Instructions

1. Trim 3 medium Chinese eggplants. Halve lengthwise, then cut crosswise into 3-inch-wide pieces. Place in a large bowl and cover with room-temperature water. Add 2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar and stir to combine. Place a plate on top of the eggplant to keep the pieces submerged and let soak for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare a steamer and bring the water to a boil over high heat.
2. Remove the eggplant from the water, and place in the steamer in an even layer. Cover and steam until tender and easily pierced with a chopstick or fork, about 8 minutes. Using tongs, transfer the eggplant to a colander. Once well-drained and cool enough to handle, tear each piece in half lengthwise with your hands and place in a serving bowl.
3. Prepare the following, adding them to a medium heatproof bowl as you complete them: Slice 4 fresh small red chilis into thin rounds, finely mince 3 garlic cloves, thinly slice 1 medium scallion, add 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes and 1/2 teaspoon ground Sichuan peppercorns, and stir to combine.
4. Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable or peanut oil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat until shimmering. Immediately pour into the chile mixture and stir to combine. Add 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon Chinese black vinegar, 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil, 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Stir to combine.
5. Pour the chile mixture over the eggplant and gently fold to combine. Let sit for at least 20 minutes, or refrigerate for up to 2 days to let the flavors meld before serving.