Can a "regular" eggplant be substituted for a chinese eggplant in a recipe?
I'm going to attempt this hot and sour chinese eggplant recipe which calls for chinese eggplant. However, I only have a "regular" eggplant that you find in the typical American grocery store.
- Can this be used as a direct substitution?
- Are there any caveats I should be aware of?
- My eggplant is 9" long and 4" thick at it's widest. Is this equivalent to 2 long chinese eggplants?
Best Answer
The Chinese eggplant will have a thinner skin, less seeds (read: less bitterness); as a result, it will have an overall more delicate flavor.
You can substitute a globe eggplant (the kind usually sold in American grocery stores) equally; just be aware you'll get extra "eggplant" flavor.
Since the recipe you're using has strong flavors already, this should not be a problem. However, if the recipe were using more delicate flavors, it would not turn out quite as the recipe author intended.
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Can you substitute eggplant for Chinese eggplant?
In most recipes, the different types of eggplant are interchangeable. If you would like to serve a more delicate eggplant than the common type, use the mild-flavored, excellent Chinese and Japanese varieties. Some cooks are concerned that their eggplant might be bitter.What is the difference between eggplant and Chinese eggplant?
China is the world's top producer and consumer of eggplant, so it's apt that the Chinese eggplant variety is so distinct. It has a lighter, almost pastel exterior, with a white flesh and sweeter taste that fits its appearance. The Chinese variety contains fewer seeds than globe eggplants, and are therefore less bitter.What can I use instead of Japanese eggplant?
What are the best eggplant substitutes? To replace eggplant in cooking your best options are okra, zucchini, mushrooms, summer squash, or root vegetables. Although eggplant is fairly unique in flavor and texture, these alternatives won't be out of place in most dishes. In some cases, you may enjoy the new option more.Is Chinese eggplant the same as Japanese eggplant?
Japanese eggplant are slightly smaller than Chinese eggplant and have the same dark purple skin as the American and Italian varieties. Also quick cooking but not as mild as Chinese eggplant, they're excellent for grilling and broiling, and they stand up to the assertive flavors of garlic, soy, and ginger.Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
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