Description
A flavorful and hearty minced beef and eggplant skillet dish combining tender ground beef with softly cooked eggplant, sautéed onions, and rich spices. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner, this Mediterranean-Asian fusion recipe is both easy to prepare and packed with savory depth from soy and oyster sauces.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium eggplant, diced into ½-inch cubes
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Sauces
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup beef or vegetable broth
- Chopped parsley or green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Eggplant: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced eggplant and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally until softened and slightly browned. Remove the eggplant from the skillet and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the finely chopped onion for 2 to 3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma without burning.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Break it up with a spatula and cook for 6 to 7 minutes until browned and fully cooked through, ensuring there is no pink remaining.
- Add Sauces and Spices: Stir in the tomato paste, soy sauce, oyster sauce, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Mix thoroughly so the beef is evenly coated with the flavors.
- Combine Eggplant and Simmer: Return the cooked eggplant to the pan along with the beef or vegetable broth. Stir well, reduce the heat to low, and let the mixture simmer gently for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Season and Garnish: Taste and season with salt and black pepper according to your preference. Remove from heat, garnish with chopped parsley or green onions, and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- This dish pairs perfectly with steamed rice, quinoa, or flatbread for a complete meal.
- For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.
- Boost the vegetable content by adding chopped bell peppers or zucchini when sautéing the onion.
- Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to control the heat level to your liking.
