Rustic Eggplant Fritters: Crispy and Irresistibly Delicious
Easy Homemade ‘Rustic Eggplant Fritters’ Recipe: Crispy like Fried Eggplant!
Eggplant is incredibly versatile – delicious fried, grilled, or even added to rice dishes. While I adore deep-fried eggplant, the splattering oil can be a bit daunting at home. That’s why I created these ‘Rustic Eggplant Fritters’ by dicing the eggplant and frying it, achieving a texture remarkably similar to fried eggplant. Though they may look a bit rough and uneven, their texture and taste are simply divine! These fritters offer a delightful crunch on the outside and a tender, flavorful inside.
Ingredients- 2 eggplants
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (use a Korean paper cup measure)
- Slightly more than 1 cup water (use a Korean paper cup measure)
- A pinch of black pepper
- A pinch of salt
- Generous amount of cooking oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the 2 eggplants thoroughly. Then, dice them into bite-sized pieces, about 1.5 cm cubes. Cutting them into slightly thicker pieces will help prevent them from falling apart during frying.
Step 2
Place the diced eggplant in a bowl and lightly season with a pinch of salt and a pinch of black pepper. Toss gently to coat. This step helps to draw out excess moisture from the eggplant and seasons it from the inside, making it tastier. Let it sit for about 5 minutes.
Step 3
In a medium-sized bowl, add 1 cup of all-purpose flour (measured with a Korean paper cup). Gradually pour in slightly more than 1 cup of water. The batter should not be too thin or too thick; aim for a consistency that coats the eggplant nicely. Whisk thoroughly with a whisk or spoon until smooth, ensuring there are no lumps.
Step 4
Lightly pat the seasoned eggplant pieces to remove any excess moisture. Add the eggplant to the prepared batter and mix well, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. If the batter seems too thick, add a little more water. If it’s too thin, add a bit more flour until you reach the desired consistency.
Step 5
Now it’s time to fry these delicious eggplant fritters! Heat a frying pan over medium-high heat and add a generous amount of cooking oil. Let the oil get sufficiently hot before adding the fritters.
Step 6
Carefully drop spoonfuls of the eggplant batter into the hot oil. Make sure to leave some space between each fritter so they don’t stick together, which will help them fry evenly and become crispy.
Step 7
Once the edges begin to turn golden brown, gently flip the fritters using a spatula. After flipping, reduce the heat to medium and continue to cook until the fritters are golden brown and cooked through. Adjusting the heat is key to prevent burning.
Step 8
Flip them once more and cook until both sides are golden brown and crispy, and the inside is tender. Once they are beautifully golden and cooked through, your ‘Rustic Eggplant Fritters’ are ready! Serve them warm with a side of soy sauce for dipping. Enjoy!
