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    Home » Appetizers/ Snacks » Chinese Eggplant with Garlic Sauce (Air Fryer Method)

    Chinese Eggplant with Garlic Sauce (Air Fryer Method)

    Published: Aug 21, 2021 by HWC Magazine · 117 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe
    Chinese eggplant with garlic sauce on a Chinese white and green plate.
    Eggplants topped with garlic sauce.

    Grab those chopsticks or a fork! You are going to want to dive right into these tender Chinese Eggplant with Garlic Sauce (蒜蓉茄子) or (Suàn róng qiézi) appetizers straight away. This copycat Asian recipe is inspired by the Michelin star Crystal Jade restaurant. Instead of being deep fried, we air fried (空气炸) or Kōngqì zhà the eggplant, to keep it healthier. Served restaurant style but super easy for the home chef and ready in less than 20-minutes.

    Air fried eggplant with garlic sauce topped with green onions and chilis on white plate.

    Something magical happens when you roast eggplants (aubergines). Just like with our Chinese Eggplant with Spicy Pork and our Super Easy Grilled Asian Eggplant they become sweet and so tender, they melt in your mouth. Top that off with our spicy garlic sauce and you have one amazing crowd-pleasing appetizer or vegetable side dish.

    Jump to:
    • Healthier Restaurant Classic
    • Ingredients and Substitutions
    • Step By Step Easy Instructions
    • Air Fryer Method: Cooking Alternatives
    • How to Store
    • Tips for Success
    • Frequent Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
    • More Eggplant Recipes…
    • Chinese Eggplant with Garlic Sauce (Air Fryer Method)
    3 whole bright purple Asian eggplants.

    Healthier Restaurant Classic

    Have you ever been to a Crystal Jade restaurant in Asia? Currently, these restaurants are in Singapore, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Myanmar, Philippines, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam. Of course, you must try their signature xiao long bao dim sum but now you can make their Chinese Eggplant with Garlic Sauce at home.

    This is one very special recipe because it was re-engineered by our dear friend Lynn Li. Music in our video is by our talented friend Safie Chan.

    We asked the chef, “How do you keep your eggplant bright purple during the cooking process?”  He responded that he quickly flash fry the eggplant and that keeps the purple color. You and I all know very well that even flash fried eggplant is just one big sponge. It soaks up all that oil and it is still very greasy.

    Our re-engineered recipe is BIG on Flavor but LOW in oil as we made the roasted Chinese eggplant in the air fryer. The air fryer may not retain all their bright purple color like the deep fry method, but it is certainly delicious. Just like in our Banana Spring Rolls or our Stuffed Zucchini Blossoms recipe, air frying instead of deep frying reduces the calories and fat.  In addition, we made this recipe vegetarian using a gluten-free and vegetarian oyster sauce. As an added bonus, these little appetizers are low carb.

    Ingredients and Substitutions

    Ingredients to make eggplant appetizer on a silver platter.

    Asian Eggplant – Sometimes also called Japanese or Chinese Eggplant look a little different compared to their European counterparts. They are long, slender and have just a few seeds compared to a western or European round eggplant (aubergine). We prefer the Asian eggplant variety compared to a western eggplant as they are sweeter and have less seeds. Asian eggplant varieties are usually sold in Asian or Middle Eastern markets and are also delicious in our Grilled Harvest Wraps.

    If you cannot find Asian eggplants, you can exchange with other types of Western eggplants. You may have to increase the air fryer time by a minute or two, due to their larger diameter.

    Oyster Sauce – We used a gluten-free vegetarian version, but regular oyster sauce works lovely here too. Traditional Oyster sauce is made with oyster juices and flavoring to create this luxurious brown thick sauce.  The vegetarian oyster sauce is made using mushrooms to create this delicious umami experience. If you have any oyster sauce left over, be sure to try our Beef Noodles with Spicy XO Sauce and our Easy Pork Shiitake Mushroom Stir Fry recipes for some quick and easy week night meal ideas.

