What You’ll Need
- 1 large eggplant
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
Step 1: Preparing the Eggplant
Start by washing the eggplant thoroughly and patting it dry with a clean towel. Then, slice the eggplant into quarter-inch thick rounds. Sprinkle some salt on each slice and let them sit for about 30 minutes. This step helps remove any excess moisture from the eggplant, resulting in a crispier texture when fried.
Step 2: Creating the Coating
In a shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until well beaten. Place the flour in another shallow dish. You now have three stations for coating your eggplant slices.
Step 3: Dredging and Coating
Take a slice of eggplant and pat it dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Dip it into the flour, making sure to coat both sides evenly. Shake off any excess flour. Then, dip the slice into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat it with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks well. Repeat this process with the remaining eggplant slices.
Step 4: Frying the Eggplant Slices
In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add a few coated eggplant slices to the skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Fry each side for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown. Once done, transfer the fried slices to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. Repeat this process until all eggplant slices are fried.
Step 5: Serving and Enjoying
Now that your eggplant slices are perfectly fried to a golden brown, it’s time to enjoy them! You can serve them as an appetizer, a side dish, or even as a delicious addition to sandwiches or pasta dishes. These crispy slices pair wonderfully with a tangy marinara sauce or a refreshing yogurt-based dip. Get creative and savor the deliciousness!
There you have it—a step-by-step guide to frying eggplant slices to perfection. From preparing the eggplant to achieving that golden brown crispiness, this guide has you covered. So go ahead and elevate your eggplant dishes with this cooking technique. Happy frying!