To make legit eggplant parm, you’ll need to fry eggplant. And to yield the best results, you’re going to want to let it sit for a bit with salt to draw out the excess moisture. Sauce is also key. No matter how much you love the jarred stuff, homemade is always better. Plus, since you’re putting in the work with the eggplant, you might as go the distance with the sauce. It can simmer and do it’s own thing on the stovetop while you prep other things. With all of this love and attention, we promise this will be the best meal of your life.

If you’re pressed for time, try our quicker (and healthier) baked eggplant parm.

Made this? Let us know how it went in the comments below!

INGREDIENTS
FOR EGGPLANT
3 medium eggplants, sliced into coins
Kosher salt
2 c. all-purpose flour
6 large eggs, beaten
1/4 c. milk (or water)
4 c. Panko bread crumbs
2 c. Parmesan, divided
1 tsp. dried oregano
3 c. shredded mozzarella
Vegetable oil, for frying
Freshly chopped parsley, for garnish
FOR THE MARINARA
1/4 c. extra-virgin olive oil
1 onion, chopped
6 cloves garlic, chopped
1 tbsp. tomato paste
2 (28-oz.) cans crushed tomatoes
1/4 c. torn basil leaves
1 tsp. dried oregano
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
DIRECTIONS
Line a large baking sheet with paper towels. Season eggplant slices all over with salt and place on baking sheet in a single layer. Top with another layer of paper towels and continue to layer as needed. Let sit for 45 minutes to release excess moisture.
Make marinara: In a large pot over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add onion and cook until tender, about 6 minutes. Stir in garlic and tomato paste and cook 1 minute. Add crushed tomatoes, basil and dried oregano to pot. Fill one can about halfway with water, swirl to release excess tomatoes, and add to pot. Simmer 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. (Sauce can be made up to 2 days ahead.)
Preheat oven to 350°. Add flour to a shallow bowl. Whisk eggs and milk in another shallow bowl. And whisk together Panko, ½ cup Parmesan, and dried oregano to a third shallow bowl. Working in batches, toss eggplant in flour then dip in eggs and dredge in Panko mixture. Place on a baking sheet lined with a wire rack.
In a large high-sided skillet over medium heat, heat about ¼” oil. When oil is shimmering, add eggplant in a single layer and cook until deeply golden on both sides, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Transfer to wire rack and blot with paper towels. Let cool slightly.
In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of sauce. Top with a layer of eggplant slices, trimming as needed, then drizzle with more sauce. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan on top. Repeat layering with remaining ingredients.
Cover with foil and bake on a rimmed baking sheet until the cheese is melted and the eggplant is tender, about 40 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.