Sichuan-style Fish-fragrant Eggplant

Sichuan-style Fish-fragrant Eggplant is a popular Chinese dish known for its unique balance of spicy, sweet, and sour flavors. It consists of eggplant slices that are lightly fried and then stir-fried in a spicy, aromatic sauce made with garlic, ginger, chili peppers, Sichuan peppercorns, vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, and fermented bean paste. The dish gets its name from the fact that the sauce is traditionally used to flavor fish dishes, but in this case, it is used to add a distinct and delicious flavor to the eggplant. It is often served as a side dish or as a vegetarian main course, and is loved by many for its bold and complex flavor profile.