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!

This, my favorite fried eggplant, is simple yet delicious. Perfect for dinner, lunch, or even a snack, it's versatile and sure to become your go-to recipe.
If you are looking for an easy eggplant recipe, this one is a must-try!
- This recipe is for you if:
- You love eggplant.
- You want to make fried eggplant.
- You are looking for an easy fried eggplant recipe.
If you want to check the recipe immediately, please visit the link below. Let's get started!
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About this recipe
- Japanese-style fried eggplant
- Use panko (bread crumbs)
- Crispy, tender and delicious
- It's simple to make it vegan-friendly
📋 Ingredients
Here are the ingredients (amounts are in the recipe card below).

- Eggplants
- Oil for deep frying
- Batter: Egg, panko, wheat flour
Selecting the Perfect Eggplant

Eggplants are available all year round, but the season is from summer to fall. Here are a few tips for selecting a fresh eggplant at the grocery store:
- Look for a dark purple color with a glossy sheen.
- It should feel firm and heavy when you hold it.
- Check that the end of the stem appears fresh and vibrant.
- Notice if sharp thorns are still present on the stem.
What is 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.
🔪Instructions
Let me show you how to make it. Click here to watch the recipe video!

1. Remove the stem of the eggplant and cut it into round slices.

2. Set up the batter with three separate containers. Put one with wheat flour, another with beaten egg, and the third with panko.

3. Dip each eggplant slice first in the flour, then the eggs, and coat it with the panko.

4. Finish preparing all the eggplant slices.

5. Heat cooking oil over medium heat in a medium pot.

6. Carefully place the coated eggplant slices in the pot and cook until they turn golden brown on both sides.
Serve

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
Helpful 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.
What To Serve With

Panko-crusted fried eggplant can be a delicious main course. Pair it with steamed rice, miso soup, and a light 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 ratio of 1:1. It will be slightly sticky but not too much; then dip your ingredients into it before covering it with panko breadcrumbs.
Other Ways to Cook Japanese Eggplants

Eggplant is a versatile vegetable and well-suited for quick cooking methods such as stir-frying, deep-frying, and sautéing. Here are some delicious eggplant recipes:
- Eggplant Tempura (Deep Fried Eggplant)
- Teriyaki Nasu
- Pickled Japanese Eggplants
- Miso Glazed Eggplant
Thanks For Stopping By!

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog♡ If you’ve tried this recipe(or any other recipe on the blog), please give it a star rating below!
Also, feel free to leave comments if you have any questions. I love hearing from you!
Chef JA Cooks is a Japanese food blog that shares simple and healthy Japanese home cooking recipes, including vegan and vegetarian. From traditional Japanese recipes to modern recipes with step-by-step instructions.
More Vegetable Recipes You Might Like
- Quick Pickled Cucumber
- Napa Cabbage Coleslaw
- Daikon Salad With Sesame Dressing
- Goma-ae 4 Ways
- Vegetable Tempura
📖 Recipe

Panko-crusted Fried Eggplant Recipe
Print Pin SaveEquipment
- 1 Staub pot , 18cm/7 inches
Ingredients
- 2 Eggplants
- 1 Egg
- 2 tablespoon Wheat flour
- 1 c Panko, Breadcrumbs
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Remove the stem of the eggplant and cut it into round slices.
- Set up the batter with three separate containers. Put one with wheat flour, another with beaten eggs, and the third with panko.
- Dip each eggplant slice first in the flour, then the eggs, and coat it with the panko.
- Heat cooking oil over medium heat in a medium pot.
- Carefully place the coated eggplant slices in the pot and cook until they turn golden brown on both sides. Once done, transfer the fried eggplant to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
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.
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