Description
This Skillet Eggplant Parmesan recipe offers a delicious italian-american vegetarian main course featuring breaded and fried eggplant slices layered with marinara sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, finished under the broiler for a melty, golden topping. It’s a comforting and hearty dish perfect for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Eggplant Preparation
- 2 medium eggplants, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 1 teaspoon salt
Breading Station
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for breadcrumbs)
Cooking and Assembly
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more as needed
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 1/4 cups grated Parmesan cheese (divided: 1/4 cup for breadcrumbs and 1/2 cup for layering)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried basil or Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Salt the Eggplant: Sprinkle the eggplant slices evenly with 1 teaspoon salt and let them sit for 20 to 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture. After resting, pat the slices dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove any liquid.
- Set Up Breading Station: Arrange three shallow bowls: one with 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, one with 2 beaten large eggs, and one with a mixture of 1 1/2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs combined with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bread the Eggplant: Dredge each eggplant slice first in the flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat completely with the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture. Set aside the breaded slices.
- Fry the Eggplant: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat in a large oven-safe skillet. Fry the breaded eggplant slices in batches, cooking each side for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Add more oil if necessary during frying. Remove fried slices and set aside.
- Preheat the Broiler: Once frying is complete, preheat your oven broiler to prepare for melting the cheese topping.
- Prepare the Skillet for Baking: Wipe out any excess oil from the skillet. Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of the skillet to create a flavorful base layer.
- Layer the Ingredients: Arrange half of the fried eggplant slices over the marinara sauce. Spoon additional marinara sauce on top of the eggplant, then sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and divide 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese evenly. Repeat the layering with the remaining eggplant, remaining marinara sauce, mozzarella, Parmesan, and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon dried basil or Italian seasoning.
- Broil the Dish: Place the skillet under the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes, monitoring closely, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown at the edges.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven, garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, and serve warm for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Notes
- For a lighter version, skip frying and bake the breaded eggplant slices at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes until crisp.
- Serve the Skillet Eggplant Parmesan alongside pasta, a fresh salad, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Make sure to pat the eggplant dry well after salting to avoid sogginess when frying.
- You can substitute Italian seasoned breadcrumbs with plain breadcrumbs plus added Italian herbs.