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Crispy Eggplant ‘Katsu’

Crispy Eggplant Katsu: Your New Favorite Comfort Dish

This Crispy Eggplant ‘Katsu’ transforms eggplants into a delicious vegan comfort dish.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Cooling Time 5 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 pieces
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Japanese
Calories: 300
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Eggplant
  • 2 medium Chinese Eggplants Substitutes like American eggplants work well too.
  • 1/4 cup Neutral Oil For frying or spraying.
For the Batter
  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour Feel free to swap with buckwheat or gluten-free flour.
  • 2 tablespoons Corn Starch Boosts crispiness; can be omitted if you use more flour.
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder Helps achieve light texture.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt Brightens all flavors.
  • 3/4 cup Water Adjust to achieve a thick pancake-like consistency.
For the Coating
  • 1 cup Breadcrumbs Japanese panko is ideal.
For Serving
  • 2 cups Japanese Curry Use homemade or store-bought.
  • 2 cups Steamed Short Grain Rice

Equipment

  • Frying pan
  • Whisk
  • Cutting Board
  • Knife
  • Cooling Rack

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Slice the Chinese eggplants into 3/4 to 1-inch thick pieces, angling the cuts to maximize surface area for crispiness.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, corn starch, baking powder, salt, and enough water to create a thick pancake-like batter.
  3. Pour panko breadcrumbs into a separate shallow bowl.
  4. Dip each eggplant slice into the batter, then into the panko breadcrumbs, ensuring an even coating.
  5. Heat neutral oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (180°C).
  6. Carefully fry the coated eggplant slices for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  7. Remove from the pan and place on a cooling rack to maintain crispiness.
  8. Serve hot with Japanese curry and steamed rice.

Nutrition

Serving: 1pieceCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 7gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gSodium: 500mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 5gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 100IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For optimal crispiness, ensure oil is at the correct temperature and avoid overcrowding the pan while frying.

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