Dinner Tonight: Chicken, eggplant and basil stir-fry
Ground chicken anchors this dish while wilted basil gives dimension.
Dinner Tonight
September 14, 2026

Chicken, Eggplant and Basil Stir-Fry

Chicken, Eggplant and Basil Stir-Fry
Ryan Liebe for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Anna Billingskog.

Recipe by Cybelle Tondu | Total time: 25 minutes

Instead of relying on a copious amount of oil to cook eggplant, this recipe uses a steam-fry technique: First, the eggplant is steamed in a salted mixture of water, vinegar and oil in a covered pan. The salt and vinegar are absorbed by the vegetable, seasoning it inside and out, while also helping to retain the skin’s beautiful purple hue. As the eggplant softens, the water evaporates away, leaving a light slick of oil in which the eggplant fries, becoming silky and caramelized. Ground chicken anchors the dish and a giant handful of wilted basil gives dimension and freshness. Served over steamed jasmine rice, this one-pan dish makes for a complete and satisfying meal.

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