In the present day’s submit is a recipe for the best way to prepare dinner eggplant on the range with nearly no oil. I exploit a extremely efficient, easy pan-steaming methodology used for Asian dumplings like gyoza! Plus, I’m sharing 8+ methods to serve this pan fried eggplant. Which one is your favorite??
How I prepare dinner eggplant on the range with nearly no oil!
Anyone who has ever cooked eggplant is aware of they’re grasping oil-sucking sponges. So right here’s how I prepare dinner them on the range utilizing little or no oil – lower than 1/2 teaspoon of oil for a WHOLE eggplant!
Mainly, I prepare dinner them the identical approach I do Asian dumplings – seared then pan-steamed. So that you simply have to spray the eggplant with oil earlier than cooking in a dry pan. Works a deal with, tremendous quick, and extremely wholesome.
It’s additionally a fantastic methodology to prepare dinner thick slabs of eggplant on the range which could be a bit difficult to do with out burning the floor!
So whereas at present’s submit might sound just a little misplaced amongst the same old meal recipes I share, I feel it’s a extremely helpful one that can serve you nicely for the remainder of your life.
Plus, I’m sharing an entire bunch of the way to serve this pan fried eggplant. Spend these energy you saved whereas cooking the eggplant on the toppings to show it right into a tasty meal!! Right here’s just a little preview of a few of a pair: Caprese Eggplant (left) and Hainanese Eggplant (proper).
Elements
Should you give me oil, salt and pepper at no cost, then it is a ONE ingredient recipe – simply eggplant!!
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Eggplant varieties – This recipe will work for giant or small eggplants, together with Asian eggplants. It’s essential to lower them into rounds or lengthwise into lengthy slabs so there’s no less than one lower face that sits flat on the pan, so it cooks by way of. For Asian eggplants, I simply cut up them in half lengthwise.
Thickness – Minimize the eggplant as much as 2 ½ cm / 1” thick. You’ll be amazed how shortly it cooks by way of! After searing the floor, it solely takes about 2 minutes for the center to turn out to be tender utilizing the pan-steaming methodology.
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Oil spray – That is the easiest way to get oil protection utilizing little or no oil. I attempted to measure it out and I used lower than ½ teaspoon oil throughout 8 slices of eggplant, spraying generously. I like utilizing olive oil spray as a result of it has higher flavour.
However if you happen to don’t have or choose to not use spray, simply brush oil on. You’ll want about 2 tablespoons for 8 slices. Use any oil you need – olive oil, vegetable, canola, coconut oil, even melted butter.
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Including different flavours – This recipe is a clean canvas you possibly can absorb many instructions! Sprinkle the eggplant with a seasoning (paprika, onion and garlic is a foolproof mixture) or brush with harissa paste combined into the oil.
For at present’s recipe, I’m searing the eggplants with simply salt and pepper then offering an inventory of choices for the best way to serve it with sauces and toppings. Simply wait till you see all the chances!
Find out how to prepare dinner eggplant on the range – with little or no oil!
You’ll want a big frying pan with a lid for this recipe. I exploit the lid of a big pot which is bigger than my pan. You may additionally use a big baking tray or one other frying pan. Something to entice the steam in!
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Minimize the eggplant into rounds. I like thick meaty rounds about 2 cm / 0.8” thick, although this methodology will prepare dinner for thinner rounds too, and as much as about 3 cm / 1.2”.
Word on thickness: This methodology is to prepare dinner thick slices of eggplant. If you’re after skinny slices, say 5mm / 0.2” thick, there’s no have to pan steam. Simply spray with oil and pan sear, it can solely take a few minutes on both sides to prepare dinner by way of.
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Spray the floor generously with oil, then sprinkle with salt (you should use pepper too, if you need).
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Sear – Warmth a big non-stick pan over medium excessive warmth, with no oil. Then place the eggplant within the pan and sear till browned on each side. This will take 1 ½ to 2 minutes, relying on how nicely the warmth distributes in your pan and the way large your burner is. Management the warmth as wanted for good even browning.
At this stage, the eggplant will nonetheless be fully uncooked inside.
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Add water – Fastidiously pour ¼ cup of water across the eggplant. The water will bubble up and get steamy shortly so pour slowly.
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Pan-steam – Shortly put the lid on to entice the steam to prepare dinner the eggplant. Depart it for two minutes or till the water has evaporated.
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Test to see if the eggplant is cooked by stabbing it with a butter knife (not a pointy chopping knife as it’s too sharp so you possibly can’t inform if the eggplant is absolutely cooked or not). It ought to be fully tender all over. If not, simply add a splash of water and hold steaming. That’s the beauty of this method, you possibly can hold doing this a number of occasions till the eggplant is cooked by way of!
