The Best Fried Eggplant

Fried Eggplant in electric skillet shallow frying

Panko bread crumbs create the crunchy coating for these perfect "shallow fried" eggplant. Shallow frying gives you the "crunch" factor without the food absorbing an excessive amount of oil. Cooked eggplant can also be frozen for a quick snack or appetizer later.

Note: Recipe is based on a "Small" eggplant, which is 6 slices. Scale recipe for eggplant(s) that are larger (i.e. a large eggplant which is 11-12 slices, you need to double the rest of the ingredients).

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Prep Time 25

Cook Time 5

Total Time 30

Course Appetizer, Snack

Servings slices

Equipment

Electric Skillet

Ingredients

1 large Egg
1 teaspoon Kosher Salt divided
⅓ cup Cornstarch
1 small eggplant cut into ¼-inch slices
1 cup Plain Panko Crumbs
1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
½ cup Low Sodium Marinara Sauce for dipping

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Instructions

Dredging Station:

You will need 3 shallow dishes. (Re-use those Pie Plates that come with restaurant pies.)
1) Cornstarch
2) Beat egg with ¼-teaspoon salt
3) Panko bread crumbs and Italian seasoning
Dredge each slice of eggplant in cornstarch, then egg mixture, then panko crumbs. Place coated eggplant on a wire rack. Allow the coating to set for 20 minutes.

Fry the Eggplant:

An electric skillet works best since you can control the temperature. Or, a heavy bottom skillet with straight sides can also work.
Heat ½-inch of oil to 375°F. Fry the eggplant for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Do no overcrowd pan. Drain on paper towels. Season with salt and pepper.
Serve with the marinara sauce.

Make Ahead:

Cooked eggplant can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Cool cooked eggplant slices to room temperature. Place on a cookie sheet in a single layer with at least 1-inch between slice. Freeze for 2-4 hours. Store frozen slices in a freezer storage bag, removing as much air as possible.
Re-heating in a toaster oven will keep the crunch, but a microwave is still good.
Toaster Oven: From frozen, heat for 15 minutes at 375°F.
Microwave: From frozen, microwave on high for 1-2 minutes per side.

Nutrition Facts

The Best Fried Eggplant

Amount per Serving

Calories

133

% Daily Value*

Fat

Saturated Fat

Cholesterol

Sodium

177

Carbohydrates

Fiber

Sugar

Protein

Carb Count

1.5

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Keyword Freezer Meals, Heart Healthy, Meatless Meals, Snack Ideas, Vegetable Dishes

Food Groups ***Starch = .5 serving, Vegetable = 1 serving

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