This Crispy Fried Eggplant recipe is a delightful way to enjoy eggplant. The eggplants are soaked, breaded, and fried to perfection, resulting in a delicious and crunchy snack or side dish. Let’s get started!
Preparation Time
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
- 3 eggplants, peeled and cut into slices
- 3 liters of cold water
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 3 eggs
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- Dry greens (such as parsley or oregano), to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Soak Eggplant: Place the peeled and cut eggplant slices into a large bowl. Add 3 liters of cold water and 2 tablespoons of salt. Soak the eggplant for 15-20 minutes to remove any bitterness.
- Dry Eggplant: After soaking, drain the eggplant slices and dry them thoroughly with napkins or paper towels.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the 3 eggs and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch until well combined.
- Bread Eggplant: Brush each eggplant slice with the egg mixture. In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of breadcrumbs with ground black pepper and dry greens to taste. Sprinkle or press the breadcrumbs mixture onto the egg-coated eggplant slices, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Heat Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Make sure the oil is hot before adding the eggplant to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy.
- Fry Eggplant: Carefully add the breaded eggplant slices to the hot oil. Cook for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on both sides.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the fried eggplant slices from the skillet and place them on a napkin or paper towel to drain any excess oil.
- Serve: Serve the crispy fried eggplant slices warm. Enjoy as a snack, side dish, or appetizer.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a dipping sauce such as marinara, ranch, or a yogurt-based sauce.
- Pair with a fresh salad for a light meal.
Cooking Tips
- Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve a crispy texture.
- You can use a mixture of panko and regular breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
Nutritional Benefits
- Eggplants are low in calories and rich in vitamins and fiber.
- Using dry herbs adds flavor without extra calories.
Dietary Information
- This recipe can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- For a dairy-free option, ensure the breadcrumbs are dairy-free.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a simple and delicious way to enjoy eggplant.
- The crispy texture and flavorful coating make it a crowd-pleaser.
- Perfect as a snack, side dish, or appetizer.
Conclusion
Enjoy this Crispy Fried Eggplant recipe for a tasty and satisfying dish. The eggplants are perfectly breaded and fried, resulting in a delightful crunch with every bite. Bon Appetit!