Miso Pork and Aubergine Stir Fry

What's Cooking: The Magic of Miso Pork and Aubergine Stir Fry

We're diving headfirst into a delightful fusion of flavors today, featuring the quintessentially Japanese Miso Pork and Aubergine Stir Fry. This humble yet satisfying dish brings together tender pork, earthy aubergine, and a deeply flavored miso sauce.

A Quick Peek at the Ingredients

To whip up this dish, you will need:

For the stir fry:

• 2 Japanese or Chinese aubergines (500g)
• 1 Tokyo negi (naga negi; long green onion) (80g)
• 1 bunch green onion (for garnish) (15g)
• 1 clove of garlic (3g)
• 1 knob of ginger (4g)
• 1 Tbsp of neutral oil
• ¼ lb (113g) of thinly sliced pork

For the sauce:

2 Tbsp of miso 1-2 tsp of sugar 1 Tbsp of mirin 1 Tbsp of sake 1 Tbsp of soy sauce 2 Tbsp of water (more if necessary)

How to Spice Things Up

If you have a penchant for heat, consider introducing a few teaspoons of Doubanjiang (chili bean paste) to the mix. Or, if you like a subtle kick, sprinkling in some ichimi togarashi (Japanese chili pepper) or shichimi togarashi (Japanese seven spice) can make all the difference.

A Touch of Comfort on Your Plate

Despite its unassuming appearance, this stir-fry dish can pack a punch of flavors and a satisfying feeling of homely comfort. It's perfect when served over steamed rice, making for a superbly easy weeknight meal for busy moms, singles, and students. You can complement it with a bowl of miso soup and a simple green vegetable dish like Spinach Gomaae for a complete meal.

Let's Get Cooking

1. Assemble all your ingredients.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the miso, sugar, mirin, and sake until the miso is fully dissolved.
3. Add in the soy sauce and water. Mix well and set aside.
4. Cut the aubergines into bite-sized pieces and soak in water to prevent discoloration.
5. Diagonally slice the white part of the negi and the green onion. Keep the green parts for garnish.
6. Thinly slice the garlic clove and ginger.
7. In a frying pan over medium heat, add the oil. Cook the garlic and ginger until fragrant.
8. Add in the white part of the negi and the pork. Stir fry until the pork is almost cooked through.
9. Add the aubergine and continue to stir fry until it becomes slightly tender.
10. Pour in the sauce and reduce to medium-low heat.
11. Cook covered for 5 minutes. If necessary, add an extra Tbsp of water.
12. Once the aubergine is tender, switch off the heat and serve the stir fry over steamed rice. Garnish with sliced green onion on top.

Switching Things Up: Ingredient Substitutes

For our vegetarian or vegan friends, fret not! This dish can easily be modified. Instead of meat, opt for tofu or deep-fried tofu varieties such as Aburaage or Atsuage. More aubergine or other vegetables like zucchini can also be added. Be mindful, though, that cooking times and flavor profiles may slightly vary.

A Deeper Look at Nutrition

Each serving of Miso Pork and Aubergine Stir Fry has:

• Calories: 259
• Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 36mg
• Sodium: 816mg
• Potassium: 845mg
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 8g
• Sugar: 12g
• Protein: 17g

Please note that these nutritional values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Final Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Stir Fry

• Remember, cooking is all about balance. While the recipe calls for specific amounts, don't be afraid to adjust the seasonings to suit your palate.
• It's vital to cut the aubergines into bite-sized pieces. This not only ensures even cooking but also makes eating much more enjoyable.

What to Serve with Miso Pork and Aubergine Stir Fry

This stir fry pairs wonderfully with a bowl of steamed rice. For a complete Japanese meal experience, a side of miso soup and a simple vegetable dish such as Spinach Gomaae would be perfect.

FAQs

What is Miso?

Miso is a traditional Japanese seasoning made from fermented soybeans. It comes in various types and flavors, including red and white miso.

Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, the Miso Pork and Aubergine Stir Fry can be made vegetarian-friendly by substituting pork with tofu or more vegetables.

Can I use other types of aubergine for this dish?

Absolutely! Feel free to use the type of aubergine that's available to you.

Is it necessary to use Tokyo negi?

While Tokyo negi adds a distinct flavor to the dish, it can be replaced with regular green onions if not readily available.

Can I make this dish spicier?

Definitely. Add more Doubanjiang, ichimi togarashi, or shichimi togarashi to suit your heat preference.

Can I omit sake from the recipe?

Yes, although sake adds a unique flavor and helps tenderize the pork. If you wish to omit it, just add an equal amount of water.

What is the best way to store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be enjoyed for up to 2-3 days.

The Stir Fry Saga Wraps Up

In the end, the Miso Pork and Aubergine Stir Fry is a testament to the simplicity and flavor potential of Japanese cuisine. It's proof that comfort food, even when drenched in tradition, can adapt to the modern hustle and bustle, providing a satisfying, easy-to-prepare meal at the end of a long day. Go ahead, give it a whirl and savor the magic on your plate!