Crispy Golden Eggplant Delight
Indulge in the crispy goodness of this amazing fried eggplant recipe that transforms humble ingredients into an irresistible treat. Originally inspired by a classic Gourmet recipe from 15 years ago, this version has been perfected with a clever use of cornstarch to eliminate greasiness without sacrificing flavor. Ideal as a side dish, appetizer, or even a vegetarian main, these golden eggplant slices are versatile enough to be jazzed up with Italian spices, fresh herbs, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Simple yet delicious, this dish is a surefire way to impress your family and friends at your next gathering!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Large Egg
1 (beaten)
Coarse Salt
1/2 teaspoon (plus extra for sprinkling)
Cornstarch
1/3 cup (for dredging)
Breadcrumbs
1 cup (fresh preferred)
Small Eggplant
1 (sliced crosswise into 1/2-inch thick rounds)
Vegetable Oil
as needed (for frying)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, beat the egg together with 1/2 teaspoon of coarse salt until well combined.
2
In a separate bowl, add the cornstarch. In a third bowl, place the breadcrumbs.
3
Slice the eggplant into 1/2-inch thick rounds. If you prefer thinner rounds, feel free to do so but adjust the amount of cornstarch and breadcrumbs accordingly.
4
Dredge each eggplant slice in cornstarch, ensuring both sides are thoroughly coated. Gently tap to remove any excess.
5
Dip the dusted eggplant slices into the beaten egg, ensuring an even coating on both sides.
6
Transfer the eggplant to the breadcrumbs, pressing down firmly to help the crumbs adhere well.
7
Allow the breaded eggplant slices to rest on paper towels for a few minutes to dry slightly.
8
In a heavy skillet, pour enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom of the pan halfway and heat it to 375°F (190°C).
9
Fry the eggplant slices for 1 to 2 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
10
Once cooked, drain the fried eggplant on paper towels and sprinkle lightly with additional salt before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crispy Golden Eggplant Delight?
It is a crispy fried eggplant dish inspired by a classic Gourmet recipe, perfected with cornstarch to ensure a light, non-greasy texture.
What makes this eggplant recipe non-greasy?
The clever use of cornstarch as the initial coating layer helps eliminate greasiness while maintaining maximum crispiness.
What are the main ingredients required?
You will need a small eggplant, one large egg, coarse salt, cornstarch, breadcrumbs, and vegetable oil for frying.
How should the eggplant be sliced?
The recipe recommends slicing the eggplant into 1/2-inch thick rounds crosswise.
Can I slice the eggplant thinner?
Yes, you can slice them thinner if preferred, but you may need to adjust the quantities of cornstarch and breadcrumbs accordingly.
How do I prepare the egg wash?
Beat one large egg with 1/2 teaspoon of coarse salt in a small bowl until the mixture is well combined.
What is the first step in the breading process?
The first step is to dredge each eggplant slice in cornstarch, ensuring both sides are thoroughly coated.
Should I remove excess cornstarch?
Yes, gently tap the eggplant slices after dredging to remove any excess cornstarch before moving to the next step.
What is the second step in the breading process?
After the cornstarch, dip the dusted eggplant slices into the beaten egg mixture to ensure an even coating.
How do I apply the breadcrumbs?
Transfer the egg-coated slices to a bowl of breadcrumbs and press down firmly to help the crumbs adhere to the surface.
Why should the breaded eggplant rest before frying?
Allowing the slices to rest on paper towels for a few minutes helps the coating dry slightly, which improves the final texture.
What type of oil is best for frying this recipe?
Vegetable oil is recommended for frying these eggplant slices.
How much oil should I use in the skillet?
Pour enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom of the pan approximately halfway.
What is the ideal temperature for frying the eggplant?
The oil should be heated to 375°F (190°C) in a heavy skillet before adding the eggplant.
How long does it take to fry each eggplant slice?
Fry the slices for about 1 to 2 minutes on each side until they become golden brown and crispy.
What should I do once the eggplant is finished frying?
Once cooked, drain the fried eggplant on paper towels and sprinkle them lightly with additional salt.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly recipe that can be served as a side, appetizer, or main dish.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
What type of breadcrumbs are best?
While any breadcrumbs work, fresh breadcrumbs are preferred for the best crispy results.
How can I add more flavor to the breading?
You can jazz up the recipe by adding Italian spices, fresh herbs, or Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture.
What type of eggplant is used?
The recipe calls for one small eggplant sliced crosswise.
Is this a good recipe for beginners?
Yes, it is described as a simple yet delicious recipe that is easy to prepare with humble ingredients.
Can I serve this as an appetizer?
Absolutely, these golden eggplant slices are perfect as an appetizer or a snack for gatherings.
What kind of salt should I use?
Coarse salt is recommended both for the egg mixture and for the final seasoning.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 main ingredients: egg, coarse salt, cornstarch, breadcrumbs, eggplant, and vegetable oil.
What kind of pan is recommended?
A heavy skillet is recommended to ensure even heating and proper frying.
How do I prevent the coating from falling off?
Pressing the eggplant firmly into the breadcrumbs and letting them rest before frying helps the coating stay intact.
Can I serve these with a topping?
Yes, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs makes an excellent topping for these slices.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The recipe uses one small eggplant, making it suitable for a side dish for a small family or a few appetizer portions.
Is this recipe fast to make?
Yes, with a frying time of only 2 to 4 minutes total per batch, it is a quick and efficient dish.