Terong Mapo

Bahan-bahan (4 porsi)

• 6 ounces daging babi giling
• 2 teaspoons air
• 1 teaspoon Anggur Shaoxing
• 3/4 teaspoon kanji dr tepung jagung
• 1/8 teaspoon soda kue
• 1/8 teaspoon lada putih
• 1 pound Japanese or Chinese eggplant
• 5 tablespoons vegetable oil ((or any neutral oil, divided))
• 3 tablespoons fresh ginger ((finely minced; 3 tablespoons = from a 2-inch/5cm piece))
• 3 tablespoons garlic ((finely minced; from 9 to 10 cloves))
• 1/2 to 2 teaspoons ground Sichuan peppercorns
• 1 1/2 tablespoons saus kacang pedas
• 1 1/2 tablespoons kacang hitam fermentasi ((bilas dan tiriskan))
• 1 1/2 cups kaldu ayam rendah sodium ((atau air, tapi kaldu lebih disukai))
• 1/4 cup minyak cabai buatan sendiri ((standing oil only, minimal flakes))
• 1 1/2 teaspoons gula
• 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon tepung maizena ((dicampur menjadi bubur dengan 1/4 gelas/60 ml air))
• 1 scallion ((chopped))