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Get It Now This post may contain affiliate links, which help keep this content detached. ( Full disclosure ) This saute eggplant recipe transforms a classical summer vegetable into a quick-cooking side dish that goes with indeed many mains ! I have always roasted eggplant or grilled eggplant when I want to cook this vegetable, but recently experimented with how to saute eggplant. And you ’ re going to love it ! Pan fried eggplant caramelizes even more than the oven version ! barely like the ridicule method, these simpleton saute eggplant slices take a few coarse kitchen ingredients. The chief difference is that pan electrocute takes even less fourth dimension — and you don ’ t have to wait for your oven to heat up ! ( You can besides try air fryer eggplant as another agile — and more hands-off — method. )

Can You Saute Eggplant ?

Yes, you absolutely can saute eggplant ! It ’ sulfur quick, easy, and delightful. like to sauteed zucchini, it browns perfectly for a flavorful and flying english dish.

Why You ’ ll Love This Sauteed Eggplant Recipe

• Rich, savory and sweet flavor
• Soft texture with caramelized edges
• Just 5 basic ingredients
• Ready in 20 minutes total
• Easy to pair with lots of dishes

Sauteed Eggplant Ingredients

This section explains how to choose the best ingredients for eggplant saute, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe circuit board below.

• Eggplant – Get a firm one, with smooth, shiny skin and no nicks. Cook it as soon as you can for freshest flavor.
• Garlic Powder – Sauteed eggplant with garlic brings out natural flavors in this veggie. You could also use fresh minced garlic, but you’ll want to add it later in the cooking process to avoid burning.
• Sea Salt & Black Pepper
• Olive Oil – Eggplant sauteed in olive oil (especially extra virgin) has so much flavor, but you can also use any cooking oil you have on-hand.

How To Cut Eggplant For Frying

There are a few different ways to cut eggplant for frying :

• Slices. Cut the eggplant crosswise into 1/4 inch circles. Start with the end that does not have the stem, so that you have the leafy end to grab onto as you slice.
• Strips. Slice the eggplant into 1/2 inch slices, then stack the slices and cut them into long strips.
• Cubes. Cut the same way as strips, but then cut all the strips in the opposite direction to make cubes.

The last two methods work well in sauces or as a component in early recipes. For pan fried eggplant, I prefer slices, for several reasons :

• It’s the fastest method.
• You get caramelized edges on each slice.
• It’s easier to get nice browning because you can saute without moving and flip once.
• The ideal thickness is 1/4 inch thick, which allows the eggplant to cook quickly and caramelize well

How To Saute Eggplant

This section shows the best manner to saute eggplant with bit-by-bit photos and details about the proficiency, to help you visualize it. For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see the recipe poster below.

• Season. Sprinkle eggplant with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. If you want more flavor, you can add some Italian seasoning as well.

TIP: No need to pre-salt! This is a common practice with eggplant to remove bitterness, but most eggplants today are bred to avoid this trouble. eggplant cooks up much faster this direction, excessively.

• Saute. Heat oil in a large skillet and add eggplant slices in a single layer. Working in batches, saute the eggplant on both sides, until completely soft and caramelized. Repeat with remaining eggplant, adding oil between batches, until done.

TIP: Don’t move the eggplant around! Unlike some frying methods, in this case we want to leave the eggplant untouched except when flipping. This will give us that beautiful, delicious browning.

How long To Saute Eggplant ?

eggplant slices need to cook for 3-6 minutes per side, assuming you slice them 1/4 inch thick. They ’ re done cooking when soft, browned, and caramelized on the away.

Pan Fried Eggplant Variations

• Sauteed eggplant and zucchini – Fry a mix of eggplant and zucchini slices. Both work great using this method, just make sure they are sliced to the same thickness.
• Sauteed eggplant with garlic – If you prefer fresh minced garlic instead of the garlic powder used in this recipe, add the garlic toward the end of cooking so that it doesn’t burn.
• Mediterranean sauteed eggplant – Pan fry the eggplant using the instructions below, then add the toppings from this Mediterranean chicken recipe.
• Pan fried eggplant cubes – Like I’ve explained above, I much prefer to saute eggplant slices, but if you prefer, you can saute cubes instead. Be sure to turn them occasionally so that all sides get browned.
• Eggplant with feta – When the eggplant is almost done, place a cube of feta cheese on each eggplant, cover, and let it soften.

repositing Instructions

store eggplant in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.

Can cooked eggplant be frozen?

Yes ! freeze cooked eggplant slices between layers of parchment in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can store for up to a year in the deep-freeze. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating instructions:

Heat eggplant in a 350 degree F oven until warmed through. Sauteed eggplant is besides delectable cold !

What To Serve With Sauteed Eggplant

Sauteed eggplant recipes copulate well with italian, greek, and Middle Eastern flavors. It tastes delectable with a assortment of meats and hearty pasta dishes, excessively :

More goodly Eggplant Recipes

Easy Sauteed Eggplant Recipe

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