Tortang Talong Recipe (2024)

Published: by Nora Reyes · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

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Tortang Talong, or eggplant omelet, is the Filipino version of an omelet with smoky, custardy eggplant grilled on an open flame. It is dipped in an egg mixture and fried, creating a fluffy omelet with crispy edges. It's a simple yet flavorful way to elevate the humble eggplant into a special and satisfying meal.

Tortang Talong Recipe (1)
Jump to:
  • What is Torta?
  • Ingredients you'll need
  • Notes and substitutions
  • How to make this recipe
  • Recipe FAQs
  • Try other dishes with eggplant
  • Other vegetable recipes you may like
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Comments

What is Torta?

In Filipino cuisine, "torta" is a savory omelet, derived from the Spanish word for "cake," reflecting the Philippines' Spanish colonial history. While "torta" in Spain can denote a cake, in the Philippines, it's primarily an egg-based dish.

Popular variations include Tortang Sayote (chayote omelet), Tortang Giniling (a ground meat omelet, typically made with leftover Picadillo), and Tortang Alimasag (crab omelet). It's customary to serve torta with rice, and it's frequently paired with banana ketchup for an added burst of flavor.

Ingredients you'll need

Tortang Talong Recipe (2)

Notes and substitutions

  • Eggplant: Choose the long, slender Japanese/Chinese variety available at Asian supermarkets.
  • Oil: Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point, which is ideal for frying. Good options include vegetable oil, canola oil, peanut oil, or avocado oil if you're willing to spend a bit more.

How to make this recipe

Step 1: Use a fork to pierce the eggplant to allow the steam to escape as it cooks, preventing it from bursting. Grill them on the stove over medium-high heat, preferably on a wire rack.

Turn them with tongs every few minutes until the skin is charred and flaky and the flesh becomes soft. Alternatively, you can broil them in the oven until charred.

Tortang Talong Recipe (3)

Step 2: Once cool enough to handle, peel the charred skin while leaving the flesh intact. You can use a spoon to scrape any burnt bits or rinse them gently under running water.

Tortang Talong Recipe (4)

Step 3: Flatten them with a fork, keeping them as whole as possible. Set them aside.

Tortang Talong Recipe (5)

Step 4: Combine 3 eggs, 1 teaspoon fish sauce, a pinch of salt, some ground pepper, 1 stalk of scallion, and chilies (if using) in a bowl. Beat until frothy to create a lighter and fluffier omelet.

Tortang Talong Recipe (6)

Step 5: Dip the eggplant into the egg mixture, coating them well. If you prefer to fry them separately, you can use two bowls to make it easier to slide them into the pan.

Tortang Talong Recipe (7)

Step 6: Heat a small skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add a generous amount of oil, around ½-inch thick. Once the oil starts smoking, carefully slide the eggplant into the skillet. The hot oil will create a fluffy omelet with crispy edges.

Tortang Talong Recipe (8)

Step 7: Fry until the edges are browned, about 1 minute. If the eggs have spread out too much, you can fold the sides inward.

Tortang Talong Recipe (9)

Step 8: Carefully flip the omelet and continue frying the other side for another minute until browned and thoroughly cooked.

Tortang Talong Recipe (10)

Step 9: Drain the excess oil as you lift it off the pan or drain it on paper towels.

Serve immediately and enjoy with ketchup, sweet chili sauce, or Sriracha. For a classic Filipino meal, serve it withSinangag or Java Rice.

Tortang Talong Recipe (11)

Recipe FAQs

Can I use other types of eggplant?

While it is possible to use other types of eggplant, such as globe or Italian eggplant, it's worth noting that larger ones can be a bit trickier to cook on the stovetop. They tend to char on the outside before the inside becomes creamy and fully cooked.

What does eggplant taste like?

Eggplant has a mild, earthy taste. The flavor can vary depending on how it's cooked and seasoned. When cooked, it becomes tender and creamy. Proper seasoning is essential to avoid any bitterness or blandness.

