pan fried eggplant recipe

The Best pan fried eggplant recipe

I’m so excited to share with you one of my favorite recipes that’s been a staple in our household for years – pan-fried eggplant. This dish has its roots in the Mediterranean cuisine, where eggplant is a staple ingredient.

The combination of crispy exterior and tender interior, paired with the rich flavors of olive oil, garlic, and herbs, makes it a perfect addition to any meal. As a busy mom of three, I appreciate how easy it is to prepare and how versatile it is – whether it’s as a side dish, a main course, or even as a topping for sandwiches and wraps.

My kids love helping me in the kitchen, and this recipe is always a hit with them. They can’t get enough of the way the eggplant absorbs all the flavors and becomes almost velvety in texture.

It’s also incredibly healthy, being low in calories and rich in vitamins and minerals. Plus, it’s so easy to make – just slice the eggplant into thick rounds, dredge them in flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs, and fry them up in olive oil until golden brown.

It’s truly a recipe that never fails to impress our family and friends alike.

Pan Fried Eggplant

4.6 from 685 votes

A delicious and healthy dish featuring tender eggplant slices pan-fried to perfection. This recipe serves 4 people and takes approximately 45 minutes to prepare and cook.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Ingredients

1 large eggplant
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 eggs
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 cup vegetable oil
1 lemon
fresh parsley

👨‍🍳Directions

1Slice the eggplant into 1/2-inch rounds.
2Place the slices on a paper towel and sprinkle with salt.
3Let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture.
4Rinse and pat dry.
5Set up a breading station with three bowls.
6In the first bowl, combine flour, salt, and black pepper.
7In the second bowl, beat the eggs.
8In the third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
9Dredge each eggplant slice in the flour mixture, ensuring it is fully coated.
10Shake off any excess flour.
11Next, dip the slice in the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
12Finally, coat the slice in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
13Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
14Once hot, add the breaded eggplant slices in a single layer.
15Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
16If necessary, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
17Transfer the cooked eggplant slices to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
18Serve hot with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and garnish with chopped parsley.

🔧Equipment

Cutting board
Sharp knife
Mixing bowls
Frying pan
Tongs

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 25g💛Saturated Fat: 3.5g❤️Cholesterol: 45mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 28g🥦Dietary Fiber: 6g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 10g

📝Notes

Tips: You can adjust the seasoning of the flour mixture to your taste. For a spicy version, add red pepper flakes.

Watch Video Of How Pan Fried Eggplant Works

This pan-fried eggplant recipe is always a crowd-pleaser at family gatherings and potlucks.

One reason it works so well is because it’s incredibly versatile – you can serve it as a side dish on its own or add it to sandwiches and wraps for an added layer of flavor and nutrition.

Plus, since it’s so easy to make ahead of time and reheat when needed, this recipe is perfect for busy households like mine where meal prep is essential.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Pan Fried Eggplant

Q: What type of eggplant is best for pan-frying?

A: For pan-frying, I recommend using large or medium-sized eggplants with a firm skin. These will yield better results than smaller or more fragile varieties.

Q: Can I use store-bought breadcrumbs instead of homemade?

A: Yes, you can definitely use store-bought breadcrumbs if you prefer – just be sure to check the ingredients list for any additives or preservatives that might affect the flavor.

Q: How do I prevent the eggplant from becoming too greasy?

A: To avoid excess grease, make sure to pat the eggplant slices dry with paper towels before dredging them in flour and eggs. This will help them absorb less oil during frying.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: While it’s best to fry the eggplant just before serving, you can prepare the sliced eggplant ahead of time by storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Q: What are some good alternatives to breadcrumbs?

A: If you’re looking for gluten-free options or want to add some extra crunch to your eggplant slices, try using panko breadcrumbs or even crushed crackers as a substitute.

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