Crispy & Tender Fried Eggplant (Gaji Twigim)
Crispy & Tender Fried Eggplant (Gaji Twigim)
Easy Fried Eggplant & Eggplant Pancake Recipe
Learn how to make incredibly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside fried eggplant (Gaji Twigim), a perfect appetizer or snack that requires minimal ingredients. This versatile recipe can also be enjoyed as an eggplant pancake!
Main Ingredients- 1-2 Eggplants (adjust to your preference)
- 1 cup Frying Mix (Tempura Flour)
- 1 cup Water (same ratio as frying mix)
- 1/2 tsp Tuna Extract (or a pinch of salt) for seasoning
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Start by preparing your fresh eggplants. Wash them thoroughly under running water. Then, slice them into bite-sized pieces, about 0.7-1 cm thick, similar to how you’d cut them for kimbap. Avoid slices that are too thin, as they might break apart, or too thick, which will take longer to cook through. Aim for a moderate thickness.
Step 2
In a bowl, combine 1 cup of frying mix and 1 cup of water. Whisk them together until you have a smooth batter with no lumps. The ideal consistency should be pourable, like thin pancake batter. Taste the batter and season it with 1/2 teaspoon of tuna extract or a pinch of salt according to your preference. Using tuna extract will add an extra layer of umami for a more delicious result.
Step 3
Dip the sliced eggplants into the batter, ensuring they are evenly coated on all sides. A thin coating of batter will help achieve a crispier texture when fried.
Step 4
Heat a pan over medium heat and add a generous amount of cooking oil. Carefully place the battered eggplant slices into the hot oil, making sure to leave some space between them so they don’t stick together.
Step 5
Fry the eggplant slices until they are golden brown and crispy on both sides. Eggplant cooks quite quickly, so be careful not to overcook them, as they can become mushy. They are ready when they achieve a delicious, golden hue. Serve immediately for the best crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside fried eggplant experience. Lightly blot any excess oil with a paper towel.