Try other dishes with eggplant

  • Eggplant Stir Fry: A quick stir-fry with eggplants, shrimp, bell peppers, and aromatics.
  • Ensaladang Talong: A creamy salad with grilled eggplants, tomatoes, and onions, usually seasoned with shrimp paste or vinegar.
  • Kare Kare: A rich peanut stew that contains beef (often oxtail) and various vegetables like eggplant, yarlong beans, and okra.
  • Adobong Talong: Eggplant slices stewed in a mixture of soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic, adopting the classic Filipino adobo flavor profile.
  • Pinakbet: A mixed vegetable stew with eggplant, squash, okra, yardlong beans, and bitter gourd, sautéed with shrimp paste.

Other vegetable recipes you may like

  • Ginataang Puso ng Saging Recipe
  • Tofu and Mushroom Adobo Recipe
  • Laing Recipe
  • Adobong Talong Recipe
Tortang Talong Recipe (16)

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📖 Recipe

Tortang Talong Recipe (17)

Tortang Talong Recipe

A fluffy omelet with crispy edges made with smoky, custardy eggplant grilled on an open flame.

5 from 1 vote

Print Pin Rate

Course: Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine: Asian, Filipino

Diet: Gluten Free

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: 352kcal

Author: Nora Rey

Cost: $2-$3

Equipment

  • Small skillet or wok

Ingredients

  • 2 Japanese or Chinese eggplant see note
  • 3 eggs beaten well
  • 1 teaspoon fish sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Neutral oil (for frying) see note

Instructions

  • Use a fork to pierce the eggplant to allow the steam to escape as it cooks, preventing it from bursting.

  • Grill them on the stove over medium-high heat, preferably on a wire rack. Turn them with tongs every few minutes until the skin is charred and flaky and the flesh becomes soft. Alternatively, you can broil them in the oven until charred.

  • Once cool enough to handle, peel the charred skin while leaving the flesh intact. You can use a spoon to scrape any burnt bits or rinse them gently under running water.

  • Flatten them with a fork, keeping them as whole as possible. Set them aside.

  • Combine the eggs, fish sauce, a pinch of salt, some ground pepper, scallions, and chilies (if using) in a bowl. Beat until frothy to create a lighter and fluffier omelet.

  • Dip the eggplant into the egg mixture, coating them well. If you prefer to fry them separately, you can use two bowls to make it easier to slide them into the pan.

  • Heat a small skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add a generous amount of oil, around ½-inch thick.

    Once the oil starts smoking, carefully slide the eggplant into the skillet. The hot oil will create a fluffy omelet with crispy edges.

  • Fry until the edges are browned, about 1 minute. If the eggs have spread out too much, you can fold the sides inward.

  • Carefully flip the omelet and continue frying the other side for another minute until browned and thoroughly cooked.

  • Drain the excess oil as you lift it off the pan or drain it on paper towels. Serve immediately and enjoy with ketchup, sweet chili sauce, or Sriracha.

Notes

  • Eggplant: Choose the long, slender Japanese/Chinese variety available at Asian supermarkets.
  • Oil: Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point, which is ideal for frying. Good options include vegetable oil, canola oil, peanut oil, or avocado oil if you're willing to spend a bit more.

Nutrition

Calories: 352kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 6gFat: 32gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 9gMonounsaturated Fat: 19gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 123mgSodium: 460mgPotassium: 574mgFiber: 7gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 231IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 1mg

Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided here is solely for informational purposes. I am not a certified nutritionist, and this data hasn't been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration or any other authority. It shouldn't be seen as health or nutrition advice. The figures are estimates calculated from various food composition databases and might vary based on product types, brands, natural variations in produce, and ingredient processing methods. Individual results may differ.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. B

    Tortang Talong Recipe (22)
    Yummmm!

    Reply

    • Nora Rey

      I totally agree! 🤤😋

      Reply

Thanks for coming! Let me know what you think:

Tortang Talong Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is best paired with tortang talong? ›

Tortang Talong is a versatile dish that pairs well with other Filipino dishes. Serve it with steamed rice and ketchup for a delicious breakfast, or try it with other Filipino favorites such as adobo, sinigang, or pancit for a complete meal.

