Di San Xian (Fried Eggplant, Potato and Pepper in Garlic Sauce)
Local name: 地三鲜
In short: Fried eggplant, potato and green pepper tossed in a glossy garlic and soy sauce, a Northeastern Chinese home favorite that needs no meat. It takes about 45 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 25 min
- Total
- 45 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 245 kcal
Di san xian means three treasures from the earth, and the three are eggplant, potato and green pepper. The dish comes from the northeast of China, where it is a cold-weather favorite. Each vegetable is fried separately so it keeps its own texture, then all three are tossed in a garlicky, slightly sweet soy glaze. It is vegan, filling, and a good dish for anyone who thinks they dislike eggplant.
Instructions
- Rinse the potato wedges and pat them dry. Toss the eggplant chunks with the 1 tablespoon of cornstarch so each piece is lightly coated.
- Stir the soy sauces, sugar, 1 teaspoon cornstarch and water together in a small bowl.
- Heat 4 tablespoons of the oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Fry the potatoes for 8 to 10 minutes, turning, until golden and tender. Lift them out onto a plate.
- Add 3 tablespoons of oil and fry the eggplant for 5 to 6 minutes until golden and soft. Remove to the plate.
- Fry the pepper in the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil for 1 minute until blistered. Remove it to the plate and leave about 1 tablespoon of oil in the wok, pouring off any extra.
- Add the garlic and stir for 15 seconds. Stir the sauce mixture and pour it in. Boil for 1 minute until it thickens slightly.
- Return all the vegetables to the wok and toss gently for 1 minute until glazed. Scatter the scallion on top and serve.
Tips
- Salt the cut eggplant for 10 minutes and pat it dry. It will absorb less oil and brown better.
- To cut down on oil, roast the potatoes and coated eggplant at 220°C (425°F) for 25 minutes on a tray, then finish them with the sauce in the wok.
Questions and answers
What does di san xian mean?
It means three fresh things from the earth, referring to the three vegetables: eggplant, potato and green pepper.
Can I make di san xian with less oil?
Yes. Roast or air-fry the vegetables as in the tips, then toss them in the sauce. The texture will be less silky but still very good.
Which eggplant works best?
Long Chinese or Japanese eggplants have thin skin and few seeds, so they turn creamy without getting bitter. If you only find large globe eggplant, peel it in strips and cut it into the same size chunks.
How long does it take to make Di San Xian (Fried Eggplant, Potato and Pepper in Garlic Sauce)?
About 45 min in total: 20 min of preparation and 25 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Di San Xian (Fried Eggplant, Potato and Pepper in Garlic Sauce)?
About 245 kcal per serving, with 4 g of protein, 28 g of carbohydrates and 13 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 245 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Fat | 13 g |
| Fiber | 6 g |
| Sugar | 7 g |
| Sodium | 650 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
