If there is one simple recipe that I will never get tired of eating, it’s Tortang Talong.
This eggplant omelet is so easy to cook. With only 4 ingredients, you’ll have a delicious dish ready to enjoy in no time. All you need are eggplants, eggs, salt, and cooking oil.
With these humble ingredients, you’ll create a flavorful masterpiece that’s perfect for any meal of the day.
Why is Tortang Talong Healthy?
Tortang Talong is a nutritious and delicious dish that can easily fit into a healthy eating plan. Just remember to enjoy it in moderation and pair it with other nutrient-rich foods for a well-rounded meal.
Eggplant, the star of this dish, is a nutritional powerhouse. It’s low in calories but high in fiber, which is great for digestion and helps you feel full longer. Plus, eggplants are loaded with vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, and folate, all of which are essential for a healthy body.
Whether you choose to roast, grill, or pan-fry the eggplant, you have control over the cooking method and the amount of oil used. Grilling or roasting requires less oil, making it a healthier option compared to deep-frying.
Opt for healthier cooking oils like coconut oil, which is rich in monounsaturated fats and have been linked to improved heart health.
When served with a side of rice and perhaps some fresh vegetables or a light salad, tortang talong can make a well-balanced meal. It provides a good balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fiber, keeping you satisfied and energized throughout the day.
Tortang Talong Ingredients
- Eggplant: Look for the plump and shiny ones, perfect for grilling or roasting. This veggie is the heart and soul of our dish, so give it some love.
- Egg: Crack open a couple of eggs, whisk them up, and get them ready to work their magic as the binder that holds everything together.
- Salt and Pepper: These two are your trusty sidekicks, here to elevate the flavor. Give them a generous sprinkle to suit your taste buds.
- Oil: Grab your preferred cooking oil. It’s the key to achieving that lovely golden crust on your tortang talong.
How To Cook Tortang Talong
Grill the Eggplants
Place the eggplants on a stove grill and cook them until the skin turns black and crisp, giving them that irresistible smoky flavor.
Steam and Peel
Once grilled, transfer the eggplants to a bowl and cover them to steam. This softens the skin, making it easier to peel. After a few minutes, carefully peel the eggplants, ensuring they retain their shape.
Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a bowl, whisk together eggs, salt, and pepper until well combined, creating a flavorful base for the tortang talong.
Dip and Flatten
Dip the peeled eggplants into the scrambled egg mixture, ensuring they are thoroughly coated. Using a fork, gently flatten the eggplants on the egg mixture, allowing them to soak up the flavors. Let them sit for five minutes to absorb the mixture.
Fry
Heat cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Once hot, carefully place the eggplants in the pan and fry them for about two minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
Serve
Transfer the fried eggplants to a plate, and voila! Your tortang talong is ready to be served. Pair it with steamed rice and your favorite dipping sauce for a delicious and satisfying meal. Enjoy!
Can You Cook Tortang Talong Without Grilling?
Sometimes, firing up the grill to roast eggplants can feel like a hassle. I get it; it’s a lot of work. Some grill the eggplants right on the gas stove (like I do), but others don’t like doing that. Let me show you easier ways to cook tortang talong without using the grill.
Steam the Eggplant
Start by steaming the eggplant. This method involves gently cooking the eggplant in steam, which softens it and makes it easier to peel and prepare for tortang talong.
Use an Air Fryer
If you have an air fryer, it’s a fantastic tool for cooking eggplants for tortang talong without grilling. Simply place the eggplants in the air fryer basket, and let the hot air circulate around them, resulting in a crispy exterior and tender interior.
Use an Oven
Alternatively, you can use your oven to cook the eggplants. Roasting them in the oven gives them a deliciously soft texture with a hint of charred flavor, perfect for making tortang talong.
What to Serve with Tortang Talong
Spiced Vinegar Dip
Mix vinegar with minced garlic, chopped onions, and chopped chili peppers for a tangy and spicy dip.
Soy Sauce and Calamansi
Combine soy sauce with calamansi juice (or lemon juice) for a simple yet flavorful dipping sauce. Optionally, add chopped onions and chili peppers for extra flavor.
Filipino Style Tomato Salsa
Prepare a fresh tomato salsa by combining diced tomatoes, onions, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste for a vibrant and tangy dip.
Sweet Chili Sauce
A slightly sweet and spicy sauce that adds a delicious kick to the eggplant omelette.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can add ingredients like ground meat, onions, tomatoes, and cheese to enhance the flavor.
Store leftover Tortang Talong in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and reheat before serving.
Long, slender Japanese or Chinese eggplants are ideal for Tortang Talong due to their tender skin and flesh.
Ensure the pan is well-heated and lightly oiled before adding the egg-dipped eggplant to prevent sticking.
Tortang Talong
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Cooking Oil
- 2 pieces Eggs (beaten)
- 3 pieces Eggplants (Grilled and Peeled)
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Grill the eggplants on a stove until the skin turns black and crisp.
- Transfer them to a pot and cover, allowing the skin to soften for easy peeling.
- After a few minutes, carefully peel the eggplants to avoid deformation.
- In a bowl, mix eggs, salt, and pepper, then scramble them.
- Dip the peeled eggplants in the scrambled eggs. Using a fork, gently flatten the eggplants in the egg mixture and let them sit for five minutes.
- In a pan, heat cooking oil and fry the eggplants for two minutes on each side.
- Transfer to a plate and serve.
Video
Notes
- For added flavor, you can mix finely chopped onions, garlic, or tomatoes into the beaten eggs before coating the eggplants.
- To make the dish more filling, you can add ground meat (such as pork or beef) to the egg mixture.
- Be cautious when peeling the hot eggplants to avoid burning your fingers. You can try to peel them in a sink on running water.