What is tortang talong made of? ›

Tortang talong, also known as eggplant omelette, is an omelette or fritter from Filipino cuisine made by pan-frying grilled whole eggplants dipped in an egg mixture. It is a popular breakfast and lunch meal in the Philippines.

How long does it take to boil eggplant? ›

Place eggplant, garlic, water and salt in a pot and bring to a boil. Cover and cook over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, or until eggplant cubes are cooked but still firm. Drain in a strainer and allow to cool.

How many calories does a tortang talong have? ›

Make-Ahead and Storage
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
810Calories
65gFat
33gCarbs
26gProtein

How do you make eggplant taste better? ›

What do eggplants go with? Flavourings: garlic, chilli, onion, basil, mint, cumin, parsley, coriander, oregano. Ingredients: haloumi, parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, anchovies, olives, tomatoes, eggs, beef, lamb, tahini, yoghurt, lemon juice, olives and olive oil.

What is the purple ingredient in tortang talong and Moussaka? ›

The eggplant, the unexpected fruit who plays a gallant harmony with alliums like garlic and onions, deserves its own applause.

Why do you not salt eggplant before cooking? ›

Older recipes call for salting eggplant to draw out the bitter juices, but today's eggplants are less bitter (unless very large), so salting is largely unnecessary. It will, however, help the spongy flesh absorb less oil and crisp up like a dream.

Why do you put an egg in eggplant? ›

Eggplant-type names

First recorded in 1763, the word "eggplant" was originally applied to white cultivars, which look very much like hen's eggs (see image). Similar names are widespread in other languages, such as the Icelandic term eggaldin or the Welsh planhigyn ŵy.

Is eggplant good or bad for you? ›

The Bottom Line. Eggplant is a high-fiber, low-calorie food that is rich in nutrients and comes with many potential health benefits. From reducing the risk of heart disease to helping with blood sugar control and weight loss, eggplants are a simple and delicious addition to any healthy diet.

Why do you soak eggplant in milk? ›

Soak eggplant slices or cubes in milk for about 30 minutes before cooking. The milk not only tempers the bitterness, but it actually makes for eggplant that is extra creamy, since the vegetable acts like a sponge and soaks up a good amount of milk in its flesh.

What is the secret to cooking eggplant? ›

Eggplants are known to absorb a lot of fat while cooking. A useful tip to prevent sogginess and greasiness is to salt sliced or diced eggplant and let it sit for an hour. This helps to draw out moisture. Next, rinse and drain any liquid from the sliced eggplant, then pat dry before cooking.

Is eggplant OK for weight loss? ›

Besides, because it contains very little energy (only 25 Kcal in every 100 grams of eggplant), eggplant is also one of the reasonable foods in diets aimed at weight loss. Fiber in eggplant and other plants can help people control weight, prevent overweight and obesity.

What are the benefits of tortang talong? ›

This simple and heart healthy dish combines the fresh and light flavor of eggplant with the rich flavor of egg infused with savory chicken taste. Eggplant is a rich source of fiber which does not only benefit the digestive process, but it also helps to improve your heart health.

How many calories are in 2 cups of cooked eggplant? ›

There are 39 calories in 2 cups of cubed Eggplant.

What is the best partner for tortang giniling? ›

Unlike traditional omelets, Tortang Giniling involves mixing the cooked ground meat with the beaten egg mixture before frying. This savory dish is best served with garlic fried rice and banana ketchup, providing a satisfying and easy-to-prepare meal for the whole family.

What protein goes best with eggplant? ›

Here are some popular meat choices that pair well with eggplant:
  • Ground beef or lamb: Perfect for dishes like moussaka or stuffed eggplant.
  • Chicken or turkey: Great options for stir-fries or baked eggplant casseroles.
  • Diced pork or bacon: Adds a smoky and savory taste to your eggplant dish.
May 10, 2024

What is the best combination with omelette? ›

oven roasted potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, avocado, mushrooms, etc. Cheeses. My kids prefer their omelettes simply with extra cheese melted in the middle. These cheeses are great with any omelette: cheddar, Gruyère, Swiss, American, gouda, goat cheese, feta, Colby jack, etc.

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