Eggplant Tofu

This is my favorite dish at the Imperial Palace in Lincoln, NE. They don't serve it with ground pork, but I think it is a nice addition if I happen to have some.
 
Eggplant Tofu

2 Chinese or Japanese eggplants (the long skinny ones), cut into bite-sized pieces
1 T salt
1 T oil
1/2 lb ground pork (optional)
1 pkg extra firm tofu, cubed in pieces the same size as eggplant
5 green onions, white part chopped and green part cut into 1" pieces
2-3 cloves of garlic, chopped
2 T minced ginger
1 T brown sugar
1-2 T garlic chili paste (either Lee Gum Gee brand called chili bean paste, or the sriracha brand called sambal oelek are my favorites)
1 T dry sherry or red wine
1 T black vinegar or rice vinegar
1/2 c soy sauce
1/2 c water
1 T cornstarch
1 T sesame oil
1 T toasted sesame seeds

Mix 1 T salt into enough cold water to immerse eggplant. Soak the eggplant in cold salt water for 20 minutes or so. Drain.

While the eggplant is soaking, prepare the sauce. Combine the sherry, vinegar, soy sauce, water, and cornstarch.  Set aside.

Heat oil over medium high heat in a large pan or wok. Add pork, if using, and cook until browned and drain. Then, add white part of green onion, garlic, ginger, chili paste, and sugar and continue to cook over medium high heat for a couple of minutes. Add eggplant and cook for 2-3 minutes, then add tofu, continuing to toss until eggplant can be pierced with a fork for 3 or 4 minutes (I like it tender but not mushy).

Add sauce (give it a good stir first before you throw it in) and continue to stir until it thickens. Stir in sesame oil, green onion tops, and sesame seeds.

Serve with steamed rice.