Ingredients
4 tbsp groundnut oil
1 aubergine, halved lengthways and cut into 1cm/ in 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 pak choi or 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
pak choi.
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.