Mabonasu (麻婆茄子), or Mapo Eggplant, is a popular Japanese-style Chinese dish featuring eggplant in a savoury, spicy sauce. This Cook Do sauce base from Ajinomoto provides the authentic seasoning mix needed to create the dish quickly and easily at home. The flavour profile is a rich blend of fermented broad bean paste (doubanjiang), soy sauce, and ginger, delivering a mildly spicy and deeply umami taste that perfectly complements the soft texture of cooked eggplant. It's an excellent choice for a quick weeknight dinner; simply stir-fry with minced pork and eggplant for a complete meal. For best results, serve the finished dish hot over a bowl of steamed Japanese rice. This seasoning mix is a staple in many Japanese kitchens for its convenience and consistent, delicious flavour, making it ideal for anyone wanting to explore Japanese home cooking.