornflour mixture to the pan, stirring to thicken the sauce. Sprinkle chilli flakes and turn off the heat.
6
Serve
Enjoy hot with jasmine rice or as a side dish to complement a larger meal.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Amount Per Serving
Calories 143.89kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 7.37g12%
Saturated Fat 1.04g6%
Sodium 445.5mg19%
Potassium 683.67mg20%
Total Carbohydrate 19.14g7%
Dietary Fiber 8.46g34%
Sugars 10.82g
Protein 3.58g8%

Vitamin A 7.48 IU
Vitamin C 6.97 mg
Calcium 32.84 mg
Iron 0.89 mg
Vitamin E 1.86 IU
Vitamin K 13.87 mcg
Thiamin 0.12 mg
Riboflavin 0.12 mg
Niacin 2.05 mg
Vitamin B6 0.28 mg
Folate 62.04 mcg
Phosphorus 85.02 mg
Magnesium 46.38 mg
Zinc 0.55 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Prevent Browning: Aubergines oxidise quickly after being cut. To keep them fresh and vibrant, soak the sticks in a bowl of water with a teaspoon of salt. Rinse thoroughly before cooking.
Adjust the Spice: Feel free to tweak the amount of chilli flakes to suit your spice tolerance.
Serving suggestions: Pair with jasmine rice for a satisfying meal. Or serve as a side dish alongside grilled meats/tofu for a balanced dinner.
Thickening the Sauce: Ensure the cornflour is fully dissolved in water before adding it to the dish to avoid lumps.
Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan, adding a splash of water if needed.

Keywords: Stir-fried aubergine recipe, easy aubergine recipes, quick stir-fried dishes, chilli aubergine, savoury aubergine recipes

Read it online: https://summerandspice.com/recipe/stir-fried-aubergine/

Thao Bui

Food Blogger, Stylist and Photographer

Hi there, it’s lovely to meet you! I am a home cook, food lover and the founder of Summer and Spice. Originally from Hanoi, Vietnam—a city abundant in rich, diverse flavours—I now live in the UK with my husband and three kids.