Velvet

Di San Xian (Stir-Fried Potato, Aubergine and Green Pepper)

Inspired by techniques from America's Test Kitchen and NYT Cooking.

Di san xian · Chinese

Aubergine soaked and coated in cornflour, fried with potato wedges and green pepper, then tossed in a glossy sauce of soy sauce, oyster sauce and sugar with garlic and spring onion.

Prep20 min
Cook30 min
Total50 min
DifficultyMedium
Per serving263 kcal
FreeDairy-free
Servings4Recipe makes 4
Allergens (EU 14)
GlutenCrustaceansEggsFishPeanutsSoybeansMilkTree nutsCeleryMustardSesameSulphitesLupinMolluscs

Always check the labels of the products you use.

Method

  1. 1

    Soak the aubergine. Stir the soaking salt into the cold water in the large bowl, add the aubergine and weigh it down with a plate for 15 min. Soaking stops the aubergine from drinking up too much oil. Meanwhile, whisk the 60 ml water, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar and 2 tsp cornflour in the small bowl.

  2. 2

    Fry the vegetables. Drain the aubergine, pat it dry and toss with the remaining 2 tsp cornflour. Heat the frying oil in the wok to 190 °C. Fry the aubergine in two batches for about 3 min until tender and golden, keeping the oil at 175-190 °C, and drain on the paper. Fry the potatoes in two batches for 5-7 min until golden and tender to a knife, then fry the pepper for 30-60 seconds until blistered. Drain.

  3. 3

    Start the sauce. Carefully pour the oil out of the wok (keep it for another use) and wipe it clean. Heat 1 tbsp oil over medium heat and stir-fry the spring onion whites and garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

  4. 4

    Toss and serve. Stir the sauce, pour it in and simmer for about 1 min until thick and glossy. Add all the vegetables and toss for about 1 min until coated and hot. Scatter with the spring onion greens and serve with rice.

Storage

Best eaten at once. Refrigerate leftovers up to 2 days and reheat in a hot wok until piping hot (74 °C). Cool leftovers in a shallow container and refrigerate within 2 hours (within 1 hour on a day above 32°C).

Equipment

  • large bowl and a plate to weigh it down
  • small bowl
  • wok or deep frying pan (35 cm)
  • cooking thermometer
  • slotted spoon
  • baking tray lined with kitchen paper

Nutrition per serving (estimated values)

Per servingAmount
Energy263 kcal
Protein4.7 g
Carbohydrate35.4 g
of which sugars9.1 g
of which free sugars3 g
Fat12.7 g
of which saturates1 g
Fibre6.7 g
Salt1.8 g

Protein per 100 kcal

1.8 g High Protein needs ≥ 10 g

Calculated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient values