Introducing my favorite go-to recipe: Tortang Talong, a simple yet delicious dish that’s perfect for any mealtime. With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up a satisfying meal in no time.
Start with 2 large eggplants, giving them a good wash before grilling. While they’re on the grill, you can prepare your ground beef or pork. Simply cook it in a pan with a bit of water, adding salt and pepper to taste. Be sure to keep an eye on it, ensuring the water doesn’t evaporate completely, as this helps prevent the meat from becoming too oily.
Next, it’s time to prepare the egg mixture. In a bowl, beat 4 large eggs and season with salt, pepper, and a hint of basil. Once your eggplants are grilled to perfection, peel off the skin and place them in the egg mixture, flattening them gently. Then, add the cooked ground beef or pork on top, making sure it’s evenly covered by the egg mixture.
Now, heat up your preferred oil in a frying pan and carefully place the eggplant mixture in. Fry each side for about 3 minutes, or longer if you prefer a crispier texture. Once golden brown and cooked through, serve your Tortang Talong hot and ready to enjoy.
For an extra burst of flavor, serve with your favorite dipping sauce. Personally, I love pairing mine with banana ketchup, but feel free to use whatever you prefer. Simple, delicious, and oh-so-satisfying – Tortang Talong is sure to become a staple in your kitchen repertoire.
Ingredients:
- 2 large eggplants
- 250g ground beef or pork
- 4 large eggs
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Basil, a pinch
- Cooking oil (vegetable oil, canola oil, or any oil of your choice)
- Banana ketchup (or your preferred dipping sauce)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Eggplants:
- Wash the eggplants thoroughly.
- Grill the eggplants until they are tender and the skin is charred. Alternatively, you can bake them in the oven until tender. Grilling adds a smoky flavor that enhances the dish.
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Cook the Ground Beef or Pork:
- In a pan, cook the ground beef or pork over medium heat.
- Add a little water to the pan to prevent the meat from drying out.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Boil the meat for 8-10 minutes, ensuring that the water doesn’t completely evaporate. This helps to keep the meat moist and prevents it from becoming too oily.
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Prepare the Egg Mixture:
- In a bowl, beat the 4 large eggs.
- Season the beaten eggs with salt, pepper, and a pinch of basil.
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Assemble the Tortang Talong:
- Peel off the skin from the grilled eggplants.
- Place the eggplants in the egg mixture and flatten gently to coat them evenly.
- Top the egg-coated eggplants with the cooked ground beef or pork, ensuring an even distribution.
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Fry the Tortang Talong:
- Heat cooking oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Carefully place the eggplant mixture into the pan.
- Fry each side for about 3 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Fry longer if you prefer a crispier texture.
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Serve:
- Once cooked, remove the Tortang Talong from the pan and drain excess oil on paper towels.
- Serve hot with banana ketchup or your preferred dipping sauce on the side.
Enjoy your delicious and simple Tortang Talong!
