Pork with eggplant and peppers in soy sauce

Here’s a savory recipe for Pork with Eggplant and Peppers in Soy Sauce:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) pork tenderloin or pork shoulder (thinly sliced)
• 2 medium eggplants (cut into bite-sized cubes)
• 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
• 1 green bell pepper (sliced)
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1-inch piece of ginger (minced)
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar or lemon juice
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp sesame oil (optional, for flavor)
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1/4 cup water or chicken broth (optional for more sauce)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro or scallions (chopped, for garnish)
• Cooked rice (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pork:

   • Thinly slice the pork into strips and season lightly with salt and pepper. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Sauce:

   • In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and water or chicken broth (if you want more sauce). Set aside.

3. Cook the Eggplant:

   • Heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the eggplant cubes and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes until they are tender and lightly browned. Remove and set aside.

4. Cook the Pork:

   • In the same pan, add another 1 tbsp of oil. Add the pork strips and cook until browned and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the pork from the pan and set aside.

5. Sauté the Vegetables:

   • Add the minced garlic and ginger to the pan, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
   • Add the sliced bell peppers and cook for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.

6. Combine and Add Sauce:

   • Return the cooked eggplant and pork to the pan with the bell peppers.
   • Pour the prepared sauce over everything, stirring to coat evenly. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

7. Optional Step for Thickening:

   • If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tbsp of cornstarch with 2 tbsp of water and stir it into the pan. Cook for another minute until the sauce thickens.

8. Serve:

   • Garnish with chopped cilantro or scallions.
   • Serve hot with steamed rice.

Enjoy your delicious pork with eggplant and peppers in soy sauce!