Worth The Hunt
The Recipe · No.1126 · Fish-Fragrant Eggplant

Fish-Fragrant Eggplant, and where to source it

Fish-Fragrant Eggplant — Worth The Hunt WORTH THE HUNT Fish-Fragrant Eggplant Chinese 5best2buy.com

Balance the sauce so sugar, vinegar, and pickled chili read at once, the yu xiang flavor that defines the dish.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep15 min
Cook15 min
MakesServes 4
CuisineChinese
Cost$$
Dairy-free
Contains  gluten · soy
Make it gluten-free: swap in tamari instead of soy sauce (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 4 servings
Chinese eggplant
1 lb
450 g
Ground pork
3 oz
85 g
Pickled red chilies (paojiao), minced
2 tbsp
30 ml
Local / market
Garlic, minced
4 cloves
4 cloves
Local / market
Ginger, minced
1 tbsp
15 ml
Local / market
Scallions, chopped
3
3
Local / market
Sugar
1 tbsp
15 ml
Local / market
Chinkiang black vinegar
1 tbsp
15 ml
Local / market
Soy sauce
1 tbsp
15 ml
Cornstarch slurry
1 tbsp
15 ml
Local / market
Neutral oil for frying
1/2 cup
120 ml
The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● Barely a splurge
A light hand — your arteries say thanks. · plan ahead — needs marinating, soaking, or resting time
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
Instant PotSlow cookerOne-pot
The Method
  1. Cut the eggplant into batons, soak in salted water for 10 minutes, then squeeze dry and shallow-fry until golden and soft. Drain.PT8M
  2. In a little of the oil fry the pork until crisp, then add the pickled chilies, garlic, and ginger and cook until the oil turns red and fragrant.PT4M
  3. Stir in the mixed sugar, vinegar, and soy, return the eggplant, and toss to coat over high heat.PT2M
  4. Thicken with the cornstarch slurry, fold through the scallions, and serve at once.PT1M
The Toolkit

Wok · Spider strainer · Cleaver

Straight Answers
Can you make Fish-Fragrant Eggplant in an air fryer? — Yes, with an insert

Not on its own — an air fryer can’t hold a pool of liquid. You can simmer it in an oven-safe dish or a silicone insert made to fit the basket, but the broth won’t reduce or brown the way it does on the stove, and that insert comes out scorching, so use oven mitts. For real depth, a pot on the stove wins.

Can you freeze Fish-Fragrant Eggplant? — Yes

Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Can you make Fish-Fragrant Eggplant ahead of time? — Best fresh

Best made fresh and served soon — it loses its edge standing around. You can prep the parts ahead, but finish and serve it close to the table.

Is Fish-Fragrant Eggplant gluten-free? — Not as written

Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in tamari instead of soy sauce (check the other labels too).

Is Fish-Fragrant Eggplant vegan? — No

No — it contains meat, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.

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© 2026 5best2buy · Worth The Hunt · Recipe No.1126