    Sesame oil – is a delicious sesame flavored oil made from you guess it, sesame seeds. It is an essential Chinese ingredient we use in our Garlicky Sesame Stir Fried Green Beans, Hong Kong Fried Rice and many other Chinese Recipes. You can generally find this ingredient in the international food section of the regular grocery store or in an Asian market. If you cannot find sesame oil, just sprinkle on a little toasted sesame seeds upon serving.

    Step By Step Easy Instructions

    Chopped green onions and completed garlic sauce in a little blue bowl.
    • Chop up green onions, garlic, and chili.
    • To make the garlic sauce, add oyster sauce, sesame oil, garlic and green onions to a small bowl and stir.
    Chinese whole eggplants and also some chopped with drizzling on oil.
    • Wash and slice the eggplant in 1-inch sections horizontally.
    • Drizzle with oil or spray with oil.
    Roasted air fried Asian eggplants on a plate.
    • Air fry eggplant at 400 degrees F (204 degrees C) for about 15 minutes or until pierces easily with knife.
    • Place air fried eggplant on a serving dish.
    Adding green onions and chili garnishes.
    • Drizzle each roasted eggplant slice with a little garlic sauce.
    • Garnish with green onions and chili peppers as desired. Enjoy!

    Air Fryer Method: Cooking Alternatives

    Air Fryer Method - A Cosori Air fryer was used to cook our Chinese Eggplant with Garlic Sauce appetizers. We placed the air fryer basket on the middle shelf and cleanup was a snap! So, in love with our new air fryer! We use it almost every day. As a matter of fact, we just made a batch of Air Fryer Zucchini and Squash in it. We have no idea how we lived without it. The multi-function air fryer is super easy to use, keeps the house cool and there is no messy clean up.

    Oven Roasted Method - If you do not have an air fryer, you can roast the eggplant in the oven. Preheat your oven at 400 degrees F (204 degrees C) for 30 to 35 minutes. Flip over halfway through.

    Deep Fry Method - On the other hand, if you want to deep fry eggplant, place enough oil in a small pot so that your eggplant slices can be submerged. Heat the oil until about 350 degrees F to 375 degrees F (176 degrees C to 190 degrees C). Carefully fry the eggplant for about 1 minute. Remove the crispy eggplant slices from oil and let drain on a towel. Then garnish with the garlic sauce.

    Finished Chinese eggplants with garlic sauce on a white plate.

    How to Store

    You can make this delicious little Chinese eggplant with garlic sauce appetizer up to 24 hours in advance.  Prepared air fryer eggplants Store in the refrigerator in a covered container for best results. Please eat within 3 days or toss.  At the Crystal Jade restaurant, they generally serve this roasted eggplant dish at room temperature or sometimes even slightly chilled.  

    However, be good to your spleen qi and serve it up warm or at least room temperature. To learn more about why eating cold foods from the refrigerator are hard on your body, read our post Feed Your Spleen; Nourish Your Body.  

    Do not store foods and sauces that contain raw chopped garlic for more than 3 days. Did you know that you can get botulism from raw chopped garlic if not stored at the proper pH, temperature and mixing solutions?

    Eggplant just finished cooking in the air fryer and held in hand.

    Tips for Success

    • If you want to make this Chinese aubergine recipe spicy, add fresh finely chopped chilis to the garlic sauce or garnish with chili peppers. Alternatively, you can add a dash of dried red pepper flakes to the sauce.
    • On the other hand, if you want to keep this recipe mild, hold all chili peppers.
    • Choose Asian eggplants, sometimes called Chinese or Japanese eggplants, that are straight as possible without curves. This allows you to make more equal and level slices which in turn allows the eggplant to cook evenly.
    • Cut your eggplants straight across horizontally about ¾ to 1 inch thick so that they cook evenly and lay flat in the serving bowl. Keeping them a little thicker makes them easier to pick up individually with chopsticks for a delicious 2 bite appetizer or delicious vegetable side dish.
    • If using European eggplants, you will have to add more cooking time to this recipe, depending on the size and diameter.
    • Eggplants start to oxidize and brown, immediately after being cut. Therefore, wait until you have the air fryer preheated before cutting. Alternatively, you can brush with a little white vinegar or lemon juice. However, we are not fond of the added flavor. In addition, it can make your eggplant slices soggy. No one wants soggy eggplant!
    • Roasted Chinese eggplant is best served immediately to keep that delicious crispy edge. However, still delicious served within 24 hours of making it.

