I just whipped up these epic pork ginger rolls with eggplant, and I’m seriously loving the fusion of flavors! The tangy marinade and hint of ginger totally elevate the dish, making it perfect for a cozy dinner that feels both exotic and satisfying.

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I love to make dishes that are an exact balance of flavor and nutrition, and my Ginger Pork Rolls With Eggplant fit the bill. The richness of thinly sliced pork loin combined with tender eggplant, a touch of soy sauce, and the aromatic kick of fresh ginger makes this dish simultaneously delicious and satisfying.

Ginger Pork Rolls With Eggplant Recipe Ingredients

Ingredients photo for Ginger Pork Rolls With Eggplant Recipe

  • Pork Loin: Rich in protein, low in fat when trimmed, adds savory richness.
  • Eggplant: Low-calorie, high in fiber, adds a subtle earthy flavor.
  • Soy Sauce: Provides umami depth, low in calories, high sodium content.
  • Sake: Contributes mild sweetness and complexity, low in sugar.
  • Fresh Ginger: Adds warmth and zing, contains anti-inflammatory gingerol.

Ginger Pork Rolls With Eggplant Recipe Ingredient Quantities

  • 1 pound thinly sliced pork loin
  • 1 medium eggplant, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sake
  • 1 tablespoon mirin
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
  • 2 green onions, finely chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make this Ginger Pork Rolls With Eggplant Recipe

1. Position the pork loin, cut into thin strips, on a clear workspace. Give each side an even coating of salt and pepper.

2. Put a slice of eggplant on each piece of pork. Roll the pork slices tightly around the eggplant and secure with a toothpick if necessary.

3. In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, sake, mirin, and fresh ginger, grated. Mix well to create the marinade.

4. In a large skillet, medium heat the vegetable oil.

5. Place the pork rolls in the skillet, seam side down, and sauté for approximately 3-4 minutes until they are browned.

6. Roll the turns and cook the alternate face for another 3-4 minutes until brown.

7. Pour the marinade over the pork rolls and turn the heat up to medium-high.

8. Simmer the rolls, turning them now and then, until the sauce reduces and evenly coats the rolls, about 2-3 minutes.

9. Take the rolls off the heat and dust them with sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions.

10. Present the pork ginger rolls with eggplant right away, paired with your choice of side dish or steamed rice. Enjoy!

Ginger Pork Rolls With Eggplant Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Cutting board
2. Knife
3. Small bowl
4. Grater (for the fresh ginger)
5. Large skillet
6. Spatula or tongs
7. Measuring spoons
8. Toothpicks (optional)
9. Serving platter or dish

FAQ

  • Can I use a different type of meat?Certainly, one can opt for chicken or beef slices as alternatives, but the duration for which they need to be cooked might differ somewhat. Be certain that the meat is done all the way through.
  • Is there an alternative to mirin?If not available, you can use a mixture of sugar and dry sherry or a sweet cooking wine in place of mirin.
  • How should I prepare the eggplant?Cut the eggplant into thin, even slices, about 1/4 inch thick, so that they will match well, in both thickness and cooking time, with the pork slices.
  • Can I make this dish ahead of time?It’s best served fresh, but you can make the rolls ahead of time and cook them just before you want to eat.
  • What is the best way to cook the rolls?Sauté the ingredients in a hot skillet with vegetable oil until the pork is browned and cooked through.
  • How do I ensure my rolls stay intact during cooking?If it is deemed necessary, secure the items with toothpicks; when turning the items in the pan, handle them with care.
  • Can I add extra vegetables?Indeed, slices of zucchini or bell pepper can be used to provide color and flavor to the dish.

Ginger Pork Rolls With Eggplant Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Loin of pork: Substitute with chicken breast or firm tofu for a vegetarian option.
Sake: If you wish to make a non-alcoholic version, you can use dry white wine or rice vinegar.
Mirin: A sweet rice wine, used in Japanese cooking, that’s hard to find outside of Asian markets. The sub is perfect in a pinch. Using it might not make your dish perfectly replicate the flavor of a Japanese dish, but it’ll get you pretty darn close. If you’re not vegetarian or vegan, using a diluted honey in rice vinegar will get you a mirin substitute with pretty close to the same flavor.
Vegetable oil: Replace with sesame oil for a flavor profile that is more nutty.
Sesame seeds. Substitute with chopped roasted peanuts for a different texture and flavor.

Pro Tips

1. Eggplant Prep: Before assembling the rolls, lightly salt the eggplant slices and let them sit for about 10 minutes. This will draw out any bitterness. Rinse and pat them dry before wrapping with the pork.

2. Marinade Time: If time allows, marinate the pork rolls in the soy sauce, sake, mirin, and ginger mixture for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will enhance the flavors.

3. Even Searing: Make sure the skillet and oil are sufficiently hot before adding the pork rolls. This helps to sear them quickly, locking in the juices and creating a nice caramelization on the exterior.

4. Toothpick Tip: Use wooden toothpicks soaked in water for about 15 minutes to prevent them from burning when securing your rolls.

5. Sauce Glaze: As the marinade reduces, gently spoon the sauce over the rolls to ensure they are well-coated and absorb maximum flavor.

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Ginger Pork Rolls With Eggplant Recipe

My favorite Ginger Pork Rolls With Eggplant Recipe

Equipment Needed:

1. Cutting board
2. Knife
3. Small bowl
4. Grater (for the fresh ginger)
5. Large skillet
6. Spatula or tongs
7. Measuring spoons
8. Toothpicks (optional)
9. Serving platter or dish

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound thinly sliced pork loin
  • 1 medium eggplant, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sake
  • 1 tablespoon mirin
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
  • 2 green onions, finely chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Position the pork loin, cut into thin strips, on a clear workspace. Give each side an even coating of salt and pepper.

2. Put a slice of eggplant on each piece of pork. Roll the pork slices tightly around the eggplant and secure with a toothpick if necessary.

3. In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, sake, mirin, and fresh ginger, grated. Mix well to create the marinade.

4. In a large skillet, medium heat the vegetable oil.

5. Place the pork rolls in the skillet, seam side down, and sauté for approximately 3-4 minutes until they are browned.

6. Roll the turns and cook the alternate face for another 3-4 minutes until brown.

7. Pour the marinade over the pork rolls and turn the heat up to medium-high.

8. Simmer the rolls, turning them now and then, until the sauce reduces and evenly coats the rolls, about 2-3 minutes.

9. Take the rolls off the heat and dust them with sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions.

10. Present the pork ginger rolls with eggplant right away, paired with your choice of side dish or steamed rice. Enjoy!