Late-summer Washington eggplant turns silky beneath savory-spicy chicken and Thai basil in this fast Malaysian-inspired stir-fry.
- Total time: 45 min
- Servings: 2 servings
- Estimated total cost: $13
- Calories per serving: 750 cal
- Stovetop
Drink pairing: An off-dry Riesling cools the sambal heat while complementing the lime and fragrant basil.
Details
Ingredients
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Boneless skinless chicken thighs10 ounces $5.99
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Organic eggplant1 pound $3.49
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Organic jasmine Thai white rice3/4 cup $4.49
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Green onions3 $1.39
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Organic Thai basil3/4 ounce $2.99
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Lime1 $0.69
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Garlic3 cloves
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Fresh ginger1 tablespoon grated
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Diamond Crystal kosher salt1 teaspoon, divided
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Water1 1/4 cups, divided
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Fish sauce1 tablespoon
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Low-sodium soy sauce2 teaspoons
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Sambal oelek1 tablespoon
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Light brown sugar2 teaspoons
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Cornstarch2 teaspoons
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Neutral cooking oil2 tablespoons, divided
Instructions
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Cut 10 ounces boneless skinless chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces and toss with 1/2 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt, reduced from the usual presalting amount to account for the fish sauce and soy sauce. Let stand for 10 minutes while preparing the vegetables.
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Prepare the vegetables and aromatics:
- Cut 1 pound organic eggplant into 3/4-inch cubes.
- Thinly slice 3 green onions, separating the pale parts from the green tops.
- Mince 3 garlic cloves.
- Grate 1 tablespoon fresh ginger.
- Pick 3/4 ounce Thai basil leaves from their stems.
Keep each prepared component separate.
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Juice 1 lime into a small bowl, then whisk together the stir-fry sauce:
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 2 teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sambal oelek
- 2 teaspoons light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
Whisk again just before adding it to the pan.
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Rinse 3/4 cup jasmine rice until the water is mostly clear. Combine it in a small saucepan with 1 cup water and 1/2 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 15 minutes; remove from the heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes.
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Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons neutral cooking oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the eggplant and stir-fry for 7 to 9 minutes, turning frequently, until browned and tender; transfer it to a plate.
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Add 1/2 tablespoon neutral cooking oil to the hot skillet. Spread the seasoned chicken in one layer and cook for 3 minutes without moving, then stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the prepared garlic, ginger, and pale green-onion parts; stir-fry for 30 seconds.
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Return the cooked eggplant to the skillet and pour in the stir-fry sauce. Toss and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, until glossy and the thickest chicken pieces reach 175°F. Remove from the heat and fold in the Thai basil.
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Fluff the rice and divide it between two shallow bowls. Spoon the chicken and eggplant stir-fry over the rice, finish with the sliced green-onion tops, and serve immediately.
Want more detail? See the temperature guide.