Tortang Talong Recipe (2024)

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

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

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)

Did you make this recipe? I would love to know! Your feedback helps me make better recipes. Please rate, review, or comment below. Questions about this recipe are welcome, too!

Let's connect on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, Twitter, and Youtube. Be sure to tag me when you try any of my recipes @recipesbynora!

📖 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.

Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @recipesbynora or tag #RecipesByNora!

More Vegetable Recipes

  • Ginataang Ampalaya Recipe
  • Ginisang Okra Recipe
  • Lumpiang Labong Recipe
  • Adobong Sitaw Recipe

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 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.

What to pair with tortang talong? ›

Pairing Tortang Talong with Other Filipino Dishes

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.

Can you freeze tortang talong? ›

Yes, you can freeze leftover Tortang Talong for up to 3 months. Simply reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.

How many calories does tortang talong have? ›

810 Calories

Why do you not salt eggplant before cooking? ›

So, do you still need to salt eggplant in advance? To mask bitterness, not really. For the most part, farmers have selectively bred eggplants and picked varieties that tasted less bitter over the years. For most recipes, I just cut the eggplant and get cooking.

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.

How to eat eggplant for weight loss? ›

Therefore, to cater for a slimming diet, bake eggplants instead of frying them. To bake a whole eggplant, first pierce the skin with a fork like a potato. After about 30 minutes in the oven, you can take the insides and stuff the eggplant, or mash the pulp into a soup, stew, or dip.

What is the best partner for talong? ›

Eggplant Salad or Ensaladang Talong is a simple Filipino Salad composed of grilled eggplant, tomatoes, and onions. This is eaten as a side dish and is best if partnered with grilled dishes such as inihaw na baboy or grilled pork belly.

How to know if eggplant has gone bad? ›

Signs That Eggplant Is Bad

Lusterless and shriveling exteriorA ripe, safe-to-eat eggplant looks really shiny and has tight, smooth skin. If your eggplant has lost its luster and/or looks wrinkly, it's past its prime and no longer good to cook with. Keep an eye out for brown spots around your eggplant, too.

How long will eggplant last in the fridge? ›

If you don't intend to eat the eggplant within 2 days, it should be refrigerated. To refrigerate, wrap in a paper towel and place in a reusable container or perforated plastic bag in the crisper section of your refrigerator for use within 5 - 7 days.

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 boiled eggs? ›

How Many Calories in An Egg?
1 egg (52g)Average quantity per serving (2 eggs)
Kilojoules310kJ620kJ
Calories74 Cal148 Cal
Protein6.3g12.7g
Fat, total5.2g10.3g
4 more rows

How many calories should a man eat to lose weight? ›

To shed 1 pound a week, he needs to reduce his calorie intake to 2,100 calories per day. Active: Men who are physically active and walk more than 3 miles daily need 2,800-3,000 calories per day to maintain weight and 2,300-2,500 calories per day to shed 1 pound a week.

What type of vegetable is talong? ›

In the Philippines, eggplants are of the long and slender purple variety. They are known as talong and is widely used in many stew and soup dishes, like pinakbet.

What are the active ingredients in eggplant? ›

The chemical constituents of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) mainly contain flavonoids, multiple alkaloids (including amides and glycoalkaloids), phenolic acids, and steroids.

Is eggplant good or bad for you? ›

Health Benefits

While eggplant isn't the most nutritious vegetable, it does give you a decent supply of potassium and fiber. And at just 25 calories and less than 1 gram of fat per serving, it's a pretty guilt-free food -- as long as you don't soak it in oil.

Are Japanese eggplants healthy? ›

Southern and Southeast Asian dishes often incorporate Japanese eggplant and you can use it in any dish that you would use American eggplant in. It's a low-calorie (20 calories per cup), high-fibre food that is full of nutrients like antioxidants, minerals and vitamins.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Lakeisha Bayer VM

Last Updated:

Views: 5477

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (69 voted)

Reviews: 92% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Lakeisha Bayer VM

Birthday: 1997-10-17

Address: Suite 835 34136 Adrian Mountains, Floydton, UT 81036

Phone: +3571527672278

Job: Manufacturing Agent

Hobby: Skimboarding, Photography, Roller skating, Knife making, Paintball, Embroidery, Gunsmithing

Introduction: My name is Lakeisha Bayer VM, I am a brainy, kind, enchanting, healthy, lovely, clean, witty person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.