Pork and aubergine go together perfectly in this fragrant stir-fry.
Serve with rice or noodles.

INGREDIENTS

 

4 tbsp groundnut oil

1 aubergine, halved lengthways and cut into 1cm/½in slices

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

1 tbsp grated fresh root ginger

1 red chilli, finely chopped

200g/7oz pork mince

1 tbsp Shaoxing rice wine or dry sherry

2 tbsp chilli bean sauce (available from Asian grocers)

200ml/7fl oz hot chicken stock

2 heads pakchoi or ½ Chinese cabbage, halved and sliced lengthways

1 tbsp clear rice vinegar or cider vinegar

1 tsp toasted sesame oil

2 spring onions, chopped

1 tbsp cornflour, mixed with 2 tbsp cold water

METHOD

Heat a wok until smoking and add two tablespoons of the groundnut oil, then fry the aubergine slices with a splash of water for 3-4 minutes, or until softened and golden-brown all over. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Wipe away the excess oil from the wok, reheat and add the remaining groundnut oil. Heat until smoking. Stir fry the garlic, ginger and chilli for a few seconds, then add the minced pork. Stir fry for one minute, then add the rice wine or sherry. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until browned, then add the chilli bean sauce and hot chicken stock. Return the aubergines to the wok and add the pakchoi.

 

Season, to taste, with the vinegar and sesame oil and bring to the boil. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the pork is cooked through, then stir in the spring onions. Add the cornflour paste and stir until the liquid has thickened. Spoon the fragrant pork and aubergines into a serving bowl and serve immediately.

RECIPE: Chinese Food Made Easy