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You are here: Home / 30 Minutes or Less / Whole30 Chinese Eggplant and Pork (Paleo, Gluten Free)

Whole30 Chinese Eggplant and Pork (Paleo, Gluten Free)

January 21, 2021 by Jean Choi 2 Comments

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Grab a copy of my new cookbook, Korean Paleo: 80 Bold-Flavored, Gluten- and Grain-Free Recipes!

This Chinese eggplant and pork mince recipe is quick and easy for a flavorful weeknight meal! It’s the perfect paleo and Whole30 Chinese food when you want a healthier alternative to takeout.

Whole30 chinese eggplant and pork served on plate

My husband hates eggplant. I’ll never understand. It’s one of my favorites, but I don’t cook it often at home because I’m the only one that eats it. So when I do, I enjoy and savor the heck out of it like it’s my job. I usually only cook Chinese eggplant, because I like the texture way better than the larger American variety. They cook faster with a creamier flesh, and soaks up all the sauce they are cooked in.

Paleo & Whole30 Chinese Eggplant and Pork Recipe

This Chinese eggplant stir fry recipe is combined with ground pork and the most flavorful garlic sauce. It’s fantastic over rice or cauliflower rice, and way better than take out. It’s truly one of my favorite Whole30 and paleo Chinese food recipes that’s quick, healthy, and delicious.

how to cut chinese eggplant

How to Cut Chinese Eggplant

The key to making this Chinese eggplant stir fry so it’s not too mushy is to cut them into strips with the skin still attached to each piece. Because they have a high water content, they are easy to overcook. The more sturdy skin helps it retain the yummy crunchiness.

Here’s how to cut Chinese eggplant for this Chinese eggplant and pork recipe:

  1. Rinse and dry the eggplant thoroughly.
  2. Slice the tops off.
  3. Cut the eggplant in half lengthwise.
  4. Cut each half widthwise into 3-inch chunks.
  5. Slice each chunk lengthwise into 2-4 long pieces, depending on size, so each piece has the skin attached.

Repeat this step with the rest of the eggplant before cooking!

close up of Chinese eggplant stir fry in a skillet

How to Cook Chinese Eggplant and Pork Mince Recipe

This quick and easy meal is ready in less than 30 minutes, and it’s PACKED with flavor. I just love how it tastes like restaurant-quality, but it’s way healthier and even quicker if you count delivery or driving time for takeout food. Here’s how to cook Chinese eggplant with pork mince – Whole30 style:

  1. Make the sauce and marinate the pork: Combine all ingredients for the sauce in a small bowl and whisk together so the starch is dissolved. Combine 1/4 cup of the sauce with the ground pork, and let it marinate while you prepare the eggplants.
  2. Cut the eggplant: Following the instructions I listed above, slice the eggplant into strips so each piece has the skin attached.
  3. Stir fry the eggplant: Heat oil in a large skillet and add the eggplant slices in an even layer. Flipping a few times with a spatula, cook for 6-8 minutes until they are slightly charred on the outside and soft on the inside. Don’t stir too much. Transfer to a plate.
  4. Cook the pork: Add the pork to the pan and cook stirring for 4-5 minutes until browned.
  5. Add eggplant to the pork: Add the cooked eggplant, the remaining sauce, and green onions to the pan with the pork. Stir together for 1 minute to heat through. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds, then serve with cauliflower or rice.
chinese eggplant and pork mince recipe on a plate with chopsticks

Substitutions

  • If you can’t find Chinese eggplant, you can use Japanese (they are very similar) or any smaller varieties that you can find. I don’t recommend using regular American eggplant.
  • Ground pork is the classic traditional meat to use, but feel free to substitute with any ground meat you have on hand. They’ll all be delicious!
  • I like tapioca starch to thicken the sauce, but arrowroot starch will work too.

