Crispy Spicy Eggplant Medallions
Delight your taste buds with these Crispy Spicy Eggplant Medallions, a perfect vegetarian alternative to traditional meat dishes. These golden-brown cutlets, infused with a vibrant marinade, provide a rich flavor profile and satisfying texture, making them ideal for both long-time vegetarians and those exploring plant-based diets. Packed with nutrients, low in fat, and completely vegan, these cutlets can be enjoyed as a standalone dish or paired with your favorite sauces or sides. Elevate your meals with this healthy and delicious recipe, originally inspired by the collective wisdom of vegetarian cooking enthusiasts.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Eggplants
2 medium (sliced into 1-inch thick rounds)
Salt
1 pinch (for seasoning)
Olive Oil
3 tablespoons (for marinade)
Tabasco Sauce
3/4 teaspoon (for marinade)
Garlic Cloves
2 (minced)
Balsamic Vinegar
1 tablespoon (for marinade)
Cilantro
1/2 teaspoon (chopped fresh for marinade)
Salt and Pepper
to taste (for seasoning before serving)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Slice the eggplants into one-inch thick round medallions. Generously sprinkle salt over each piece and let them sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the salt to draw out excess moisture. After 15 minutes, gently rinse the eggplant slices and pat them dry with a paper towel.
3
Arrange the prepared eggplant medallions in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
4
In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, Tabasco sauce, minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, and chopped cilantro until well blended. This flavorful marinade will enhance the eggplant's natural taste.
5
Using a brush, liberally coat each side of the eggplant medallions with the marinade. Make sure each piece is well covered for maximum flavor.
6
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 7-8 minutes. After the initial bake, brush the medallions with the marinade again and carefully flip them over. Bake for another 7-8 minutes.
7
Once the eggplant is cooked through, switch your oven to the broil setting. Broil the medallions for an additional 2-3 minutes until they are crispy and slightly charred.
8
Before serving, season the medallions with freshly ground salt and pepper to taste. These eggplant medallions are fantastic on their own but can also be garnished with extra hot sauce or your favorite dipping sauce for an added kick.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Spicy Eggplant Medallions?
They are golden-brown, flavorful vegetarian cutlets made from sliced eggplant that are infused with a spicy marinade and baked until crispy.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, this recipe is completely vegan and uses plant-based ingredients like eggplant, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients including eggplant, spices, and vinegar are naturally gluten-free.
How should I slice the eggplant?
You should slice the eggplants into round medallions that are approximately one inch thick.
Why do I need to sprinkle salt on the eggplant?
Sprinkling salt on the eggplant slices helps to draw out excess moisture, which improves the final texture.
How long should the salt sit on the eggplant?
Let the salt sit on the eggplant slices for at least 15 minutes.
Do I need to rinse the eggplant after salting?
Yes, after 15 minutes, gently rinse the salt off the eggplant and pat them dry with a paper towel.
What is the preheat temperature for the oven?
Preheat your oven to 350 F (175 C).
What are the ingredients in the marinade?
The marinade is made of olive oil, Tabasco sauce, minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, and chopped fresh cilantro.
How do I prepare the baking sheet?
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup and prevent the eggplant from sticking.
How do I apply the marinade to the eggplant?
Use a brush to liberally coat both sides of each eggplant medallion with the marinade mixture.
How long is the initial baking time?
Bake the medallions in the preheated oven for 7-8 minutes before flipping.
When should I flip the eggplant medallions?
After the first 7-8 minutes of baking, brush them with marinade again and carefully flip them over.
How long do I bake the second side?
Bake the second side for another 7-8 minutes until the eggplant is cooked through.
How can I make the eggplant medallions crispy?
After baking, switch the oven to the broil setting and broil the medallions for 2-3 minutes until they are crispy and charred.
What type of vinegar is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one tablespoon of balsamic vinegar for the marinade.
How much garlic is required?
You will need 2 minced garlic cloves for the marinade.
Is this recipe spicy?
Yes, the recipe uses 3/4 teaspoon of Tabasco sauce, providing a vibrant and spicy flavor profile.
Can I add more spice to the dish?
Yes, you can garnish the finished medallions with extra hot sauce or your favorite spicy dipping sauce for an added kick.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, it is described as a healthy, nutrient-packed, and low-fat vegetarian alternative.
Can I use dried cilantro instead of fresh?
The recipe recommends 1/2 teaspoon of chopped fresh cilantro for the best flavor in the marinade.
What is the recommended serving size for the eggplant?
The recipe uses 2 medium eggplants, which can be served as a standalone entree or paired with sides.
What kind of oil should be used?
The recipe specifies using 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
Is this dish suitable for meat-free diets?
Yes, it is an ideal meat alternative for vegetarians and those exploring plant-based diets.
When should I add salt and pepper for seasoning?
Season the medallions with freshly ground salt and pepper to taste just before serving.
Can these medallions be served with a dipping sauce?
Yes, they are fantastic on their own but can also be paired with your favorite sauces or sides.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 8 ingredients listed for this eggplant dish.
Is this recipe considered sustainable?
Yes, the recipe is tagged for sustainable cooking.
What is the total cooking time excluding preparation?
The total cooking time is approximately 16-19 minutes in the oven including baking and broiling.
Can I use this recipe for meal prep?
Yes, these crispy medallions can be enjoyed as a primary dish or as part of a larger plant-based meal plan.