Crispy and Delicious Fried Eggplant: The Perfect Side Dish
[Rice Side Dish] Texture-Rich Fried Eggplant
I remembered the delicious fried eggplant served as a side dish at a restaurant, so I immediately tried to make something similar with eggplants from my garden. I hope it turns out just like the restaurant’s version! Let’s try to recreate that amazing flavor. This recipe will guide you to achieve a delightful crispy exterior and a tender, flavorful interior, making it a fantastic addition to any meal.
Ingredients- Eggplant (freshly harvested is best)
Seasoning Sauce- 3 Tbsp Soy Sauce (for rich flavor)
- 1 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, for a mild spicy kick)
- 1 Tbsp Sugar (to balance flavors and add a touch of sweetness)
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil (for a fragrant, nutty aroma)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic (for deep, savory notes)
- 1/2 Tbsp Fish Sauce (anchovy or similar, for enhanced umami)
- 3 Tbsp Soy Sauce (for rich flavor)
- 1 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, for a mild spicy kick)
- 1 Tbsp Sugar (to balance flavors and add a touch of sweetness)
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil (for a fragrant, nutty aroma)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic (for deep, savory notes)
- 1/2 Tbsp Fish Sauce (anchovy or similar, for enhanced umami)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Wash the eggplants thoroughly under running water and pat them dry. Cut the eggplants into bite-sized pieces. You can cut them into half-moons or lengthwise, about 1-2 cm thick, which makes them easy to fry and eat. Using fresh eggplants from your garden will bring out the best flavor!
Step 2
In a small bowl, combine 3 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp gochugaru, 1 Tbsp sugar, 1 Tbsp sesame oil, 1 Tbsp minced garlic, and 1/2 Tbsp fish sauce. Whisk everything together with a spoon until well combined, creating a flavorful seasoning sauce. Ensure all ingredients are evenly mixed.
Step 3
Don’t worry if you don’t have a deep fryer! Use a deep frying pan or a pot and add a generous amount of cooking oil. Heat the oil over medium-low heat. Add the eggplant pieces and fry them until they are golden brown and crispy. Frying over medium-low heat ensures they cook through without burning.
Step 4
Once the eggplants are nicely fried and crispy, remove them from the oil and let excess oil drain for a moment. Drizzle the prepared seasoning sauce evenly over the fried eggplants and gently toss to coat. This will ensure the sauce adheres well to the eggplant. Your delicious fried eggplant, a perfect side dish for rice, is now ready to be enjoyed! It’s best served hot.
