Braised Eggplant with Garlic Sauce

Ingredients

• Black pepper (to taste)
• Salt (to taste)
• Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons)
• Sesame seeds (1 tablespoon)
• Green onions (2, sliced)
• Water (1/4 cup)
• Cornstarch (1 tablespoon)
• Sesame oil (1 tablespoon)
• Honey (1 tablespoon)
• Rice vinegar (2 tablespoons)
• Soy sauce (3 tablespoons)
• Ginger (1 tablespoon, grated)
• Garlic (4 cloves, minced)
• Eggplant (2 large, cut into cubes)

Instructions

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the eggplant cubes to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, cornstarch, water, salt, and black pepper.
5. Pour the sauce mixture over the eggplant in the skillet and stir to coat evenly.
6. Cover the skillet and let the eggplant braise for 15-20 minutes, or until tender.
7. Remove the cover and cook for an additional 5 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken.
8. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
9. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.