If you enjoyed this Whole30 Chinese stir fry recipe, you might also like…

  • Whole30 Mongolian Beef (Paleo, Keto, AIP Option)
  • Paleo & Whole30 Sesame Chicken – Stovetop & Air Fryer Method
  • Roasted Bell Pepper & Eggplant Salad
  • Paleo Chicken Lo Mein (Whole30, Low Carb Option)
  • Paleo & Whole30 Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Whole30 Chinese Eggplant and Pork (Paleo, Gluten Free)

This Chinese eggplant and pork mince recipe is quick and easy for a flavorful weeknight meal! It's the perfect paleo and Whole30 Chinese food when you want a healthier alternative to takeout.
Print Pin Rate
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese
Keyword: 30 minute paleo meals, 30 minute whole30 meals, chinese eggplant and pork mince recipe, Chinese eggplant stir fry, how to cook chinese eggplant, how to cut chinese eggplant, paleo Chinese food, paleo takeout, whole30 Chinese food, whole30 Chinese recipes, whole30 takeout
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 310kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground pork
  • 4 medium Chinese eggplants about 1.5 lb
  • 3 tbsp avocado oil divided, or your favorite cooking oil
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 1/2 inch ginger grated
  • 2 green onions chopped
  • Toasted sesame seeds for garnish

Sauce

  • 1/4 cup coconut aminos
  • 2 tbsp rice wine vinegar
  • 2 tsp tapioca starch or arrowroot starch
  • 2 tsp toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper

Instructions

  • Make the marinade first by whisking together all its ingredients until the tapioca starch is fully dissolved.
  • Place the ground pork in a bowl and pour 1/4 cup of the sauce over the pork. Mix to combine. Set aside the rest of the sauce and let the pork marinate while you cook the eggplant.
  • Cut the eggplant into strips: Rinse and dry the eggplant thoroughly. Slice off the tops. Cut the eggplant in half lengthwise, then cut each half widthwise into about 3-inch chunks. Slice each chunk lengthwise into 2-4 long pieces, depending on the size, so each piece has the skin attached.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium high heat, and add 2 tbsp of avocado oil. Add the eggplant pieces in an even layer and cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping the pieces a few times with a wide spatula. Try not to stir too much. You want the pieces lightly charred on the outside and soft on the inside. Transfer to a plate.
  • Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet, then add garlic and ginger and stir cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Add the pork and break it up as you cook stirring for 4-5 minutes until browned.
  • Add the eggplant, the remaining sauce, and green onions in with the pork. Stir together for 1 minute until heated through.
  • Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Whole30 Chinese Eggplant and Pork (Paleo, Gluten Free)
Amount Per Serving (1 serving – makes 6)
Calories 310 Calories from Fat 207
% Daily Value*
Fat 23g35%
Saturated Fat 7g44%
Cholesterol 54mg18%
Sodium 472mg21%
Potassium 591mg17%
Carbohydrates 13g4%
Fiber 5g21%
Sugar 5g6%
Protein 15g30%
Vitamin A 179IU4%
Vitamin C 5mg6%
Calcium 33mg3%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
What Great Grandma Ate / Jean Choi is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Regarding other affiliate links and affiliate relationships: In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog. Thank you for your support and understanding.


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By Jean Choi | January 21, 2021

Comments

  1. Julie says

    January 23, 2021 at 5:00 pm

    Hi. So I’m making this recipe and there are no directions for the garlic and ginger. Can you elaborate please. Thank you

    Reply
    • Jean Choi says

      January 23, 2021 at 5:03 pm

      Oops sorry about that! Just added it in.

      Reply

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Welcome!

I’m Jean and I’m a Nutritional Therapist (NTP) living in Southern California with my husband and 2 dog babies. On WGGA, you’ll find simple and easy gluten-, dairy-, and processed sugar-free recipes that focus on quality nutrients, and of course, never sacrifice on taste. I believe that the food you love should love you back, making you feel amazing inside and out. I apologize in advance for my inappropriate jokes and misunderstood sarcasm! More About Jean

Recipe Key

  • 3030 Min or Less
  • AIPAIP
  • EFEgg Free
  • LCLow Carb
  • NFNut Free
  • PPaleo
  • VVegan
  • W3Whole 30

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