Not Yo' Mama's Celery Stix*: Szechuan Celery and Eggplant

Course Appetizers

Ingredients in this Recipe

1 big pinch kosher salt
1 pound eggplant, firm and shiny
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon minced peeled ginger
1 tablespoon packed dark brown sugar
1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
1/2 cup dry cocktail sherry
1/2 teaspoon cayenne or chili pepper flakes
1/4 cup chinese soy sauce
1/8 cup canola oil
1/8 cup packed brown sugar
2 anise" itemprop="name">star anise, broken up
2 teaspoons sesame oil (Maruhon preferred)
2 teaspoons szechuan peppercorns
3 tablespoons minced scallion, white and green parts
3/4 teaspoons red pepper flakes*
4 ounces peeled celery ribs,from the narrow, top, end,1/2 3/4" wide, and cut into 8 4" long pieces
optional butter lettuce
white toasted sesame seeds

See Full Recipe at Food52