As soon as cooked, switch to a serving plate! You’ll be able to eat it as is – scrumptious, as a result of eggplant is so ridiculously juicy inside and also you seasoned it with salt and pepper. However see under for an entire bunch of different methods to serve this!
Suggestion for methods to serve pan-fried eggplant
If I wish to perform a little extra however nonetheless hold issues easy, I simply add a sleek of additional virgin olive oil, sea salt flakes and a squeeze of lemon. If I’m cooking to impress, I’d even sprinkle over a couple of parsley leaves – going all out! 😂 That is image above. (To take it excessive, add a bathe of parmesan. So good!)
However, if you wish to make your eggplant-eating life much more thrilling, right here’s an inventory of strategies. Simply wait till you see the number of prospects!
1. Chilli crisp eggplant
The quickest approach to gown up pan-fried eggplant: add a great smear of your favorite chilli crisp! (My go-to retailer purchased Chilli Crisp is Lao Ganman “Offended Auntie” which is a worldwide favorite).
2. Caprese Eggplant
Topped with tomato, basil, crumbled goats cheese or feta with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. I particularly like consuming this on toast!
3. HAINANESE Eggplant
Named as such as a result of it’s served with the Hainanese Hen ginger shallot sauce plus a drizzle of sriracha. And it’s superb! Ginger shallot sauce recipe right here.
4. SAUCE VIERGE
Vibrant Mediterranean flavours on this olive-tomato-garlic-herb French dressing fashion fashionable French salsa-sauce that I really like serving with seared tuna steak. It really works so nicely with eggplant! Sauce Vierge recipe right here.
5. DUKKAH WITH TAHINI YOGURT SAUCE
I actually need to share our dukkah recipe with you! For now, use retailer purchased. 🙂 Use the tahini sauce from this recipe.
6. WITH A MOUNTAIN OF PARMESAN BREADCRUMBS
A slather of garlic yogurt sauce and a mound of garlic parmesan panko is a ridiculously scrumptious mixture of flavours and textures!
7. MORE IDEAS
And with that, I’m carried out. Who knew I had a lot to say about pan-fried eggplant??
Now for the most effective half – getting concepts from. Share, share, share! – Nagi x
Watch the best way to make it
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Virtually no-oil Pan Fried Eggplant
Prep: 3 minutes
Cook dinner: 10 minutes
Complete: 13 minutes
Most important, Facet
Western
Servings2
Faucet or hover to scale
Elements
Sauces and toppings for serving:
Directions
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Minimize the eggplant into 2cm / 0.8” rounds.
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Spray both sides generously with oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
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Brown – Warmth a big non-stick pan with a lid over medium excessive warmth, no oil. (Word 3) Add the eggplant slices and pan fry for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes on both sides or till you get some good browning on it. As a lot or as little as you need!
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Pan steam – Fastidiously add water across the eggplant (it can bubble and steam, so do that fastidiously). Then instantly cowl with a lid to entice the steam in. Steam for two minutes or till the water has evaporated.
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Test – Use a butter knife to verify to make sure the eggplant is cooked by way of. If not, add a bit extra water and steam once more!
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Serve – Switch to a serving plate and serve! Nice as is, or to decorate it up a tiny bit, add a sleek of olive oil, squeeze of lemon juice and parsley leaves, or a smear of chilli crisp! See in submit for extra methods to serve.
Recipe Notes:
Thickness of slices – This methodology is for thick slices of eggplant round 2 – 2.5cm / 1” thick. If you’re after skinny slices of eggplant ~5mm / 0.2”, there’s no have to do the steaming step. You’ll be able to simply pan-fry it for two minutes on both sides.
2. Oil spray is the most effective for even protection. Should you choose to brush oil on, you’ll want round 2 – 2 ½ tbsp of oil for six giant rounds as pictured (eggplant absorbs oil so simply!).
3. Lid for pan – I simply use the lid of a big pot which is definitely bigger than my pan however works advantageous to entice the steam in. You may additionally use a baking tray.
4. Leftovers will hold for 3 to 4 days nevertheless it does are inclined to get watery and mushy. Greatest served freshly cooked!
Vitamin for the entire recipe ie assuming it serves 1!
Vitamin Info:
Energy: 121cal (6%)Carbohydrates: 24g (8%)Protein: 4g (8%)Fats: 3g (5%)Saturated Fats: 0.4g (3%)Polyunsaturated Fats: 1gMonounsaturated Fats: 1gSodium: 1172mg (51%)Potassium: 923mg (26%)Fiber: 12g (50%)Sugar: 14g (16%)Vitamin A: 95IU (2%)Vitamin C: 9mg (11%)Calcium: 39mg (4%)Iron: 1mg (6%)
Lifetime of Dozer
For brief journeys, I’ll simply pop him within the boot which is his desire. He likes to sprawl. However for longer distances, I all the time belt him up. Security first!