    Frequent Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

    Can you Freeze Air fryer Asian Eggplant?

    Yes, you can! Freeze your air fried eggplants BEFORE you put on the garlic sauce. To freeze, place the roasted air fried eggplant slices on a lined baking sheet in the freezer for about 3 hours. Once frozen solid, you can then place in the freezer baggie in a single or sealed container for up to 3 months.

    Then, when you are ready to eat, you can place the frozen eggplant slices directly in the air fryer at 350 degrees F (176 degrees C) for 5 to 10 minutes or until toasty hot.

    Is eggplant a fruit or vegetable?

    Fruit

    Are eggplants keto?

    Eggplants are high in fiber and low in carbohydrates.  This makes them a fantastic option for the keto diet or if you are watching your carbohydrate intake.

    More Eggplant Recipes…

    • Chinese Eggplant with Spicy Pork topped with green onions on a China plate from Macau green and white plate with chopsticks.
      Chinese Eggplant with Spicy Pork
    • Favorite Provençal Ratatouille Recipe / https://www.hwcmagazine.com
      Favorite Provençal Ratatouille Recipe
    • Traditional Baba Ghanoush (Ganoush) / https://www.hwcmagazine.com
      Traditional Baba Ghanoush
    • Super Easy Grilled Asian Eggplant

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    If you enjoyed our recipe, be sure to leave a comment below and a star rating. Thank you very much!

    Air fried eggplant with garlic sauce topped with green onions and chilis on white plate.

    Chinese Eggplant with Garlic Sauce (Air Fryer Method)

    Chinese Eggplant with Garlic Sauce is a copycat recipe from Hong Kong’s Crystal Jade restaurant made with delicious air fried Asian aubergines and topped with a simple garlic sauce. Ready in 20 minutes!
    5 from 14 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Appetizers/ Snacks
    Cuisine: Chinese
    Diet: Diabetic, Gluten Free, Low Fat
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4 people
    Calories: 48kcal
    Author: HWC Magazine

    Equipment

    • air fryer

    Ingredients

    • 2 tablespoons green onions
      sliced, green portion only
    • 4 tablespoons oyster sauce
      We used a vegetarian gluten free oyster sauce but you can use regular oyster sauce, if desired.
    • ½ teaspoon sesame oil
    • 1 clove garlic
      fresh, peeled and minced
    • 1 whole Asian Eggplant
      Aubergine (Chinese skinny eggplant/Japanese eggplant) sliced in 1 inch segments - Can also exchange with a Western breed of eggplant too.
    • 1 tablespoon oil or oil spray
    • 1 tablespoon chili red fresh chilis (optional) or dried red chili flakes
    US Customary - Metric
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C)
    • Chop up green onions and mince garlic.
    • To make the garlic sauce, add oyster sauce, sesame oil, garlic and green onions to a small bowl and stir. Set aside.
    • Wash and slice the eggplant in 1-inch sections horizontally.
    • Drizzle eggplant with oil or spray with oil.
    • Place air fried eggplant on a serving dish.
    • Air fry eggplant at 400 degrees F (204 degrees C) for about 15 minutes or until pierces easily with knife.
    • Drizzle each roasted eggplant slice with a little prepared garlic sauce.
    • Garnish with green onions and chili peppers if desired. Enjoy!

