The Best Chinese Keto Eggplant
These pan-fried chili garlic eggplants are soft, spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet, making them a versatile dish suitable as a side, appetizer, lunch, or main course. This Keto-friendly Chinese recipe provides a delicious, meaty option for vegetarians and vegans. Salting the eggplant pieces for 15 minutes before cooking is crucial, as it draws out excess moisture, leading to better caramelization and enhanced flavor absorption. While globe eggplant is recommended for its meaty texture and excellent absorption, zebra, Indian, or Italian eggplants can also be used. For a more authentic version, Chinese eggplant, which is lighter in color and longer, is a great substitute. To ensure this recipe is gluten-free, replace regular soy sauce with gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Serve this dish with cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or in lettuce cups for a fresh, crisp addition.