Cuisine, Italian

Crispy Fried Eggplant Recipe

With this fried eggplant recipe, which is crispy and golden brown, I bet you all are going to elevate your eggplant game. This recipe has to be the ultimate comfort food for many as it perfectly balances the tender inside with a deliciously crunchy coating. You can serve it as an appetizer or even a main course paired with a variety of dips such as marinara. or simply just ketchup. This recipe will help an eggplant enthusiast as well as a veggie newcomer alike.

Invention of Fried Eggplant Recipe

Origin – The fried eggplant recipe mainly originates from the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines. Eggplant is often called aubergine by many abroad and has been cultivated since ancient times in India and China. Later, it was introduced in the kitchen of the Middle East and the Mediterranean region via traders where the plant became an integral part of the people’s diet. Eggplant became popular in areas such as Greece, Turkey, and Italy because of its versatility and flavor.

We all know that eggplant can be slightly bitter but that problem was solved by the Italians when they used their go-to method of breading and frying the vegetable. It tempered the taste while also creating a satisfying texture. The fried eggplant recipe became popular in Southern Italy where it became Parmigiana di Melanzane. As soon as the European immigrants started situating in America, this recipe became popular in the Italian-American communities but also spread out to the whole continent.

Inspiration – What really inspires this recipe is the simplicity of Italian and Mediterranean culinary traditions that combine fresh seasonal vegetables along with classic Italian herbs and aromatic spices. The use of Parmesan also ensures that each bite of the fried eggplant is packed with savory flavor.

Another fact is that this recipe is perfect for vegans as it provides a hearty and wholesome alternative to fried meats such as chicken. It does not compromise on taste or texture while delivering the same crunch and comfort. It can be eaten on its own or even better add it to a sandwich.

Popularity – The fried eggplant recipe has grown in popularity all over the world not just because of vegetarians but by food lovers of all kinds. It has a rich earthy flavor profile is insanely adaptable to various taste palates and can be put in fusion dishes. As for the United States, we have seen that fried eggplants have made their way into Italian eateries as well as Southern restaurants where it is served with marinara sauce or spicy aioli or sometimes with fried green tomatoes.

The recipe is also popular in Asian households and can sometimes be seen in eggplant tacos. The main reason why it is so much more on the rise right now is because of the vegan movement towards plant-based diets. This dish provides the best alternative to meat-based options.

Ingredients

1 large eggplant, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian-style or Panko for extra crispiness)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for added flavor)
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Vegetable oil, for frying

Crispy Fried Eggplant Recipe Ingredients

Also read: Acorn Squash Soup Recipe for the Holidays!

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Eggplant
You need to start by slicing the eggplant into 1/4-inch thick rounds and sprinkling salt generously on both sides. The salt helps erase the bitterness of the vegetable. Lay the slices on a wire rack or paper towel to draw out the moisture. After 15 minutes of laying the slices, pat them all dry with a paper towel to remove the moisture and excess salt.

Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
Take three shallow bowls and place them on the counter. In the first one, place the flour flat out. In the second one, beat the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper. As for the third one, combine the breadcrumbs and parmesan (if you are using it) along with garlic powder, paprika, and some Italian seasoning.
Now, start dredging each slice of eggplant first into the flour and then the egg wash. Finally, put in the seasonal breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs lightly on both sides to ensure a thorough coating.

Step 3: Fry the Eggplant
Take a large skillet and put it on medium heat. Pour in some vegetable oil so that it covers the bottom half. Once the boil is hot, about 350°F, carefully start putting the eggplant slices into it in a single layer.

Make sure that you are not overcrowding the same. Fry each side of the eggplant for 3 to 4 minutes until the coating is visibly golden brown. You can use tongs to flip the whole thing carefully to avoid disturbing the crispy breading.

To drain any excess oil, transfer the fried eggplant to a paper towel and continue frying the rest of the slices. Adjust the heat accordingly to maintain an even frying temperature.

Alternatively, a healthier option would be to use an air fryer to fry the eggplant slices. You can preheat at 350°F and then put the slices in for 6-7 minutes. Keep checking the tray to flip to make sure that the slices are golden brown.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the fried eggplant immediately with a choice of dip such as marinara sauce or a yogurt-based dip. You can even squeeze a lemon on top to give the slices a zesty flavor. You can garnish the dish with grated parmesan cheese if desired.