Crispy Fried Eggplant with Parmesan Crust
Indulge in this delightful Crispy Fried Eggplant recipe that transforms humble eggplant into a crispy, flavorful delicacy. Perfectly seasoned with Italian herbs and a touch of garlic, this dish boasts an irresistible Parmesan crust that elevates it to restaurant-quality status right in your kitchen. It's not only a crowd-pleaser but also budget-friendly, making it an ideal addition to any meal. Serve these golden-brown slices as a side dish, or layer them with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella for a delicious eggplant Parmesan. With just one small eggplant, you can feed a family of six, making it a perfect choice for gatherings or a simple weeknight dinner!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Eggplant
1 (Sliced medium thin (leave skin on))
Eggs
2 (Lightly beaten)
Italian breadcrumbs
2 cups (N/A)
Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (Grated)
Dried parsley
1/4 cup (N/A)
Garlic powder
1 tablespoon (N/A)
Salt
to taste (N/A)
Black pepper
to taste (N/A)
Vegetable oil
2 cups (For frying)
Instructions
1
Begin by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it sizzles when a splash of water is added.
2
In a large freezer Ziploc bag, combine the Italian breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, dried parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Seal the bag and shake well to mix the ingredients.
3
In a bowl, lightly beat the eggs and set aside.
4
Dip each slice of eggplant into the beaten eggs, ensuring both sides are coated, then transfer to the breadcrumb mixture in the bag.
5
Add about 3-4 slices of eggplant to the bag at a time. Seal the bag and shake vigorously to coat the eggplant evenly with the breadcrumb mixture.
6
Carefully place the battered eggplant slices into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
7
Fry the slices for approximately 2 minutes on one side. Flip them over and continue cooking for another 2 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy on both sides.
8
Once cooked, remove the fried eggplant slices from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
9
Repeat the process until all the eggplant slices are fried.
10
Serve the crispy fried eggplant as a side dish or layer with marinara sauce and mozzarella for a delicious baked dish. Enjoy with pasta, garlic bread, or on its own!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish in this recipe?
The main dish is Crispy Fried Eggplant with Parmesan Crust.
What is the primary vegetable used?
A medium eggplant is used for this recipe.
Should the skin be removed from the eggplant?
No, the recipe suggests leaving the skin on while slicing.
How thick should the eggplant be sliced?
The eggplant should be sliced medium thin.
How many eggs are needed for the coating?
You will need 2 lightly beaten eggs.
What type of breadcrumbs are best for this recipe?
Italian breadcrumbs are used to provide the best flavor and texture.
How much Parmesan cheese is included in the crust?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
What herbs are used in the breading mixture?
Dried parsley is used for seasoning the Parmesan crust.
Is garlic used in this fried eggplant recipe?
Yes, one tablespoon of garlic powder is added to the breadcrumb mixture.
How much oil is required for frying?
You will need approximately 2 cups of vegetable oil for frying.
What is the best way to mix the breading ingredients?
Combine the breadcrumbs, cheese, and spices in a large freezer Ziploc bag and shake well.
How do you coat the eggplant slices evenly?
Dip slices into beaten eggs, then transfer them to the breadcrumb mixture in the Ziploc bag and shake.
How many slices should go in the breading bag at once?
Add about 3 to 4 slices of eggplant to the bag at a time to ensure they are coated evenly.
How do I know if the vegetable oil is ready for frying?
The oil is ready when it sizzles after a small splash of water is added to the skillet.
How long do I fry each side of the eggplant?
Fry each side for approximately 2 minutes until golden brown.
What should the finished eggplant slices look like?
The eggplant slices should be golden brown and crispy on both sides.
How do I remove excess oil after frying?
Place the fried eggplant slices on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Can this eggplant be served as a side dish?
Yes, these golden-brown slices are perfect as a side dish for various meals.
Can this recipe be used to make Eggplant Parmesan?
Yes, you can layer the slices with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella for a delicious Eggplant Parmesan dish.
How many people does one small eggplant serve?
With this recipe, one small eggplant can feed a family of six.
Is this recipe considered budget-friendly?
Yes, it is described as a budget-friendly delicacy that uses simple ingredients.
What heat setting should be used for the skillet?
The vegetable oil should be heated in a large skillet over medium heat.
Is the eggplant seasoned with salt and pepper?
Yes, salt and black pepper are added to the breading mixture to taste.
What are some suggested pairings for this dish?
It can be enjoyed with pasta, garlic bread, or eaten on its own.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is officially categorized as a Vegetable dish.
Why is a Ziploc bag recommended for breading?
Using a bag allows you to shake and coat the eggplant slices vigorously and evenly without much mess.
Is this recipe easy to follow for beginners?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe, making it perfect for a simple weeknight dinner.
Does this dish have a restaurant-quality taste?
Yes, the seasoned Parmesan crust is designed to elevate the dish to restaurant-quality status.
Can I use dried parsley for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 1/4 cup of dried parsley.
Should I overcrowd the pan while frying?
No, you should be careful not to overcrowd the pan to ensure the slices fry properly and stay crispy.