Chicken and Eggplant Simmered in Grated Daikon Sauce

Steps

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1. 1
   Pierce the entire chicken breast all over with a fork, then cut it into bite-sized pieces by slicing against the grain to ensure tenderness.
   ▶ ≈1:45
2. 2
   Thoroughly rub sugar into the chicken until it becomes glossy, then transfer to a plastic bag. Add grated ginger, garlic, sake, and 1 teaspoon of soy sauce. Mix well, seal the bag, and marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
   ▶ ≈2:54
3. 3
   Remove the stems from the eggplants and cut them into bite-sized irregular chunks. Create salted water in a bowl with 1 teaspoon of salt, then soak the cut eggplant pieces in the salted water for about 10 minutes to reduce oil absorption and remove impurities.
   ▶ ≈3:57
4. 4
   Peel the daikon radish and grate it into fine shreds using a grater.
   ▶ ≈4:46
5. 5
   In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of mirin, 1 tablespoon of sake, 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of dashi powder, and 150 ml of water. Mix well and set aside.
   ▶ ≈5:02
6. 6
   Drain the marinated eggplant and thoroughly pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
   ▶ ≈5:16
7. 7
   Remove the marinated chicken from the bag and add 3 tablespoons of potato starch. Mix thoroughly until all chicken pieces are evenly coated with starch.
   ▶ ≈5:38
8. 8
   Pour 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil into a frying pan and heat over medium heat for about 30 seconds until the oil is hot. Arrange the chicken pieces in the pan and cook for about 3 minutes over medium heat until the surface is nicely browned.
   ▶ ≈5:54
9. 9
   Carefully flip the chicken and continue cooking the other side. Push the chicken to one side of the pan, add the eggplant with the skin-side down in the empty space, and cook for about 1.5 minutes. Turn the eggplant pieces, and occasionally flip the chicken as well. Continue cooking for a total of 6-7 minutes.
   ▶ ≈6:41
10. 10
    Turn off the heat, then use paper towels to wipe away excess oil from the pan. Turn the heat back on and pour in the prepared sauce mixture. Bring to a boil, gently stir to distribute flavors evenly, then add the grated daikon radish.
    ▶ ≈7:49
11. 11
    Heat again until the mixture comes to a gentle boil, allowing the daikon to blend into the sauce. Once the entire pot is gently boiling, remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
    ▶ ≈8:10