    Video

    Notes

    Storage
    • You can make this delicious little Chinese eggplant with garlic sauce appetizer up to 24 hours in advance. Prepared air fryer eggplants Store in the refrigerator in a covered container for best results. Please eat within 3 days or toss because this recipe has raw garlic.
    • If desired, you can freeze your air fried eggplants BEFORE you put on the garlic sauce. To freeze, place the roasted air fried eggplant slices on a lined baking sheet in the freezer for about 3 hours. Once frozen solid, you can then place in the freezer baggie in a single or sealed container for up to 3 months.
    • Then, when you are ready to eat, you can place the frozen eggplant slices directly in the air fryer at 350 degrees F (176 degrees C) for 5 to 10 minutes or until toasty hot.
    Cooking tips
    • If you want to make this Chinese aubergine recipe spicy, add fresh finely chopped chilis to the garlic sauce or garnish with chili peppers. Alternatively, you can add a dash of dried red pepper flakes to the sauce.
    • On the other hand, if you want to keep this recipe mild, hold all chili peppers.
    • Choose Asian eggplants, sometimes called Chinese or Japanese eggplants, that are straight as possible without curves. This allows you to make more equal and level slices which in turn allows the eggplant to cook evenly.
    • Cut your eggplants straight across horizontally about ¾ to 1 inch thick so that they cook evenly and lay flat in the serving bowl. Keeping them a little thicker makes them easier to pick up individually with chopsticks for a delicious 2 bite appetizer or delicious vegetable side dish.
    • If using European eggplants, you will have to add more cooking time to this recipe, depending on the size and diameter.
    • Eggplants start to oxidize and brown, immediately after being cut. Therefore, wait until you have the air fryer preheated before cutting. Alternatively, you can brush with a little white vinegar or lemon juice. However, we are not fond of the added flavor. In addition, it can make your eggplant slices soggy. No one wants soggy eggplant!
    • Roasted Chinese eggplant is best served immediately to keep that delicious crispy edge. However, still delicious served within 24 hours of making it.
    Oven Roasted Method - If you do not have an air fryer, you can roast the eggplant in the oven. Preheat your oven at 400 degrees F (204 degrees C) for 30 to 35 minutes. Flip over halfway through.
    Deep Fry Method - On the other hand, if you want to deep fry eggplant, place enough oil in a small pot so that your eggplant slices can be submerged. Heat the oil until about 350 degrees F to 375 degrees F (176 degrees C to 190 degrees C). Carefully fry the eggplant for about 1 minute. Remove the crispy eggplant slices from oil and let drain on a towel. Then garnish with the garlic sauce.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1g | Calories: 48kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 493mg | Potassium: 34mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 66IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 1mg
    Did you make this recipe?Tag us @HWCMagazine or hastag us #HWCMagazine!

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    About HWC Magazine

    Join our Healthy World Cuisine medical editors (trained in both Western and Eastern Medicine) and learn how to EAT your way around the WORLD from the comfort of your own kitchen. Grab free health tips, recipe ideas, meal plans and gain a better understand how eating choices can affect your health. Be the healthier and happier YOU!

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      5 from 14 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Judee says

      November 02, 2021 at 11:26 am

      I love using Japanese eggplants and this recipe looks so good, I could take a bite right now. Since I am new to owning an air-fryer, I welcome air fryer ideas and recipes. Visiting from Gluten Free A-Z Blog

      Reply
      • HWC Magazine says

        November 02, 2021 at 12:39 pm

        Hi there Judee! If you are new to air frying this is a very easy recipe to get started with. We have more air fryer recipes coming soon so stay tuned.

        Reply
    2. Cindy says

      September 14, 2021 at 4:28 pm

      5 stars
      Delicious

      Reply
      • HWC Magazine says

        September 15, 2021 at 2:28 pm

        Thanks so much.

        Reply
    3. Jake says

      September 01, 2021 at 8:02 pm

      5 stars
      We love these in Shanghai

      Reply
      • HWC Magazine says

        September 03, 2021 at 1:38 am

        Hi there Jake. We enjoy the Crystal Jade restaurant at the IFC in HK, will have to check out the Shanghai one next time travel opens back up. Take care

        Reply
    4. Kevin says

      September 01, 2021 at 7:53 pm

      5 stars
      Looks so good

      Reply
      • HWC Magazine says

        September 03, 2021 at 1:45 am

        Thanks so much.

