Once you learn how to fry eggplant, you will pair it with everything! This fried eggplant recipe is fully caramelized and only takes 20 minutes.
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This fried eggplant recipe turns a classic summer vegetable into an instant side dish that can be paired with many main dishes!I always Grilled eggplant When I wanted to cook this vegetable, but recently I tried how to fry eggplant. You will love it! The fried eggplant is more caramelized than the oven version!
Just like the baking method, these simple fried eggplant slices use some common kitchen ingredients.The main difference is that the frying needs to be even less Time-you don’t have to wait for the oven to heat up!
Can you fry eggplant?
Yes, you can definitely fry eggplant! It’s fast, simple, and delicious.
Why you would love this fried eggplant recipe
- Rich taste, sweet and delicious
- Soft texture with caramelized edges
- Only 5 basic ingredients
- Ready in total 20 minutes
- Easy to match a variety of dishes

Ingredients for fried eggplant
This section explains how to choose the best ingredients for eggplant stir-fry, the role of each ingredient in the recipe, and alternative options. For measurement, please refer to the recipe card below.
- eggplant – Get a firm, smooth, shiny skin without scratches. Cook as soon as possible to get the freshest taste.
- Garlic powder – Stir-fried eggplant with garlic brings a natural flavor to this vegetable. You can also use fresh minced garlic, but you need to add it later in the cooking process to avoid burning.
- sea salt & Black pepper
- olive oil – Eggplant sautéed with olive oil (especially extra virgin) tastes great, but you can also use any cooking oil on hand.

How to cut eggplant for frying
There are several different ways of cutting eggplants to stir-fry:
- slice. Cut the eggplant horizontally into 1/4 inch circles.Start from the end no There are stems so you can grab the leafy end when slicing.
- tape. Cut the eggplant into 1/2-inch slices, then stack these slices and cut into long strips.
- cube. Cut in the same way as the bars, but then cut all the bars in the opposite direction to make a cube.
The last two methods work well in sauces or as part of other recipes.
For fried eggplant, I prefer slice, There are several reasons:
- this is fastest method.
- You get Caramel fringe On every piece.
- Easier to get Pretty browning Because you can fry without moving, flip it once.
- The ideal thickness is 1/4 inch thick, Which allows the eggplant to be cooked and caramelized quickly

How to fry eggplant
This section shows the best way to fry eggplants with step-by-step photos and detailed information about the technique. For complete instructions, see the recipe card below.
- season. Sprinkle the eggplant with salt, pepper and garlic powder.If you want more flavor, you can add some Italian seasoning as well as.
tip: No need to pre-salt! This is a common practice for removing bitterness from eggplants, but most eggplants today are cultivated to avoid this problem. Eggplants cook faster this way, too.

- saute. Heat oil in a large saucepan, then add eggplant slices in a single layer. Working in batches, sauté the eggplant on both sides until completely soft and caramelized. Repeat for the remaining eggplants, adding oil between batches, until done.
tip: Don’t move the eggplant! Unlike some stir-frying methods, in this case, we hope that the eggplant will not be affected unless it is turned. This will bring us beautiful and delicious browning.

How long will the eggplant be fried?
Eggplant slices need to be cooked 3-6 minutes per side, Suppose you cut them into 1/4 inch thick. When they soften, brown, and caramelize on the outside, they are done cooking.
Fried eggplant variants
- Stir-fried eggplant and zucchini – Fry the eggplant and zucchini slices together. This method can all work well, just make sure to cut them to the same thickness.
- Eggplant with garlic – If you prefer fresh minced garlic to the garlic powder used in this recipe, please add garlic at the end of cooking to prevent it from burning.
- Mediterranean Fried Eggplant – Follow the instructions below to fry the eggplant and then add the ingredients This Mediterranean chicken recipe.
- Fried eggplant chunks – As I explained above, I prefer fried eggplant slices, but you can also fried eggplant pieces if you want. Be sure to turn them from time to time to brown all sides.
- Eggplant with Feta – When the eggplants are almost cooked, put a piece of feta cheese on each eggplant, cover it, and let it soften.

Storage instructions
Put the eggplant in an airtight container and put it in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.
Can cooked eggplant be frozen?
Yes! Place cooked eggplant slices between layers of parchment paper and put them in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one year. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheat instructions:
Heat the eggplant in an oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through. Fried eggplant salad is also delicious!

What to serve with fried eggplant
The recipe for sautéed eggplant complements Italian, Greek and Middle Eastern flavors. It is also delicious with a variety of meats and hearty pasta:
Healthier eggplant recipes
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Fried eggplant recipe
Once you learn how to fry eggplant, you will pair it with everything! This fried eggplant recipe is fully caramelized and only takes 20 minutes.
Preparation time 5 minute
Cooking time 15 minute
total time 20 minute
raw material
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instruct
Tap the time in the instructions below to start the kitchen timer while cooking.
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Cut the eggplant horizontally into rounds, about 1/4 inch (6 mm) thick. Only cut off the multi-leaf end after you have finished slicing, so that you have more things to grab while slicing. If the slices are wet, pat them dry.
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Sprinkle garlic powder, sea salt and black pepper on both sides of the eggplant slices.
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Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a pot 12 inch saucepan Low to medium heat. Working in batches, add eggplant slices in a single layer.Fried eggplant for 3-6 minutes On each side, until soft, brown, and caramelized on both sides. Repeat with the remaining eggplant slices, adding about 1-2 tablespoons of oil to each batch.
Recipe notes
Serving size: 4-5 slices, or 1/4 whole recipe
nutrient content
The amount per serving. The amount in the formula description above.
Calories 150
fat 13.7г
protein 1.2g
Total carbohydrates 7.1g
Net carbohydrates 3.6-
fiber 3.5g
sugar 4.1g
The nutrients are provided out of courtesy. Have questions about the calculation or why you get different results?Please see our Nutrition policy.
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