Aubergine: 300g baby aubergines
Vegetable oil: 3 tbsp
Chilli bean paste: 1 1/2 tbsp of fermented chilli bean paste
Black bean sauce: 1/2 tbsp (ready-made sauce)
Dried red chillis: 3–4, cut widthways into 2 lengths
Chilli flakes: A pinch
Rice wine: 2 tbsp of Shaoxing rice wine
Chinese red vinegar: 2 tbsp
Vegetable stock: 100ml vegetable or chicken stock
Caster sugar: 4 tsp
Discover Chef Andrew Wong's Sichuanese aubergine: it has been the most popular dish at A.Wong since it first opened in 2012. "We must have sold several thousand portions of it and I am sure it has something to do with the fact that it is a dish without pretense”, he says.
Below he shares his recipe for the hit sweet, sour and spicy dish where the fermented chilli bean paste creates an umami-rich taste which he says can almost be described as “meaty” because of its unique velvety texture. “The heat of the chilli bean paste is beautifully intense and the vibrant, glowing red colour makes it very appealing for a romantic date,” he adds.
Find out how to make Wong's sell-out dish with the simple recipe below.
Method
Remove the tops from the baby aubergines and cut them in half lengthways.
Add the oil to a hot wok and lightly fry off the chilli bean paste, black bean sauce, dried chillies and chilli flakes.
Add the aubergine halves and lightly fry before adding the wine, red vinegar, stock and sugar.
Cook until reduced slightly before serving.
