How to Make Delicious Crispy Fried Eggplant Without Baking Powder

Kapanlagi.com - Who can resist the deliciousness of crispy fried eggplant? This snack and side dish has indeed become a favorite for many, thanks to its texture that is crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. Usually, baking powder is relied upon in the batter to create maximum crispiness. However, for those of you who want to steer clear of baking powder or perhaps don’t have any stocked in the kitchen, don’t worry! There are other ways to achieve fried eggplant that remains crispy without that ingredient.

By combining rice flour and cornstarch in the right proportions, along with applying the proper frying technique, you can achieve fried eggplant that is crispy, not oily, and long-lasting. Let’s check out the complete guide to creating crispy fried eggplant without baking powder that will surely delight your taste buds!

1. Tips for Choosing and Preparing Eggplant for Perfect Frying

Choosing the right eggplant is key to creating a perfect dish! Make sure the eggplant you choose is still fresh, with shiny skin and a firm texture. Opt for young purple eggplants that are not too large, and avoid those that have yellowing or brown spots. When pressed, a good eggplant will feel firm. For optimal results, soak the eggplant pieces in saltwater for 15 minutes; this method will remove excess sap and moisture, ensuring your eggplant will be drier and crispier when fried. After soaking, drain and dry them, then you’re ready to move on to the more enjoyable cooking stage!

2. The Secret to Crispy Batter Without Baking Powder

The secret to creating the perfect crispy layer without the need for baking powder lies in the precise combination of rice flour and cornstarch in a 2:1 ratio. Rice flour provides a tempting crunch, while cornstarch keeps the texture light and prevents excess oil. To achieve the ideal batter, mix 100 grams of rice flour with 50 grams of cornstarch, then season with salt, pepper, and powdered broth to taste. Ensure the batter has the right consistency—not too runny or thick—by adding water gradually while stirring until you reach the perfect texture, similar to delicious banana fritter batter.

3. How to Fry Eggplant to Make it Crispy and Not Oily

Illustration of frying eggplant (Image by Dapur Mama on YouTube)

The frying technique is key to creating the perfect eggplant! Make sure the oil is evenly hot before adding the eggplant pieces, ideally at a temperature between 170-180°C. To ensure the oil temperature is right, try dropping in a little batter; if it floats and bubbles immediately, that's a good sign! Don't overcrowd the pan with pieces at once to keep the temperature stable; leave space between them so they don't stick together. Flip the eggplant only once to achieve an even golden color, and after frying, drain it on a cooling rack to keep the bottom crispy. Happy cooking!

4. The Right Flour Ratio for Maximum Crispy Coating

The combination of flours in the batter plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture, and the ratio of 100 grams of rice flour to 50 grams of cornstarch is a secret formula worth trying! Make sure the batter reaches the right consistency so that the eggplant is perfectly coated without being overly heavy. The thickness of the flour layer should also be considered; it should be thin enough for the eggplant's purple color to still shine through. With this trick, the eggplant will come out with a crispy coating and free of oil when fried, ready to delight your taste buds!

5. 3 Variations of Crispy Fried Eggplant Recipes Without Baking Powder

Illustration of crispy frying / Image by azerbaijan_stockers on Freepik

Crispy fried eggplant is a simple dish that can be served as a snack or a side dish. With a crispy outer texture and a soft interior, this food has become a favorite for many. Even without the addition of baking powder, you can still make crispy fried eggplant using easily available ingredients. Here are three variations of recipes you can try at home.

1. Original Fried Eggplant

For those who love classic flavors, this original fried eggplant is the perfect choice. Using a mixture of rice flour and cornstarch, the result remains crispy without the need for additional leavening agents. Simple seasonings like salt, pepper, and broth powder provide the right savory flavor.

Ingredients:

1. 3 medium-sized purple eggplants
2. 100 grams of rice flour
3. 50 grams of cornstarch
4. 1 egg
5. 1 tsp salt
6. 1/2 tsp ground pepper
7. 1/2 tsp broth powder
8. Water as needed

How to make:

1. Cut the eggplant crosswise into slices about 1 cm thick.
2. Soak in saltwater for 15 minutes to reduce bitterness, then drain and dry.
3. Mix rice flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and broth powder in a bowl.
4. Beat the egg in a separate container.
5. Dip the eggplant slices in the egg, then coat them in the flour mixture until evenly covered.
6. Fry in hot oil until golden brown.
7. Drain and serve warm.

2. Spicy Fried Eggplant

For lovers of spicy food, this variation presents a more intense flavor sensation. The addition of chili powder and paprika provides a stronger aroma and a tantalizing spicy taste.

Ingredients:

1. 3 medium-sized purple eggplants
2. 100 grams rice flour
3. 50 grams cornstarch
4. 1 egg
5. 1 tsp salt
6. 1/2 tsp ground pepper
7. 1/2 tsp broth powder
8. Enough water
9. 2 tbsp chili powder
10. 1 tsp garlic powder
11. 1/2 tsp paprika powder (optional)

How to make:

1. Follow the steps as in the original fried eggplant recipe.
2. Add chili powder, garlic powder, and paprika to the flour mixture.
3. Dip the eggplant in the egg, then coat it with the spicy flour mixture.
4. Fry in hot oil until golden brown and crispy.
5. Remove and serve while warm for a more delicious spicy sensation.

3. Cheese Fried Eggplant

If you want to present a creamier and savory taste, the combination of parmesan cheese and oregano in the flour mixture can be an interesting choice. The distinctive aroma of cheese and herbs makes this variation suitable for savory food lovers.

Ingredients:

1. 3 medium-sized purple eggplants
2. 100 grams rice flour
3. 50 grams cornstarch
4. 1 egg
5. 1 tsp salt
6. 1/2 tsp ground pepper
7. 1/2 tsp broth powder
8. Enough water
9. 50 grams powdered parmesan cheese
10. 1 tsp dried oregano
11. 1/2 tsp garlic powder

How to make:

1. Follow the steps as in the original fried eggplant recipe.
2. Add parmesan cheese, oregano, and garlic powder to the flour mixture.
3. Dip the eggplant in the egg, then coat it with the cheese flour mixture.
4. Fry in hot oil until the eggplant is golden and crispy.
5. Serve while warm to enjoy the perfectly melted cheese flavor.

6. Storage Tips and How to Reheat to Keep It Crispy

To keep your fried eggplant crispy for hours, store it in a sealed container at room temperature. If you want to reheat it, an oven or air fryer is the best option to restore its crispiness without altering its texture. Avoid using a microwave, as it can make the eggplant soggy and lose its deliciousness.

(kpl/khs)