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Crispy Mochi Eggplant Fries with Tamarind Glaze

Authors
  • avatar
    Name
    ChefPandas
    Twitter

🍽️ Recipe Overview

  • Cuisine: Asian
  • Dietary Needs: High-Fat
  • Skill Level: Medium
  • Equipment: Air fryer
  • Serves: 1

👨‍🍳 Chef's Notes

  • The mochi coating adds a unique crunch while keeping the eggplant moist inside.
  • Tamarind glaze balances the richness with a sweet and tangy note.

⭐ Why This Recipe Works

The combination of mochi's chewiness and the air fryer's ability to create a crispy exterior makes these eggplant fries a textural delight. The tamarind glaze adds complexity and a burst of flavor to each bite.

🧾 Ingredients

  • 1 small eggplant, cut into fries (200g / 7 oz)
  • 50g mochi, crushed into small pieces (1.7 oz)
  • 1/4 cup tamarind sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Cooking spray

🔪 Preparation

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F).
  2. Cut the eggplant into fry shapes.
  3. Crush the mochi into small pieces.
  4. Season the eggplant fries with salt and pepper.
  5. Prepare a plate with the crushed mochi.

🥘 Cooking Instructions

  1. Dredge each eggplant fry in the crushed mochi, ensuring they are evenly coated.
  2. Place the coated fries in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
  3. Lightly spray the fries with cooking spray.
  4. Air fry for 10-12 minutes or until the fries are golden and crispy.
  5. While the fries are cooking, heat the tamarind sauce in a small saucepan until warm.
  6. Once the fries are done, serve them hot with a drizzle of warm tamarind sauce.

⏱️ Timing Breakdown

  • Preparation: 10 minutes
  • Cooking: 10-12 minutes

📊 Nutrition Facts

  • Calories: 414
  • Protein: 6g
  • Carbs: 78g
  • Fat: 9g

🔄 Variations & Substitutions

  • For a lower-carb option, use almond flour instead of mochi.
  • Substitute the tamarind sauce with a spicy mayo for a different flavor profile.

💡 Pro Tips

  • Make sure to preheat the air fryer for optimal crispiness.
  • Adjust the seasoning of the eggplant to your taste preference before coating with mochi.

🌡️ Storage Instructions

  • Store any leftover fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore crispiness before serving.