Q: Can I use a regular oven instead of an air fryer for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can bake the eggplant in a regular oven. Adjust the temperature to a similar setting and monitor the cooking time as it might vary slightly.
Q: What can be used as a substitute for small chili peppers?
A: If small chili peppers are not available, you can substitute them with a small amount of any other hot pepper or even red pepper flakes for a similar spicy flavor.
Q: Is there a vegetarian alternative to oyster sauce in this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use a vegetarian oyster sauce made from mushrooms, which is widely available and offers a similar umami flavor.
Q: How important is it to score the eggplant before adding the sauce?
A: Scoring the eggplant helps the flavors of the sauce penetrate more deeply, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
Homestyle Grilled Eggplant
Notes
- 1 long eggplant
- Oil, as needed
- 1 head of garlic
- 3 small chili peppers
- 2 tablespoons barbecue seasoning
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- Chopped green onions, to taste
- Prepare the ingredients.
- Brush the eggplant with oil, wrap it in aluminum foil, and cook in an air fryer at 180°C (356°F) for 15 minutes.
- Remove, cut in half, and score the eggplant to enhance flavor absorption.
- Fine chop the garlic, green onions, and chili peppers.
- Add regular soy sauce.
- Add reduced-salt oyster sauce.
- Apply the sauce mixture to the eggplant and grill for an additional 5 minutes.
- Plate and serve.
- Low in calories, high in dietary fiber.
- Contains vitamins and minerals from the eggplant and spices.
- Adjusting the amount of oil and soy sauce can help control fat and sodium content.
