Ingredients

• 1 large eggplant
• 4 tablespoons soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tablespoon dry sherry
• 1 teaspoon crushed dried red pepper
• 6 slices ginger, about the size and thickness of a quarter
• 4 scallions, chopped, separate white and green parts
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch, combined with
• 2 tablespoons water

Instructions

1. Cut stem end off eggplant. Dice eggplant into small cubes. Sprinkle eggplant with salt and place in a colander to drain. Let sit for 15 minutes. Squeeze as much liquid out as possible.

2. In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, sugar, vinegar and water.

3. Heat 1 TB dry sherry in a large skillet or wok. Add crushed red pepper and stir. Add ginger, white part of scallion. Stir fry briefly until ginger becomes fragrant. Add the squeezed eggplant and saute approximately 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until eggplant is thoroughly cooked. You shouldn't have any trouble with sticking because the eggplant still has a bit of moisture in it but if it does, add a little bit of water or sherry.

4. Add soy sauce mixture and cook over high heat until most of the liquid is evaporated and eggplant is thoroughly coated with reduced sauce – about 5 minutes.

5. Combine water and cornstarch.

6. Add chopped green part of scallions and water/cornstarch. Stir and cook until thick. Serve hot over plain rice.