RECIPE: The Best Way to Cook Eggplant

➤ story by KEVIN NGUYEN • photos by GRUBBANA STUDIOS

Every once in a while, eggplant goes on sale and I’ll grab a few without thinking too hard about it. Some get reserved for eggplant parmesan, some for baba ghanoush, but this fried version has earned a permanent spot in the rotation.

The Method

Fried eggplant’s main issue is texture — it tends to go soft and soggy instead of crisp. The solution starts with the cut.

Slice the eggplant into thick strips, but keep them attached at the stem end so they fan out slightly. This helps them hold their structure during frying and increases surface area for browning and crisp edges.

@saynigkitchen

Crispy Eggplant Fries So crispy on the outside and soft inside Recipe: • 1 eggplant • 4 tbsp flour • 2 tbsp cornstarch • 1 tsp salt • 1 tsp paprika • 1/2 tsp black pepper • 1/2 tsp garlic powder • 120 ml water • Panko breadcrumbs Peel the eggplant, cut it in half and make thin cuts like in the video. Soak in cold salted water for 20 minutes. Mix flour, cornstarch, seasonings and water to make the batter. Dip the eggplant into the batter, then coat with panko breadcrumbs. Fry in hot oil until golden and crispy 🤍 #eggplant #eggplantfries #crispy #easyrecipe #foodtok

♬ Originalton – Saynig Kitchen

From there, treat it like you would a chicken cutlet: dredge first in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs. The flour removes surface moisture so the egg adheres properly, the egg binds everything together, and the breadcrumbs form the crust.

Related: How to Make Chicken Cutlets Without Eggs or Flour

Fry until deep golden and crisp, turning as needed for even color. The oil should be hot enough to sizzle immediately but not so hot that the coating darkens before the eggplant softens inside. Once done, transfer to a wire rack instead of paper towels so steam doesn’t collect underneath and soften the crust.

How to Serve

Fried eggplant is at its best with something creamy and acidic to balance the oil and richness. Yogurt-based sauces work especially well here, especially anything with lemon, herbs, or vinegar for brightness.

Check out the full recipe below: