17 fried eggplant recipes

Indian-style fried eggplant with turmeric, cayenne, and black pepper. Quartered and pan-fried until reddish brown, served with fresh lemon wedges.

Cajun-spiced fried eggplant or zucchini gets a triple coating of seasoned flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs before hitting hot oil. Cayenne heat with a surprising powdered sugar dusting at the end.

Fried eggplant and yellow squash drizzled with taratour (Lebanese tahini-lemon sauce), served with pita wedges. A Middle Eastern appetizer with crispy, golden vegetables and creamy sauce.

Thai fire-roasted eggplant dressed in a hot fish sauce, lemon, and sugar glaze with shallots, cilantro, and dried shrimp powder. Smoky, tangy, and ready in 25 minutes.

Pissaladiere-style pizza with caramelized leeks, roasted eggplant, roasted peppers, capers, basil, and balsamic vinegar on a homemade whole wheat crust. Vegan-friendly.

Crispy Thai eggplant fritters dipped in a light egg batter and deep-fried to golden perfection. This quick Makhua Chub Khai Thord recipe needs just 5 ingredients and 20 minutes.

Eggplant a la Provencale layers golden olive-oil-fried eggplant slices under a slow-simmered tomato, garlic, and parsley sauce. A chilled French summer appetizer or salad.

Chinese-style eggplant stir-fry with spicy ground pork, chile oil, hoisin, soy sauce, and Chinese black vinegar, finished with a cornstarch glaze. Ready in 20 minutes and deeply savory.

Oven-baked eggplant slices coated in seasoned egg whites and crushed corn flakes. Crispy without frying, no oil needed, and just as good cold as hot.

Classic Sicilian caponata with fried eggplant, plum tomatoes, green olives, capers, and pine nuts in a tangy vinegar-sugar agrodolce. Serve chilled as an appetizer or relish.

Indian eggplant curry with peas and cilantro: a vegan dry-fry baingan masala built on tempered mustard and cumin seeds, turmeric, and cayenne. Soft, almost buttery eggplant served over rice, topped with bright green peas.

Garlic-studded roasted eggplant mashed with fried onions, ginger, and fresh cilantro. Includes a tangy cold variation with mustard oil. Easy Indian side dish.

Simple sauteed eggplant slices, salted to draw out moisture then pan-fried until soft and golden. A 3-ingredient vegetarian side with optional chili powder for heat.

A rustic Sicilian appetizer of pan-fried eggplant simmered in a sweet-and-sour sauce with olives, capers, pine nuts, and tomato. Served at room temperature for bold Mediterranean flavor.

Badrijani Sunelebit is a classic Georgian dish of golden pan-fried eggplant slices layered with fresh basil, raw garlic, and white wine vinegar. Served cold as a salad or side.

Vegan garlic eggplant with mushrooms, onions, and basil, simmered until meltingly soft. Oil-free, sauteed in water or veggie stock, and loaded with nearly a full head of garlic.