5 from 3 votes

Looking for an easy eggplant recipe? Try this Fried Japanese Eggplant Recipe. It’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making it incredibly delicious!

Looking for simple eggplant dishes? Try my Eggplant Teriyaki, Eggplant Tempura, and Sauteed Japanese Eggplant With Ponzu Sauce!

I’ll walk you through the ingredients and step-by-step instructions. I hope you enjoy it!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This fried eggplant recipe is perfect for dinner, lunch, or even as a snack.
It’s crispy, tender, and absolutely delicious!
Simple to make and easily adaptable for a vegan diet.

Japanese Eggplants

Japanese eggplants are slim and long. Their thin skin makes them perfect for quick cooking methods like stir-frying, deep-frying, and sautéing. This allows them to absorb flavors easily and stay tender.

Recipe Ingredients

You’ll need the following ingredients to make this Fried Japanese Eggplant:

Japanese Eggplants: You can usually find Japanese eggplants at Japanese grocery stores or Asian grocery stores. However, if they are not available, Chinese eggplant makes the best substitute.
Oil for deep frying
Egg, panko, and wheat flour for the batter.

Panko

“Panko,” derived from the Japanese words “pan” (bread) and “ko” (flour), refers to breadcrumbs. They are used in versatile ways: as a coating for fried foods, a binding agent, and a crunchy topping for baked dishes. Panko is crafted by grinding bread into tiny flakes. You can easily make it yourself if you have extra bread at home.

How To Make Fried Japanese Egpplant: STEP BY STEP

Here are some quick visual instructions! For the video and all the detailed ingredients and instructions, go to the printable recipe card below.

Step 1

Cut eggplant into round slices.

Step 2

Set up three containers: flour, beaten eggs, and panko.

Step 3

Coat the eggplant slices in flour, eggs, and panko.

Step 4

Deep fry the panko-crusted eggplant slices until they are golden brown.

Panko Crusted Fried Eggplant and Shiitake Mushrooms

The freshly fried eggplant is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making it incredibly delicious! See the fried shiitake mushroom recipe too!

Dipping Sauce

Enjoy dipping them into a sauce for added flavor. Here are some sauces that pair perfectly:

Ketchup and mayonnaise (Blend them 1:1)
Tartar sauce
Soy sauce
Tonkatsu sauce
Worcestershire sauce
Homemade sauce

Recipe Tips

Make sure to slice the eggplant evenly for consistent cooking.
Use Japanese panko breadcrumbs for the best crispy texture.
Don’t overcrowd the pot while frying to ensure even cooking.

fried eggplant and shiitake mushrooms served on a plate along with a fresh salad.

What To Serve With

Panko-crusted fried eggplant can be a delicious main course. Pair it with Steamed Japanese rice, Mushroom miso soup, and a light salad like Tofu and seaweed salad for a complete meal!

Vegan Adaptable

If you are vegan or try to avoid consuming eggs, it is possible for the batter without eggs. Mix flour and water at a 1:1 ratio. It will be slightly sticky but not too much. Then, dip your ingredients into it before covering them with panko breadcrumbs.

Get Your Free Vegetarian eBook!

Looking for healthy dinner ideas? I’ve got a free ebook with 10 delicious, easy Japanese vegetarian recipes! Sign up for our newsletter below to get it now!

Grab a copy of our free

Vegetarian Recipe eBook

More Eggplant Recipes You Will Love

Leave a Rating!

I hope you enjoy this Fried Japanese Eggplant Recipe! If you try it, don’t forget to leave a rating to share your thoughts—I love hearing from you!

Fried eggplant served on a plate along with a dipping sauce.

Panko-crusted Fried Eggplant Recipe

5 from 3 votes

Print Pin Save

Prep: 5

Cook: 10

Total: 15

Servings: 2 servings

Author: Juri Austin

Looking for an easy eggplant recipe? Try this Panko-crusted Fried Eggplant Recipe, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making it incredibly delicious!

Equipment

Large Pot 18cm (7 inches)

Ingredients

Instructions

Prepare the eggplant: Remove the stems from the eggplants and cut them into round slices.
Prepare the batter: Set up three separate containers for the batter: one with wheat flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko.
Coat with the batter: Dip each eggplant slice first in the flour, then in the eggs, and finally coat it with the panko.
Deep fry: Heat cooking oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Carefully place the coated eggplant slices into the pot and cook until they turn golden brown on both sides. Transfer the fried eggplant slices to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Serve: Place the fried eggplant slices on a plate and serve with your choice of sauce or ketchup.

Video

Notes

Storage: You can freeze them before frying. They will last for a month in the freezer.
Make sure to slice the eggplant evenly for consistent cooking.
Use Japanese panko breadcrumbs for the best crispy texture.
Don’t overcrowd the pot while frying to ensure even cooking.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 301kcal | Carbohydrates: 54g | Protein: 12g

Course: Main

Cuisine: Japanese

Keyword: fried eggplant

Did You Make this recipe?Please Leave a star rating!

Fried Japanese Eggplant Recipe