Niku Nasu Itame is a cozy, comforting dish that brings the flavors of Japan right to your kitchen, making it perfect for tonight's dinner!
Start by preparing the eggplant. Cut it into bite-sized pieces and then soak it in water for about 10 minutes. This will help reduce its bitterness.
In a bowl, combine soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar to create the stir-fry sauce. Mix until the sugar is dissolved.
Next, slice the chicken thigh into thin strips and season lightly with salt and pepper.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ginger and garlic, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the chicken slices to the skillet and stir-fry for around 5 minutes, or until the chicken is nearly cooked through.
Now, drain the eggplant and add it to the skillet. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the eggplant to soften.
Pour the sauce over the chicken and eggplant mixture, stirring well to coat everything evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and everything is heated through.
Finally, add the sliced green onion and give it a quick stir before removing from heat.
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This dish provides a good balance of protein from chicken and fiber from eggplant, making it a nutritious choice for dinner.