Fried Eggplant With Honey Recipe

Ever wondered how to transform a humble eggplant into crispy, golden perfection with a sweet twist? Let me take you on a delicious journey through my favorite recipe for honey-drizzled fried eggplant!

The flavors in my Fried Eggplant with Honey recipe are perfectly balanced. The rich texture of the eggplant is beautifully contrasted by a golden, crispy coating that is seasoned with salt and black pepper.

And then, there’s the honey. I like to drizzle it on just before serving, along with a touch of lemon juice, for an added note of sweetness.

The contrast of textures and flavors in this dish—crispy, savory, and sweet—is utterly irresistible.

Fried Eggplant With Honey Recipe Ingredients

• Eggplant: Rich in fiber, low in calories, high in antioxidants.
• Flour: Provides carbohydrates; essential for golden crust.
• Eggs: Add protein; create a binding coating.
• Honey: Natural sweetener with antioxidants; adds sweetness.
• Lemon Juice: Boosts flavor with tangy acidity; rich in vitamin C.

Fried Eggplant With Honey Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 large eggplant
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup milk
• Vegetable oil for frying
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• Pinch of salt

How to Make this Fried Eggplant With Honey Recipe

1. Cut the eggplant into 1/4 inch thick rounds and salt them. Let them rest for about 20 minutes to draw out some moisture. Use paper towels to pat them dry.

2. In a wide, shallow dish, whisk together the flour, salt, and black pepper.

3. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and milk together until combined.

4. In a large skillet, over medium-high heat, heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil.

5. Immerse each slice of eggplant in the flour blend, allowing any extra to fall off. Then, dip it into the egg wash, making sure the eggplant is well coated. Finally, return it to the flour and coat it again.

6. Fry the eggplant slices in small groups for around 3 minutes on every side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. After frying, place them on a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any leftover oil.

7. In a small saucepan, warm the honey with the lemon juice and a pinch of salt over low heat. Stir until the three have combined.

8. Put the serving platter on the counter or on a table in front of you.

Next, pick up one of the fried eggplant slices with your fingers or use tongs to handle it.

And finally, set the slice of fried eggplant down on the serving platter.

9. Generously drizzle the warm honey mixture over the fried eggplant.

10. Immediate serving is recommended, with an optional garnish of fresh herbs. For additional flavor, a squeeze of lemon can be added.

Fried Eggplant With Honey Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Chef’s knife
2. Cutting board
3. Paper towels
4. Wide, shallow dish
5. Medium bowl
6. Whisk
7. Large skillet
8. Tongs
9. Plate
10. Small saucepan
11. Spoon (for stirring)
12. Serving platter

FAQ

• Q: Can I use a different type of flour?A: Indeed, it is possible to utilize either whole wheat flour or breadcrumbs, which would yield a distinct textural and flavorful profile.
• Q: What’s the best way to slice the eggplant?A: For even cooking and optimal crispness, slice the eggplant into 1/4-inch rounds.
• Q: Can I bake the eggplant instead of frying?A: Certainly, eggplant can be baked at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 20 minutes, with a turn at the halfway mark, in order to ensure that it cooks evenly. This is a method that, first and foremost, is definitely healthier than frying.
• Q: Is there a substitute for honey?A: If necessary, you can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
• Q: How do I keep the fried eggplant crispy?A: Rather than paper towels, place the fried eggplant on a wire rack, which allows for air circulation, to prevent them from becoming soggy.
• Q: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?A: The eggplant is best served fresh, but you can slice it and prepare the coating beforehand.
• Q: What other spices can I add for more flavor?A: For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the coating.

Fried Eggplant With Honey Recipe Substitutions and Variations

You can swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour to make a gluten-free dish. Alternatively, you can use chickpea flour, which will lend a different flavor to the end product.
Oil from vegetables: For an olive oil add-in, use it for a Mediterranean twist; for a more neutral taste and oil with a higher smoke point, reach for avocado oil.
Eggs: Substitute with flax eggs, made by mixing 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg, to create a vegan alternative.
Agave nectar or maple syrup can be used instead of honey to provide a distinctively sweet flavor.
Fresh lemon juice: For a different tangy taste, use apple cider vinegar. Prefer lime juice? Use that instead.

Pro Tips

1. Salting the Eggplant Ensure you thoroughly salt the eggplant slices and let them sit to draw out bitterness and moisture. This helps in achieving a crispier texture when frying.

2. Double Coating Technique For extra crispiness, follow the double coating method diligently. After the initial dip in the flour mixture, ensure the eggplant is well-coated in the egg wash before again covering it with flour.

3. Optimal Frying Temperature Use a thermometer to keep the oil at a consistent temperature of around 350°F (175°C). This prevents the eggplant from becoming too greasy and helps it fry evenly.

4. Honey-Lemon Sauce Consistency When warming the honey and lemon juice, avoid overheating to prevent breaking the sauce. Heat just enough to allow them to combine smoothly.

5. Timing the Drizzle Add the honey-lemon drizzle right before serving to maintain the crispiness of the fried eggplant and to prevent sogginess. Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for an aromatic touch.