Forktionary

Chinese Eggplant

Solanum melongena Vegetable, Fruit (botanically)

Chinese Eggplant Vegetable, Fruit (botanically)

At a Glance

  • Category Vegetable, Fruit (botanically)

The Forktionary Angle

"Its thin skin and creamy flesh absorb marinades beautifully, making it a wok-friendly champion."

Definition

A long, slender eggplant variety with a delicate, tender skin and fewer seeds than globe eggplant, prized for its sweet, mild flavor.

Culinary Preference Stir-frying, steaming, braising
Global Production (Eggplant) Over 55 million tons annually
Skin Tenderness No peeling required

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Chinese Eggplant are:

Mild sweet slightly earthy creamy

Chef’s Secret

To prevent Chinese eggplant from absorbing too much oil during stir-frying, steam or blanch the slices briefly before adding them to the wok.

Best Substitutes

Japanese Eggplant

Ratio 1:1

Italian Eggplant

may need salting
Ratio 1:1

Graffiti Eggplant

Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Choose firm, glossy eggplants without blemishes or soft spots.

Culinary Pairings

Garlic ginger soy sauce chili basil bell peppers chicken pork tofu

Recipes Using Chinese Eggplant

Asian Vegetables With Tofu And Coconut Milk image
15 Minutes Or Less Course Main Ingredient Fruit

Asian Vegetables With Tofu And Coconut Milk

This lightning-fast Asian-inspired stir-fry bursts with vibrant vegetables, tender tofu, and a luscious coconut milk sauce. Ready in just 13 minutes, it's a weeknight dinner winner! Perfect for a healthy and flavorful meal.

See Complete Recipe