Crispy Southern Fried Eggplant
This Crispy Southern Fried Eggplant recipe is a treasured family dish passed down from my grandmother. The eggplant is perfectly battered and fried to golden perfection, providing a delightful crunch with each bite. It's fantastic served on its own or paired with a rich, warm marinara sauce for added flavor. This dish captures the essence of Southern cooking and is sure to impress your friends and family with its savory goodness and crispy texture. Perfect for a side dish or a vegetarian main course, this eggplant is an irresistible crowd-pleaser.
N/A
Servings
120
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
flour
1 cup (sifted)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
fresh ground pepper
1 dash (to taste)
non-dairy coffee creamer
2/3 cup (or use milk)
eggs
2 (beaten)
eggplant
1 (sliced)
vegetable oil
3 tablespoons (for frying)
Instructions
1
Begin by slicing the eggplant into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Lay the slices in a colander and sprinkle them generously with salt. Allow them to sit for about 20 minutes to draw out excess moisture and bitterness.
2
After 20 minutes, rinse the eggplant slices under cold water to remove the salt, then pat them dry with paper towels to absorb any excess moisture.
3
In a mixing bowl, sift together the flour, salt, and fresh ground pepper. In another bowl, combine the non-dairy coffee creamer (or milk) with the beaten eggs, whisking until fully blended.
4
Gradually add the liquid mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until a smooth batter forms.
5
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 375°F (190°C).
6
Dip each eggplant slice into the batter, allowing any excess to drip off, and carefully place it in the hot oil. Fry the slices in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
7
Cook the eggplant for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to turn the slices as needed.
8
Once cooked, remove the eggplant from the skillet and place it on paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve warm, optionally with warm marinara sauce on the side.
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
17g
Carbs
2.7g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crispy Southern Fried Eggplant?
It is a treasured family dish passed down from the author's grandmother, featuring battered eggplant fried to golden perfection.
How thick should I slice the eggplant?
The eggplant should be sliced into rounds that are 1/4-inch thick.
Why should I salt the eggplant before cooking?
Salting the eggplant draws out excess moisture and removes any potential bitterness from the vegetable.
How long should the eggplant sit with salt?
You should allow the eggplant slices to sit in a colander for approximately 20 minutes.
Do I need to rinse the eggplant after salting?
Yes, rinse the slices under cold water to remove the salt and then pat them dry with paper towels.
What flour preparation is required?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of sifted flour.
Can I use milk instead of non-dairy coffee creamer?
Yes, you can substitute the non-dairy coffee creamer with an equal amount of milk.
How many eggs are needed for the batter?
The recipe requires 2 beaten eggs.
How do I prepare the batter?
Sift together the dry ingredients and gradually add the mixture of creamer and eggs, stirring until smooth.
What is the required oil temperature for frying?
The vegetable oil should reach a temperature of 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
How much oil is used for frying?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil for frying.
How should I apply the batter to the eggplant?
Dip each slice into the batter, allow the excess to drip off, and carefully place it into the hot oil.
Why should I fry the eggplant in batches?
Frying in batches prevents overcrowding the pan, which helps maintain the oil temperature and ensures crispiness.
How long do I cook each side of the eggplant?
Cook each slice for about 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown.
How do I know the eggplant is done cooking?
The eggplant is ready when it is golden brown on both sides and has a crispy texture.
What tools are recommended for turning the eggplant?
Tongs are recommended for turning the eggplant slices safely in the hot oil.
What should I do with the eggplant after frying?
Place the cooked eggplant on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it is a vegetarian dish that works well as a side or a main course.
What dipping sauce pairs well with this dish?
A rich, warm marinara sauce is highly recommended as a side for dipping.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are 120 calories per serving.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
The recipe contains 5 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this fried eggplant?
Each serving contains 17 grams of carbohydrates.
What is the protein content?
Each serving provides 2.7 grams of protein.
What type of oil is recommended?
Vegetable oil is recommended for frying this dish.
How many main ingredients are there?
The recipe uses 7 main ingredients: flour, salt, pepper, creamer, eggs, eggplant, and vegetable oil.
Is this considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as a Southern comfort food and a family recipe.
What is the texture of the finished eggplant?
The finished eggplant has a delightful crunch and a crispy outer batter.
Can I use fresh ground pepper?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for a dash of fresh ground pepper to taste.
Is this an easy recipe to make?
Yes, it is categorized as an easy side dish and an irresistible crowd-pleaser.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is slicing the eggplant into 1/4-inch rounds and salting them to remove moisture.