Brinjal (Eggplant) Stir Fry
Eggplant Stir Fry (brinjal stir fry) is a dish that’s so delicious, it might just make you forget about all other vegetables. (Sorry, broccoli!) Made with tender eggplant, aromatic spices, and a touch of coconut oil, this gluten-free and vegan dish is perfect for a nourishing meal. Ideal for busy weeknights, it’s low-carb, anti-inflammatory, and bursting with authentic Indian flavours. Ready in just 20 minutes!
Why Eggplant? And Why Stir Fry?
Eggplants are often under-appreciated, but these vibrant purple veggies are incredibly versatile. Packed with antioxidants, fiber, and low in calories, they make a great choice for any vegan, gluten free or vegetarian eggplant recipe.
Stir-frying brings out the best in eggplants—keeping the texture tender with crispy edges while locking in the flavour of spices. A quick stir fry, combined with Indian masalas, turns this humble vegetable into a dish that bursts with flavour.
Step-by-Step Guide to Eggplant Stir Fry (Brinjal Stir Fry)
For this classic south indian eggplant stir fry recipe, you’ll need:
Brinjal Stir Fry
Course: SidesCuisine: IndianDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes15
minutes25
minutesWhen it comes to quick, healthy, and absolutely flavourful meals, eggplant stir fry (also known as brinjal stir fry) is a hidden gem. This simple yet delicious South Indian dish, packed with aromatic spices and tender eggplant, will have you rethinking the possibilities of weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
2 medium-sized eggplants (brinjal) ~ 600 gm
5 tbsp coconut oil (or any neutral oil)
½ tsp mustard seeds
½ tbsp split urad dal (black gram)
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 whole pod garlic, chopped
5 sprigs fresh curry leaves ((because we’re going full South Indian here!))
2 large onions, diced
himalayan pink salt to taste
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 tbsp kashmiri red chili powder (adjust to taste)
½ tsp roasted cumin powder
fresh coriander leaves (cilantro) for garnish
Directions
- Prep the Eggplant
- To begin, cut the eggplants into thin wedges or slices, or just chop them. After cutting, soak them in water. Why? because it keeps the eggplant from oxidizing and becoming discolored. After chopping the eggplants, another method is to sprinkle them with salt to help them release moisture. Use a kitchen towel to pat them dry. Please be aware, though, that using these two approaches will result in a distinct dish texture. The eggplant gets crispier when it is salted.
- Heat the Oil
- Heat your pan over medium heat and add 5 tablespoons of coconut oil. Once the oil is hot, toss in ½ tsp mustard seeds, ½ tbsp split urad dal and 1 tsp cumin seeds. Reduce the flame to sim or low now. When they start to crackle (you’ll hear a pop), add 1 whole chopped garlic followed by 5 sprigs fresh curry leaves. If you’re wondering, this crackling is where the magic begins, infusing the oil with deep, aromatic flavours.
- Sauté the Onions
- Next, toss in the diced onions (2 large) and add salt to taste. Increase the flame to medium and sauté until the onions turn transparent and soft.
- Stir Fry the Eggplants
- Now, it’s time for the star of the show—eggplant! Add the dried eggplant slices to the pan. Time to add 1 tsp turmeric powder. Stir well to coat them with the spices. Cook on low heat for about 5 – 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want them tender but not mushy—think crispy edges with soft insides.
- Sauté the Spices
- This is when you’ll add 1 tbsp kashmiri chili powder and ½ tsp roasted cumin powder. Keep the flame low and cook for 4 – 5 mins until the eggplants are perfectly cooked. Stir it well and let the spices bloom—this step is key to ensuring your stir-fried eggplant is packed with authentic flavours.
- Taste and Adjust
- Season with salt if needed, give it a final stir. Once the eggplants are cooked to perfection, remove them from the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro (coriander leaves) for that vibrant, herby finish. Voilà ! Your brinjal stir fry is ready to serve.
Recipe Video
Pro Tips for Making the Best Eggplant Stir Fry
- Choosing Eggplants: Look for fresh, firm eggplants with shiny skin. Avoid those with soft spots or blemishes—nobody likes a sad eggplant in their stir fry!
- Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: Stir-frying works best when the pan isn’t overcrowded. If the eggplants are too close together, they’ll steam rather than fry, resulting in soggy veggies.
- Spice Balance: Adjust the spice levels according to your preference. Not a fan of too much heat? Opt for Kashmiri red chilli powder instead of regular chilli powder for a milder yet vibrant colour.
- Healthy Tweaks: You can use olive oil instead of coconut oil if you prefer. For a lower-carb option, serve it on its own instead of pairing it with rice.
Health Benefits of Eggplant
Eggplants are nutrient-dense, high in fiber, and a great source of antioxidants, particularly nasunin, which gives the vegetable its signature purple hue. Plus, this fried eggplant recipe uses minimal oil, making it a lighter alternative to deep-fried dishes. Eggplants are low in calories too. So go ahead, have that second helping – it’s practically a health food!
Storage Tips & Serving Suggestions
Stir fry dishes like this one don’t usually last long in the fridge (probably because they’re so good!). But, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container for up to two days. To reheat, just toss it back into a pan over low heat until warmed through.
For serving ideas, pair this dish with steamed rice, chapati, or even quinoa if you’re looking for a lighter, gluten-free option. It also works as a side to any South Indian meal or alongside your favourite lentil-based dishes, like sambar or dal.
Also here is another stir fry recipe that you can enjoy – Beans Senagapappu Koora (Beans Chana Dal Stir Fry)
There you have it—a simple yet flavourful eggplant stir fry that captures the essence of South Indian cooking. This dish is a great way to experiment with eggplants if you’ve never tried stir-frying them before. Plus, it’s quick to whip up on a busy day without compromising on flavor. So, why not give this mezhukkupuratti (yeah, that’s what stir fries are commonly known as in Malayalam) inspired stir fry recipe a try? If you make it, let me know in the comments how it turned out!
Until next time—happy cooking!
