These little rounds of pan-fried Chinese Eggplant are packed with flavor. Seasonings like curry powder, garlic, and allspice elevate the humble eggplant to new flavor heights. Trust me, you are going to want to put these on everything.
What kind of Eggplant are Chinese Eggplants?
For this recipe, we are using Chinese Eggplants. Chinese Eggplants are long and slender in shape and have a stunning purple outside. The color of these eggplants are truly beautiful.
How to pick the perfect Chinese Eggplant
The skin of the eggplant must be smooth and free of any spots that are discolored or soft. To the touch, the eggplant must be firm. You can tell an eggplant is old when the skin feels squishy and rubbery to the touch.
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Where to find Chinese Eggplants
You can find Chinese Eggplants at your local Asian Supermarket or anywhere where fresh vegetables are sold.
Eggplants are known to be sponges and soak up a lot of oil once fried. By pan-frying instead of deep-frying you use much less oil and the eggplants come out less greasy.
We are using a variety of seasonings on these eggplant rounds such as ground cumin, allspice, curry powder, and turmeric to elevate the flavor profile of the humble eggplant. Eggplant take on season and flavors very well.
Pan-Fried Chinese Eggplant
Ingredients
- 2 Chinese Eggplants (washed)
- 1 glove of garlic grated
- Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
Dry Seasoning Mix
- 1/2 tsp whole spelt flour
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp curry powder
- 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/4 tsp allspice powder
- 1/4 tsp grounded cumin
- 1/4 tsp Nutritional Yeast
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper optional
Instructions
- In a small bowl mix all dry spices and flour together. Set aside.
- Cut the stems/tops of 2 Chinese eggplant off.
- Cut each eggplant into small rounds, about 1/2 inch thick. Put all rounds in a bowl.
- Sprinkle on seasoning mix and grate in 1 clove of garlic. Mix well, ensuring each side of the eggplant rounds are covered.
- Heat a frying pan low and cover with oil. Once oil is heated carefully put in seasoned eggplant rounds. Pan-fried on medium heat.
- Flip once the side of the eggplant facing you is translucent. (do not worry if the eggplant have suck up all the oil. Once you flip over the other side of the eggplant will have enough oil to cook in).
- Pan-fry until the rounds are cooked through and soft to the touch. Remove from heat and place on a plate. You may line the plate with a brown bag to soak p the excess oil
- Fry remaining eggplant rounds.
Video
Recipe Ideas
Here are 5 recipe ideas you can use these Pan-Fried Chinese Eggplants in:
Pizza Topping
Sandwiches
Wraps
As a side dish
Avocado Toast (as a fun topping)
What are you doing with these Pan-fried Chinese Eggplants? Let me know in the comments.
Tried this recipe? Give “Pan-fried Chinese Eggplant” a rating. I appreciate your feedback. You can find all my other 100% plant-based recipes here.
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