Crispy Sesame Eggplant

Looking for a delicious and satisfying vegetarian dish that’s bursting with flavor? Look no further than our recipe for Crispy Sesame Eggplant. This Chinese-inspired dish combines tender eggplant with a crispy coating and a savory sesame glaze that will have your taste buds dancing. Whether you’re a fan of eggplant or looking to try something new, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite. Serve it as a side dish or as a main course over a bed of steamed rice for a delightful meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Crispy Sesame Eggplant

Ingredients:
– 1 large eggplant
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 2 eggs
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Green onions, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:
1. To start, prepare the eggplant by cutting it into 1-inch cubes. Place the cubes in a colander, sprinkle with salt, and let them sit for about 15 minutes. This helps draw out excess moisture from the eggplant.

2. While the eggplant is draining, set up three shallow dishes for the breading station. In one dish, place the cornstarch. In another dish, beat the eggs. In the third dish, mix together the breadcrumbs, sesame seeds, salt, and pepper.

3. Take each eggplant cube and lightly coat it in cornstarch, then dip it in the beaten eggs, and finally coat it evenly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating.

4. In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the breaded eggplant cubes in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook until golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.

5. Once cooked, remove the crispy eggplant cubes from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

6. In a small saucepan, prepare the sesame glaze by combining 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of honey, and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. Heat the mixture over low heat until it begins to bubble slightly.

7. Drizzle the warm sesame glaze over the crispy eggplant cubes and toss gently to coat.

8. Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh burst of flavor and color.

Enjoy your Crispy Sesame Eggplant while it’s still warm for the ultimate culinary experience. This dish is perfect for a cozy night in or as an impressive addition to a dinner party spread. The contrast of the crispy exterior and the tender eggplant inside, along with the aromatic sesame glaze, creates a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that will surely make this recipe a household favorite.