How do you fry eggplant?

Ingredients:

* 1 large eggplant, cut into 1/2-inch thick slices

* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

* 1 teaspoon salt

* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

* 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or other high-heat oil)

Instructions:

1. Salt and Drain:

* Sprinkle eggplant slices generously with salt. This helps draw out excess moisture, preventing them from becoming soggy during frying.

* Let the eggplant sit for about 30 minutes, then pat dry with paper towels.

2. Prepare Batter (Optional):

* If you prefer a crispy coating, make a simple batter by whisking together flour, salt, and pepper.

* Dip the eggplant slices into the batter, coating them evenly.

3. Heat Oil:

* Pour oil into a large skillet or frying pan. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers and a drop of batter sizzles immediately.

4. Fry:

* Carefully add eggplant slices to the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

* Fry for about 3-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and tender.

5. Drain:

* Transfer fried eggplant to a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.

6. Serve:

* Fried eggplant can be enjoyed as a side dish, or used in other recipes like eggplant parmesan or baba ghanoush.

Tips for Frying Eggplant:

* Don't overcrowd the pan: This will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy eggplant.

* Watch for bubbles: When the eggplant is ready to flip, you'll see lots of bubbles around the edges.

* Avoid over-frying: It's better to have slightly under-fried eggplant than over-fried. It will continue to cook slightly even after it's out of the oil.

* Add Flavor: To enhance the taste, you can add other spices to the flour mixture, like paprika, garlic powder, or onion powder.

* Use a thermometer: If you're concerned about oil temperature, use a deep-frying thermometer to ensure it stays between 350-375°F.

Variations:

* Breaded Eggplant: Coat eggplant slices with breadcrumbs instead of flour for a crispy, crunchy exterior.

* Panko-Crusted Eggplant: Use panko breadcrumbs for an extra-crispy and light crust.

* Air Fryer Eggplant: You can also air fry eggplant for a healthier alternative to frying.

Enjoy!