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Kimchi Eggplant Nachos

These Korean-inspired nachos are topped with savory ground pork, tender eggplant, and spicy, tangy kimchi. Finished with sesame oil, toasted sesame seeds, and scallions, they’re crunchy, savory, spicy, and just a little unexpected.
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Ingredients

  • 5 ounces 150 g tortilla chips
  • 5 ounces 150 g eggplant, diced
  • 3 1/2 ounces 100 g kimchi, roughly chopped
  • 2 ounces 50 g ground pork
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon gochujang optional
  • 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon neutral cooking oil
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Toasted sesame seeds for garnish
  • Sliced scallions for garnish

Instructions

  • Heat the neutral oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
  • Add the ground pork and season with soy sauce and black pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes, breaking the pork into small pieces, until browned and cooked through.
  • Add the diced eggplant and stir-fry for 4–5 minutes, or until tender but still holding its shape. Add a splash of water if the pan becomes too dry.
  • Add the chopped kimchi and gochujang, if using. Stir-fry for another 1–2 minutes, just until the kimchi is heated through and everything is well combined.
  • Turn off the heat and drizzle with sesame oil. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
  • Arrange the tortilla chips on a serving platter. Spoon the warm kimchi, pork, and eggplant mixture over the chips.
  • Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced scallions. Serve immediately while the chips are still crunchy.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook the eggplant. You want it tender but still chunky enough to give the nachos some texture.
  • Kimchi varies considerably in saltiness and heat, so taste before adding extra salt. You may not need any.
  • Gochujang is optional, but a small amount adds body, sweetness, and extra chile flavor to the topping.
  • For crispier nachos, serve the kimchi-eggplant mixture in a bowl alongside the tortilla chips and let everyone scoop their own.
  • Ground chicken, turkey, or beef can be substituted for the pork.
  • For a vegetarian version, simply leave out the pork and increase the eggplant.
  • These are best assembled right before serving, because kimchi + tortilla chips eventually creates the ancient enemy of nachos: SOG.