u/CriticalReality

Tortang Talong Eggplant Parm
Ingredients:
- 5 Japanese Eggplants
- 2-3 Eggs
- 2 Tbsp. Fish Sauce
- Flour
- Panko Breadcrumbs
- Pepper
- Marinara
- Mozzarella
- Oil (For Frying)

Instructions:

1. Over an open flame/gas stove or under a broiler, cook the eggplants until the skin is blackened and charred. It should be slightly undercooked compared to a normal tortangtalong because it will cook more while being fried.
2. Allow the eggplants to cool slightly before peeling off the skin.
3. Make your breading station: On one plate with high edges, beat the eggs and fish sauce together. On another plate, add the flour, and on the final plate, add breadcrumbs.
4. On a flat surface, flatten the body off the eggplant using a fork, taking care to keep everything attached to the stem of the eggplant. It should look like a giant shrimp tempura.
5. Begin to heat a pan with enough oil to shallow fry the eggplants.
6. While the oil heats up, prep the eggplants. First, coat each eggplant in flour, making sure to get into the folds of the smashed eggplant. Next, dip the eggplants into the egg mixture, saturating both sides. Finally, coat in panko.
7. Once the oil is up to temp, fry the eggplant in batches until golden brown. Place on a wire rack once done frying to maintain maximum crispiness.
8. At this point, the eggplants can either be kept on the wire rack and placed on a sheet tray or just placed directly on the sheet tray.
9. Top each eggplant with marinara sauce and mozzarella and broil until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
10. Enjoy right away.

 

Original artist: @nikolettkapor