Slice the eggplant into 1/2 inch rounds. Place the rounds in a colander and sprinkle them with salt (sea salt, kosher salt, any kind of salt will work). Make sure each eggplant round has a thin sprinkling of salt on it. Let the slices sit for 20-30 minutes until beads of liquid form on the surface.
How do you fry eggplant without greasy?
Brush the oil onto the eggplant.
This approach works best when cooking eggplant halves or slices. Brush one side of the flesh, then immediately add it to a hot pan. And in the case of slices, brush the other side with oil just before flipping, to prevent the oil from soaking into the flesh.
What is the best way to prepare eggplant?
Eggplants can be grilled, steamed, braised, stir-fried, deep-fried and roasted. For a smoky flavour, turn whole eggplants over an open flame on the barbecue or stovetop until the skin is charred, then scoop out the flesh. Choose eggplants with smooth and shiny skin that is even across the surface.
Does eggplant need to be soaked before frying?
“The only exception is when you deep fry it. I tend to soak the slices in a bowl of water with a couple of tablespoon of salt for about 30-45 minutes. It doesn’t have to do with bitterness, but I find that in doing this, the fried eggplant turns out less greasy,” Jenkins says.
How long does it take to fry eggplant?
In a deep, heavy skillet heat 1/2-inch of vegetable oil to 375 degrees F. Fry the eggplant pieces, in batches if necessary, for about 1 minute on each side, or until golden brown. Transfer with tongs to paper towels to drain. Sprinkle lightly with salt before serving.
What is the best oil to fry eggplant?
Peanut oil has a high smoking point and mild taste ideal for stir-frying eggplant. One of the most important things to consider when frying eggplant is decreasing the amount of grease the eggplant absorbs by first salting it thoroughly. It’s also important to cook eggplant evenly and to avoid undercooking.
Why is eggplant not good for you?
Eggplants are part of the nightshade family. Nightshades contain alkaloids, including solanine, which can be toxic. Solanine protects these plants while they are still developing. Eating the leaves or tubers of these plants can lead to symptoms such as burning in the throat, nausea and vomiting, and heart arrhythmias.
Is fried eggplant healthy?
Fried Eggplant Has Superior Antioxidants
In addition to being rich in vitamins and minerals, eggplant is also rich in antioxidants. In this respect, the health benefits of eating eggplant are very high. Antioxidants are substances that protect the human body from harmful substances called free radicals.
Do you salt eggplant before frying?
Really? In most cases, that’s just not necessary. After an extended series of experiments, I found you only need to salt eggplant if you’re going to be frying it, and even then only sometimes. If you’re cooking it in some other way — roasting, grilling, steaming — salting has no effect.
How long does eggplant take to cook?
Brush with Olive Oil: Brush the eggplant flesh with a bit of olive oil and put it face-down on a baking sheet. Roast the Eggplant: Roast for 35-40 minutes, or until the back of the eggplant looks collapsed and puckered.
Should you eat the skin of eggplant?
While the skin of a small young eggplant is edible, the skin becomes bitter on larger or older eggplants and should be peeled.
How long do you salt eggplant before cooking?
In The New Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone, Deborah Madison recommends salting slices or cubes for 30 minutes to remove bitterness, 60 or more to achieve better fried eggplant.
Why do u Soak eggplant in salt water?
Salting: Salting removes excess liquid and some of the bitterness. Today’s eggplants are bred for mildness, though, so it’s not as important as it used to be (if you are frying eggplant, salting will ensure a creamy texture and rich flavor). This method works for eggplant slices, cubes, or planks.
Can I put eggplant in stir fry?
This eggplant stir-fry is easy to make. We call for long and tender Japanese eggplant, but regular eggplant will work well too, cut into 1-inch pieces. Jalapeño peppers can vary from mild to very spicy.
Can you eat raw eggplant?
Can You Eat Eggplant Raw? Luckily, the answer is yes! While the leaves and flowers can be toxic, the eggplant itself is safe to consume both raw and cooked, and the compound that some might be sensitive to, solanine, is only toxic when consumed in large quantities.
What does fried eggplant taste like?
Fried eggplant is delicious. Not everyone enjoys the earthy flavor of eggplant, but frying it makes it taste sweeter, almost like roasted eggplant. The ingredients of the breading or batter will have an effect on the flavor.
What do you serve with fried eggplant?
What to Serve with Eggplant Parmesan (14 Ideal Side Dishes)
- Antipasto Salad. Start your Italian meal the traditional way with an antipasto salad.
- Italian Sausage. This one is for the meat lovers out there.
- Meatballs.
- Garlic Bread.
- Gnocchi.
- Grilled Zucchini.
- Roasted Broccolini.
- Fresh Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette.
Is it OK to fry eggplant in olive oil?
Why someone thought frying in EVOO was a bad thing, we do not know. Olive oil is the best option for pan-fried or deep-fried foods, including these.
Is eggplant fried in olive oil good for you?
Sauteing eggplant in 1 teaspoon of oil provides an additional 4.5 grams of fat or 40 calories from fat. Some fats are better for you than others. Saute your eggplant in olive oil, which is rich in monounsaturated fats, or MUFAs.
How much eggplant is toxic?
“A ripe eggplant contains the most solanine: 75 micrograms per gram of fruit,” he added. “In order to injure herself, a 150-lb person would need to eat about 40 million micrograms of solanine, which is 500,000 grams of eggplant, or 1000 eggplants in a single sitting.”
Is eggplant skin poisonous?
It’s important to note that even if the skin is chewy and unpalatable in some circumstances, it’s still safely edible. That can’t be said of the whole eggplant. The leaves of the eggplant are toxic and should never be eaten.
Justin Shelton is a professional cook. He’s been in the industry for over 10 years, and he loves nothing more than creating delicious dishes for others to enjoy. Justin has worked in some of the best kitchens in the country, and he’s always looking for new challenges and ways to improve his craft. When he’s not cooking, Justin enjoys spending time with his wife and son. He loves exploring new restaurants and trying out different cuisines.