Braised Eggplant with Salted Fish in Soy Sauce

This Clay Pot Eggplant with Salted Fish and Ground Meat is a savory, aromatic dish that brings together tender eggplant, umami-rich salted fish, and flavorful ground meat in a comforting one-pot meal. The eggplant is first coated in starch and fried to golden perfection, ensuring a crispy exterior while staying soft inside. Layered with onions in a clay pot, it absorbs the bold flavors of stir-fried scallions, spicy chili peppers, and savory salted fish. A splash of soy sauce and a slow simmer meld everything into a rich, fragrant stew. The finishing touch of chicken essence and fresh scallions elevates the dish with depth and freshness. Perfect with steamed rice, this recipe delivers a satisfying balance of textures and tastes—crispy, tender, spicy, and deeply savory. Try it with bean paste soy sauce for an extra layer of umami!