        Reply
    5. Katerina | Once a Foodie says

      September 01, 2021 at 11:02 am

      5 stars
      Wow, Bobbi, you've outdone yourself! I've never been to a Crystal Jade restaurant but I feel like this gorgeous dish would definitely go a long way to re-creating that experience! How stunning. I can't wait to try this - especially since I enjoy eggplant so much. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • HWC Magazine says

        September 03, 2021 at 1:29 am

        hi there Katerina and thank you. We are huge eggplant fans too. You might quite like the fact that you can make these vegetarian as well. Stay well and take care

        Reply
    6. Heidi | The Frugal Girls says

      September 01, 2021 at 12:19 am

      Your epic description of the roasted eggplant literally made me salivate... and your spicy garlic sauce sounds heavenly!

      Reply
      • HWC Magazine says

        September 03, 2021 at 1:16 am

        Thank you Heidi, that is exactly the effect we were going for... (smiling).

        Reply
    7. Judee says

      August 31, 2021 at 1:42 pm

      5 stars
      I buy Asian eggplant all the time and I love this recipe that you shared. Sounds fabulous

      Reply
      • HWC Magazine says

        August 31, 2021 at 4:55 pm

        Thanks so much Judee! so glad you enjoyed our Chinese eggplant with garlic sauce. We love the Asian eggplants too as they are so sweet and have less seeds. Stay well and take care and thanks for visitng.

        Reply
    8. Ron says

      August 30, 2021 at 1:28 pm

      5 stars
      Howdy Bobbi, I love Asian eggplant, but we rarely see them here, but I've learned to adapt by using regular aubergine. I would love this dish as one of my all-time favorite Chinese dishes is Szechuan fish sauce eggplant. I'll be looking at our local Asian market to see if they have Asian eggplant. If not I'll make do with our smallish hothouse aubergine, cause I've got to try this one.
      Take care over your way...

      Reply
      • HWC Magazine says

        August 31, 2021 at 1:09 pm

        Hi there Ron! Thanks so much. Regular aubergine that are a little smaller in size also work well in this recipe. However, you may need to increase the cook time a little bit because they are larger in size. If you like it spicy, be sure to add plenty of fresh chili peppers to the garlic sauce. We love a little bit of heat to too. Stay well and take care

        Reply
    9. Karen (Back Road Journal) says

      August 30, 2021 at 12:48 pm

      Super easy, even doing them in the oven...no air fryer here.

      Reply
      • HWC Magazine says

        August 31, 2021 at 1:12 pm

        You bet Karen, so easy in the oven too. The best part is you can make this Chinese side dish or appetizer in advance which is always a time saver. Hope you are doing well. Take Care

        Reply
    10. Priya says

      August 28, 2021 at 2:12 am

      5 stars
      These eggplants are bombs 🙂

      Reply
      • HWC Magazine says

        August 28, 2021 at 3:20 pm

        Thank you Priya. These little eggplant appetizers are quite addictive.

        Reply
    11. Aarthi | Prepbowls says

      August 26, 2021 at 6:15 pm

      These looks scrumptious! I love eggplants and Air fryer versions sounds great and eggplants cooked to perfection! I cannot wait to make it myself, thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • HWC Magazine says

        August 28, 2021 at 3:25 pm

        Thank you Aarthi. We love the air fryer or baked version too. So much easier and healthier than deep frying. Take Care

        Reply
    12. Liz says

      August 24, 2021 at 2:51 pm

      Oh, boy, this appetizer sounds fantastic!! It may become my favorite way to eat eggplant---the flavors in the garlic sauce are calling my name!

      Reply
      • HWC Magazine says

        August 25, 2021 at 12:58 pm

        Thank so much Liz. Anything with garlic in the name has to good, right? (Smiling) Take Care

        Reply
    « Older Comments

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    Chinese eggplant with garlic sauce on a Chinese white and green plate.
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