Eggplant (Easy, Impossibly Crispy, Oven-Baked Version)
Yes, it’s possible to have crisp and flavorful eggplant by skipping the frying and baking it instead. In this recipe, panko-style breadcrumbs create a substantial-yet-light coating, while Parmesan adds a boost of flavor. Serve with a simple tomato sauce or herbed labneh.
See Recipe Notes for tips on how to buy an eggplant and how to keep it from getting soggy.
Ingredients
1 medium eggplant (about 1 pound)1 tablespoon kosher salt
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
2 cups panko breadcrumbs (I found this to be way too much. I used 1 cup but kept all quantity of the seasons the same.)
1 ounce freshly grated Parmesan cheese (about 1/2 cup)
1 teaspoon Italian or za'atar seasoning
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoons olive oil
1/3 cup loosely packed fresh parsley leaves (optional)
Marinara sauce or labne, for dipping (optional)
Instructions
1. Cut 1 medium eggplant crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick rounds. Sprinkle the slices with 1 tablespoon kosher salt and place in a large colander set over a bowl. Let sit until the eggplant releases about 2 tablespoons of liquid, 30 to 45 minutes.2. Meanwhile, arrange a rack in the center of the oven and place a rimmed baking sheet on the rack. Heat the oven to 425°F. Place 1/2 cup all-purpose flour in a shallow bowl. Place 2 large eggs in a second shallow bowl and whisk to break them up. Place 2 cups panko breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon Italian or za'atar seasoning, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper in a third shallow bowl and whisk until combined.
3. Firmly press the eggplant slices between layers of paper towels to remove as much liquid as possible. Working with 1 slice at a time, dip in the flour until well-coated, then shaking off excess. Dip into the eggs and let the excess drip off. Finally, dredge in the panko mixture, pressing to make sure the crumbs adhere. Place the breaded slices in a single layer on a plate.
4. Remove the heated baking sheet from the oven. Add 3 tablespoons olive oil and tilt until the bottom of the baking sheet is evenly coated. Place breaded eggplant on the baking sheet in a single layer.
5. Bake until well-browned and crisp on the bottom, about 20 minutes. Flip the slices and bake until crispy all over, 10 to 20 minutes more. Meanwhile coarsely chop 1/3 cup fresh parsley leaves.
6. Sprinkle the parsley over the baked eggplant and serve with marinara sauce or labne for dipping.
RECIPE NOTES
Storage: Refrigerate the baked eggplant slices in an airtight container for up to 5 days. To reheat, place the slices on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 10 minutes. Alternatively, heat up the slices in a nonstick pan over medium heat until crisped up.
What to Look for When Shopping for Eggplant
It’s heavy for its size.
The skin is vivid, smooth, and shiny.
The stem is green.
It feels slightly firm.
Small- to medium-sized eggplants are less bitter.
How Do You Keep Eggplant from Getting Soggy?
Eggplant has many pockets of moisture, which release liquid when cooked. If you coat it with breading, it’ll get soggy and slide off. Again, you need to sweat the eggplant by salting it and letting it sit for at least 30 minutes to extract that liquid, then rinse and pat dry before coating it. Your eggplant will turn out crisp on the outside and creamy on the inside.
First made this - August 2021