Imagine sinking your teeth into a golden, crispy eggplant stick that's perfectly coated with Parmesan and breadcrumbs, with a tantalizing garlic cilantro sauce waiting to elevate every single bite. This isn't just another side dish – it's a culinary adventure that transforms the humble eggplant into a crowd-pleasing sensation that will have everyone at your table begging for more. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or simply craving a deliciously indulgent treat, these Fried Parmesan Eggplant Sticks are about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 large eggplant
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 2 cloves garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Wash the eggplant thoroughly and trim off the ends. Cut the eggplant into uniform stick-like pieces, approximately 3-4 inches long and 1/2 inch thick.
- In a shallow bowl, mix grated Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs. Season the mixture with salt and pepper. Whisk the eggs in a separate bowl until well combined.
- Pat the eggplant sticks dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the breading adhere better.
- Dip each eggplant stick first into the whisked eggs, ensuring complete coverage, then roll in the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to coat evenly.
- Heat oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 375°F (190°C). Use enough oil to cover at least half the eggplant sticks.
- Carefully place the breaded eggplant sticks into the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove fried eggplant sticks with a slotted spoon and place on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.
- For the garlic cilantro sauce, mince garlic cloves finely and chop fresh cilantro. Mix together with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper to create a vibrant dipping sauce.
- Serve the hot fried Parmesan eggplant sticks immediately with the garlic cilantro sauce on the side for dipping.
Tips
- Pat the eggplant sticks completely dry before breading to ensure a crisp, even coating that won't become soggy.
- Maintain your oil temperature around 375°F for the perfect golden-brown exterior and tender interior. Use a cooking thermometer for precision.
- Don't overcrowd the pan when frying – this helps maintain oil temperature and ensures each stick gets beautifully crispy.
- For extra flavor, consider adding herbs like dried oregano or basil to your Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture.
- If you want a lighter version, you can bake these sticks at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, instead of deep-frying.
- The garlic cilantro sauce can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
- Serve immediately after cooking to enjoy maximum crispiness and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 95mg
