🇻🇳 Vietnam · Food

Stuffed Eggplant with Minced Pork

40 min
A relaxed effort
🔥 290 kcal
Nicely balanced
🍽 4 servings
Great for the family

By eatmundo · August 4, 2026

Stuffed Eggplant with Minced Pork🇻🇳 VN

A comforting Vietnamese home-style dish where tender eggplant is hollowed out or slit and stuffed with a savory mixture of seasoned minced pork. It is typically braised in a caramel-like fish sauce reduction.

Ingredients

How to Make It

  • 1

    Slice the eggplants into 3-inch long segments, then create a deep slit in the center of each to create a pocket for the meat.

  • 2

    In a small bowl, combine minced pork, half the chopped scallions, garlic, and 1 tsp of fish sauce, mixing until well incorporated.

  • 3

    Carefully stuff each eggplant pocket with the prepared pork mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the meat stays inside.

  • 4

    Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a wide frying pan over medium-high heat and sear the stuffed eggplants until the skin is lightly charred.

  • 5

    Add the remaining oil to the pan, then add minced shallots and fry until fragrant.

  • 6

    Pour in the remaining fish sauce, sugar, and 1/2 cup of water, bringing the liquid to a gentle simmer.

  • 7

    Cover the pan and cook for 15-20 minutes, basting occasionally until the eggplant is melt-in-your-mouth tender and the sauce has thickened.

  • 8

    Garnish with the remaining scallions and serve hot alongside steamed white rice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of eggplant is best?+

Long, thin Asian eggplants are preferred as they hold their shape better and have a thinner, more tender skin.

How do I keep the meat inside the eggplant?+

Avoid overstuffing and make sure the meat is well-seasoned to create a slight stickiness that helps it bind together.

Can I bake this instead of pan-searing?+

Yes, you can brush them with oil and roast them, but pan-searing provides a superior flavor and texture.

Is the dish supposed to be very sweet?+

The balance of sugar and fish sauce creates a savory-sweet glaze, but it should not taste like a dessert.

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