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Vietnam · Food

Pan-seared Stuffed Eggplant (Ca Tim Nhoi Thit)

30 min
370 kcal
2 servings

By eatmundo · August 4, 2026

Pan-seared Stuffed Eggplant (Ca Tim Nhoi Thit)🇻🇳AI-generated image

Same ingredients, elsewhere in the world

4 matches

Dishes from other countries' kitchens, made from the same core ingredients as Pan-seared Stuffed Eggplant (Ca Tim Nhoi Thit). The percentage is the share of ingredients the two recipes have in common.

Same technique: Stuffed vegetable39 recipes from 13 countriesSee all 4 matches

A delightful home-style dish where tender eggplant is stuffed with savory seasoned pork and pan-seared until caramelized. It offers a wonderful contrast of textures between the soft vegetable and the crispy meat.

According to eatmundo's ingredient comparison, the closest dish to Pan-seared Stuffed Eggplant from another cuisine is Mu Kua Klua (Thailand): the two share 55% of their ingredients.

Ingredients

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Adapt this recipe:
2 servings

How to Make It

  • 1

    Slice 2 eggplants into 3cm thick rounds, then scoop out a bit of the center from one side of each slice to create a small cavity.

  • 2

    In a bowl, mix 150g minced pork with 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tbsp fish sauce, and finely minced shallots.

  • 3

    Stuff each eggplant cavity with a small ball of the pork mixture, pressing it down so it adheres firmly to the vegetable.

  • 4

    Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a wide frying pan over medium-high heat.

  • 5

    Place the stuffed eggplant pieces into the pan, meat-side down first, and sear for 3 minutes until the meat is browned and set.

  • 6

    Carefully flip the eggplant slices and cook the other side for another 5 minutes, covering the pan with a lid to steam the eggplant until tender.

  • 7

    Remove the lid, sprinkle with chopped scallions, and cook for 1 more minute to ensure the eggplant is soft enough to yield easily to a fork.

  • 8

    Serve warm as a side dish, accompanied by a small bowl of chili-infused fish sauce for dipping.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ca Tim Nhoi Thit?

Ca Tim Nhoi Thit is a Vietnamese dish consisting of eggplant stuffed with a mixture of minced pork and seasonings. It is typically pan-seared and served as a main course alongside steamed rice during everyday meals.

How do I keep the meat from falling out?

Make sure to press the meat firmly into the eggplant cavity and sear the meat-side first to create a 'crust' that holds it in place.

Can I bake these instead?

Yes, you can brush them with oil and bake at 200°C for 20 minutes, though pan-searing yields a better caramelized flavor.

Is it necessary to salt the eggplant first?

It is helpful to soak the sliced eggplant in salted water for 10 minutes to remove bitterness and prevent it from absorbing too much oil.

What if the eggplant is very large?

If you have a large eggplant, slice it into thicker rounds to ensure they don't lose their structure during the steaming process.

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