Pulled Char Siu-Style Aubergine Bao

Great

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

Step 1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F).

Step 2

Step 2. Place the aubergines on a baking tray, prick with a fork, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Bake for 15–20 minutes until softened.

Step 3

Step 3. Transfer the baked aubergines to a bowl, cover with a towel, and steam for 10 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 160°C (320°F).

Step 4

Step 4. In a separate bowl, mix hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, brown sugar, fermented soybeans, five spice, and garlic powder to make the marinade.

Step 5

Step 5. Slice the aubergines in half, peel off the skin, and tear the flesh into 1 cm strips. Discard seeds. Coat the strips in the marinade.

Step 6

Step 6. Spread the marinated aubergine strips back on the baking tray and bake for 40–50 minutes at 160°C, stirring every 10 minutes, until dark and caramelized.

Step 7

Step 7. Steam bao buns according to package instructions, usually for 5–8 minutes.

Step 8

Make spicy mayonnaise: combine light mayonnaise, greek yoghurt, sriracha and sesame oil

Step 9

Step 8. Fill each bao with pulled char siu-style aubergine. Top with grated carrot, cucumber slices, sesame seeds, spicy mayonnaise, and roasted peanuts.