“Wait… you actually cooked this yourself?” That’s what I thought this weekend when I decided to try making a dish from scratch — one I first fell in love with while cruising on the Yangtze River with Century Cruises. The crew had been kind enough to ask the chef for the recipe and translate it into English: Spicy Aubergine.
Some people might think the dish is nothing special, but its charm and taste lie in its simplicity. I’ve never been creative when it comes to cooking aubergine — I usually just toss it into pasta, hoping it would add something special, only to end up soggy and tasteless. More often than not, it would sit on the side of the plate, uneaten! But after that trip to China, aubergine has gotten a whole new treatment in my kitchen.
Spicy Aubergine is surprisingly easy to make, and the secret lies in the ingredients: garlic, onion, red chili peppers (not the pop group, but the small, lethal kind), ginger, soy sauce, black vinegar, and — believe it or not — sugar!
As I stirred the ingredients and tasted the final dish, it hit me — cooking, like travel, is about immersing yourself in the experience and savoring every little moment. That same feeling washed over me months ago during my Century Cruises Yangtze River journey. 🛳️✨
Sailing along the Yangtze was like tasting a perfectly balanced recipe — every moment offered a new flavor of adventure. From the dramatic cliffs of the Three Gorges to the serene stretches of river lined with ancient villages, every scene felt fresh and alive. And the food? Dining aboard Century Cruises was an experience on its own — sumptuous dishes, perfectly prepared, letting me savor Chinese cuisine in a way takeout could never replicate. 🍜💫
Both experiences reminded me of the joy of immersing yourself in something completely. Whether it’s experimenting in your kitchen or gliding along one of the world’s most iconic rivers, the magic is in trying, tasting, and soaking it all in.
If you’ve ever dreamed of mixing adventure with comfort, history, and a touch of indulgence, Century Cruises on the Yangtze River is the perfect recipe. Trust me — it’s an experience you’ll never forget. 🌏
Curious to try it for yourself? Check out the journey here: Book your Yangtze River adventure
The Secret Recipe:
- Cut the aubergine into long strips and place them in a hot wok in a single layer.
- Cook evenly by flipping them over until tender.
- Remove the aubergine to one side, then sauté the garlic, onion, red chili peppers, and ginger until the onions turn golden.
- Return the aubergine to the wok and add the black vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar.
- Give it one last stir, then serve over steaming rice with your favorite meat.
- Spicy aubergine can be served hot or col as a side or main dish.
