Filipino Images are for illustrative purposes only, may be inaccurate, and do not guarantee the presence or absence of specific ingredients. 
Serving Images are for illustrative purposes only, may be inaccurate, and do not guarantee the presence or absence of specific ingredients. Tortang Talong
A simple, satisfying eggplant omelet where smoky grilled eggplant is flattened, dipped in egg, and pan-fried until golden.
Contains common allergens
In the app, Listahan checks these against your household automatically.
Good to know
- Ready in under 30 minutes
Matched from this dish's own ingredients and timing. Browse more: 30-minute meals
Instructions
6 steps- 1
Char the whole eggplants directly over a gas flame or under a broiler for 8-10 minutes, turning often, until the skins blister and blacken and the flesh is completely soft.
- 2
Let the eggplants cool for a few minutes, then peel off the charred skin while keeping the stems attached as handles.
- 3
Place each peeled eggplant on a plate and gently flatten it with a fork into a fan shape about 1/2 inch thick.
- 4
Beat the eggs with the salt and pepper in a shallow dish, then dip each flattened eggplant into the egg, holding it by the stem so it is fully coated.
- 5
Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat, lay in an egg-coated eggplant, then pour a little extra egg over the top and fry for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and set.
- 6
Drain briefly on paper towels and serve hot with steamed rice and a side of banana ketchup or spiced vinegar.
Images are for illustrative purposes only, may be inaccurate, and do not guarantee the presence or absence of specific ingredients. Listahan Family Score™
76/100
Good fit for most families
Score reflects how well this recipe fits a typical busy household. In the app, your Family Score is personalized to your household's allergens, kids, and pantry.
Nutrition
per serving250
Calories
10 g
Protein
21 g
Carbs
16 g
Fat
Estimated per serving. Actual values depend on the brands and portions you use.
Listahan cooking guide
Chef notes & practical guide
Technique notes, ingredient swaps, serve-alongside ideas, storage guidance, and equipment for this recipe.
Cultural context
Tortang Talong is a Filipino eggplant omelette: a whole eggplant grilled until smoky, peeled, flattened, dipped in egg, and pan-fried. Humble and quick, it is everyday home cooking that turns one eggplant and a couple of eggs into a satisfying dish. Grilling the eggplant first is what gives it the signature smoky softness.
Listahan note
This version chars the eggplant for smokiness, then fans it into beaten egg and fries it golden, keeping the dish simple so the eggplant flavor leads.
Technique cues
- Char the eggplant directly over a flame for the essential smoky flavor.
- Flatten the peeled eggplant gently so it holds together in the egg.
- Fry until the egg is set and golden but still tender.
Kitchen flow
- Parallel prep
- Char and peel the eggplant while the eggs and pan are ready.
- Make-ahead
- Char the eggplant ahead; dip and fry just before serving.
- Leftover move
- Tuck leftover torta into a sandwich or over rice with banana ketchup.
- Cleanup rhythm
- One pan; wipe it while warm.
Ingredient brief
Role, handling, and swap guidance for each key ingredient.
Asian eggplants
Main
Purpose: Their soft flesh and thin skin grill and peel easily.
Handling: Char whole, peel, and flatten with a fork.
Adaptation: Globe eggplant works but is harder to flatten.
Eggs
Binder and body
Purpose: Coat the eggplant and form the omelette.
Handling: Beat with a little salt and pepper; dip the eggplant fully.
Adaptation: Add an extra egg for a heartier torta.
Salt and pepper
Seasoning
Purpose: Simple seasoning lets the smoky eggplant shine.
Handling: Season the eggs before dipping.
Adaptation: Add a little fish sauce for more umami.
Oil
Frying medium
Purpose: Crisps the egg coating.
Handling: Heat to medium-high before frying.
Adaptation: Any neutral oil works.
Technique notes
- Char the eggplant well; the smoky flavor is the whole point.
- Keep the eggplant whole at the stem so it fans neatly into the egg.
- Fry over steady heat so the egg sets without burning.
Ingredient swaps
- Heartier direction
- Add seasoned ground pork (giniling) to the egg for rellenong talong.
- More-umami direction
- Season the eggs with a little fish sauce.
- Dairy-free note
- The dish is naturally dairy-free; serve with banana ketchup.
Serve alongside
- Steamed white rice
- Banana ketchup
- Sliced tomatoes
- Spiced vinegar
- Hot coffee
- Calamansi juice
- Cold water
Serving suggestions only — check pairings for your household's allergens.
Storage & reheating
- Refrigerate up to 2 days in a sealed container.
- Reheat in a pan to keep the edges crisp.
- Freezing is not recommended.
Equipment
- Open flame or grill
- Skillet
- Fork for flattening
- Spatula
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