Air-Fried Venison and Eggplant Stir-Fry
What Started it all:
Venison, Eggplant, salt, air fryer
This delicious and healthy Chinese-inspired dish combines tender venison with savory eggplant, all cooked to perfection in an air fryer. It's a quick and easy recipe that serves four and can be enjoyed as a main course or as a side dish.
Ingredients
- 1 pound venison, thinly sliced
- 2 medium eggplants, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for a crispy texture)
- Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the sliced venison with soy sauce, minced garlic, minced ginger, and half of the salt. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- While the venison is marinating, sprinkle the eggplant cubes with the remaining salt and let them sit for about 15 minutes. This will help draw out excess moisture. After 15 minutes, pat the eggplant dry with paper towels.
- In a separate bowl, toss the eggplant cubes with vegetable oil and cornstarch (if using) until evenly coated.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Place the eggplant in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the eggplant is tender and slightly crispy.
- After the eggplant is done, remove it from the air fryer and set aside. Add the marinated venison to the air fryer basket and cook for about 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the venison is cooked through and slightly crispy.
- Once both the eggplant and venison are cooked, toss them together in a large bowl. Drizzle with sesame oil and garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions if desired.
This Air-Fried Venison and Eggplant Stir-Fry is a fantastic way to enjoy the rich flavors of venison paired with the unique texture of eggplant. It's a simple yet impressive dish that showcases how easy it can be to create delicious meals at home. Enjoy your cooking adventure!