Perfectly Crispy Fried Eggplant Recipe

If you’re looking for a tasty and easy-to-make dish, fried eggplant could be just what you need. This delicious vegetable is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner and can be prepared in a variety of ways, from crispy and golden to soft and tender. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, making fried eggplant is a great way to experiment with flavors and textures while enjoying a healthy meal.

To start, you’ll need some fresh eggplant, along with some basic ingredients like eggs, flour, breadcrumbs, and oil. You’ll also need a frying pan or deep fryer to cook the eggplant in. Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, it’s time to get started. With a little bit of know-how, you can have a delicious plate of fried eggplant in no time!

Subheading 1: Selecting the Perfect Eggplant

When it comes to making delicious fried eggplant, selecting the perfect eggplant is crucial. Firstly, choose an eggplant that is firm to the touch and has a shiny and smooth skin. It shouldn’t have any blemishes or dark spots. You must also ensure that the eggplant is ripe but not overripe. Overripe eggplants may be bitter.

Subheading 2: Preparing the Eggplant

After selecting the perfect eggplant, the next step is to rinse it thoroughly and then slice it. It’s better to slice the eggplant into 1/4 inch rounds, especially if you’re planning to fry them. After slicing, place the eggplant slices in a colander and sprinkle some salt over them. Let the eggplant pieces sit in the colander for about 30 minutes to draw out the excess moisture.

Subheading 3: Preparing the Batter

The perfect recipe for crusty and delicious fried eggplant requires the perfect batter recipe. In a medium-sized bowl, mix flour, salt, black pepper, and your favourite herbs. You can use a combination of parsley, thyme, and oregano. Gradually add milk while stirring until a smooth and thick batter is formed.

Subheading 4: Coating the Eggplant Slices

Once the batter mixture is ready, it’s time to get the eggplant ready. Dip each eggplant slice into the batter, ensuring that the slice is entirely coated. You can also add a little bit of water to thin the batter mixture. After coating, place the eggplant coated slice on a baking sheet.

Subheading 5: Heating the Oil

To fry the eggplant, you’ll need to heat vegetable oil in a deep pan. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it’s hot enough to fry. The oil should be hot enough for the eggplant slices to sizzle when added to it.

Subheading 6: Frying the Eggplant

Once the oil is hot enough, it’s time to fry the eggplant slices. Using a fork or tongs, carefully place each eggplant slice into the hot oil and fry until golden brown. You’ll need to flip the eggplant slices halfway through to ensure even browning. As each slice gets ready, place it on a paper towel to drain the excess oil.

Subheading 7: Serving Suggestions

Fried eggplant is a delicious snack, appetizer or even as a side dish. You can serve this delicious dish with a side of marinara sauce, pesto or even garlic mayo. It can also be sliced and used as a sandwich filling.

Subheading 8: Storing Fried Eggplant

Storing leftover fried eggplant is another consideration. You can store the leftover fried eggplant in an airtight container or Ziploc bag in the refrigerator for up to five days. Before eating again, you can warm them again in the oven or toaster oven. It’s best to avoid reheating them in the microwave.

Subheading 9: Tips for Tastier Eggplants

Getting the perfect crust on your eggplant slices can be challenging. To make them crispy, try adding cornmeal and breadcrumbs to the flour mixture before coating them. Adding cheese to the batter mixture goes a long way in enhancing the flavour of the fried eggplant.

Subheading 10: Bottom Line

Fried eggplant is a delicious comfort food that’s easy to make and definitely worth the effort. With a few simple steps and a little creativity, you can make fried eggplant that’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside that your loved ones will surely appreciate. Experiment with different herbs and spices to create your perfect twist to this classic dish!

Preparation

To make a delicious fried eggplant dish, the first step is to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Eggplant

Choose an eggplant that feels heavy and firm to the touch. Look for a shiny and smooth skin, without any brown spots or blemishes. Rinse the eggplant under running water, and pat it dry with a paper towel.

2. Salt

Salt is an essential ingredient for frying eggplant. It helps draw out the moisture from the eggplant and makes it less bitter. Use Kosher salt, or any other coarse salt, to season the eggplant.

3. Flour

Flour is used to coat the eggplant slices before frying. It helps to create a crispy outer layer and prevents the slices from becoming soggy.

4. Oil

Choose a high smoke point oil for frying eggplant, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or grapeseed oil. Avoid using olive oil, as it has a low smoke point and can burn quickly.

5. Seasonings

Get creative with your seasonings! You can use any combination of herbs and spices that you like. Some popular choices include garlic powder, paprika, cumin, and black pepper.

Now that you have everything you need, it’s time to get started on the preparation. Here’s how to do it:

1. Slice the eggplant

Cut the eggplant into rounds about 1/2 inch thick. You can also cut it into strips if you prefer. Sprinkle the eggplant slices with salt and let them sit for about 30 minutes to draw out the moisture. Rinse the slices under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel.

2. Coat the eggplant

In a bowl, mix together flour and your desired seasonings. Coat each slice of eggplant in the mixture, making sure to shake off any excess flour.

3. Heat the oil

Pour enough oil into a large frying pan to cover the bottom. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 375°F on a digital cooking thermometer.

4. Fry the eggplant

Carefully place the eggplant slices into the hot oil. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the eggplant from the pan and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain the excess oil.

5. Serve hot

Your fried eggplant is now ready to serve! You can eat it as a side dish, or add it to salads, sandwiches, or pasta dishes. Enjoy!

5 Tips for Perfectly Fried Eggplants

Making fried eggplant can be a bit tricky, but with the following tips, you can create a perfectly cooked and delicious dish that everyone will enjoy. Here are five helpful tips for frying eggplant:

1. Choose the right eggplant

When selecting eggplants, it is important to choose ones that are firm and have a smooth surface. Avoid eggplants that have soft or brown spots, as they may be overripe. Smaller eggplants also tend to be firmer and less bitter than larger ones.

2. Season the eggplant before frying

Seasoning the eggplant before frying can enhance its flavor and help to remove any excess moisture. Sprinkle salt on both sides of the eggplant slices and let them sit for about 30 minutes. This will draw out the moisture and make the eggplant firmer.

You can also season the eggplant with other herbs and spices, such as black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, to give it an extra kick of flavor.

3. Use the right oil and temperature

Choosing the right oil and temperature is key to obtaining crispy and evenly cooked eggplant slices. Use vegetable oil or another high smoke point oil like corn, canola, or safflower oil for frying at 375°F.

4. Drain the eggplant well

Draining the eggplant well after they’ve been seasoned and patted dry will help to get rid of any excess moisture. Excess moisture causes the eggplant to become soggy and not crispy when fried. Place the eggplant slices on a paper towel-lined baking sheet or rack and pat them dry with another paper towel.

5. Use the right utensils

Using the right utensils like a slotted spoon, tongs, or a spider will make it easy to flip the eggplant slices without breaking them. You can then transfer the cooked eggplant to a paper-towel-lined plate or rack to drain off any excess oil.

By following these simple tips, you can make perfectly fried eggplant that will be the star of any meal.

Enjoy Your Delicious Fried Eggplant!

Now that you know how to make fried eggplant, you can easily whip up this tasty dish anytime you want. Remember to take your time and follow each step carefully in order to get the best results. Once you try this recipe, you are sure to fall in love with it! Thank you for reading and we hope to see you again soon for more mouth-watering recipes. Happy cooking!