Chinese Eggplant Recipe

Ingredients

• 8 garlic cloves, whole
• 1 1/2 tbsp chili-garlic sauce
• 2 inch knob of fresh ginger, peeled
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 4 Chinese eggplant, cut into ½-inch thick discs
• 1 bunch of thinly sliced scallions, whites and greens separated
• 3 tbsp canola or vegetable oil, plus more for sautéing
• 1/2 cup(s) Shaoxing cooking wine, see notes 1
• 1/4 cup(s) Chinese black rice vinegar, see notes 2
• 1/2 cup(s) soy sauce
• 2 tbsp Hoisin sauce
• 1 tsp white sugar
• 1 tsp accent seasoning or MSG
• 1/2 cup(s) water
• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• 3 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted
• 1 bunch of cilantro, roughly chopped