INGREDIENTS
1 1/2
lbs. asian (long and skinny) eggplant
2 tbsp
peanut oil
1/4 cup
chicken stock (substitute vegetable stock for vegetarian)
2 tsp
sugar
1/2 tsp
soy sauce
1 tbsp
chili bean paste*
1
to 2 teaspoons crushed sichuan peppercorns** (optional, but inauthentic without)
2
teaspoons freshly grated ginger
5
garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp
corn starch
2 tsp
Chinkiang vinegar or apple cider vinegar
4
scallions, roughly chopped
Cilantro for garnish (optional)