Description
This Fried Eggplant Sandwich with Harissa Mayo is smoky, crispy, and packed with flavor. Golden, breadcrumb-coated eggplant slices are pan-fried to perfection and layered with fresh tomato, crisp greens, and a creamy, spicy harissa mayo. Quick to prepare and full of Mediterranean-inspired flavors, this vegetarian sandwich is perfect for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep. A satisfying, flavorful bite every time!
Ingredients
- For the Crispy Eggplant:
 - 
1 small eggplant, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
 - 
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
 - 
½ cup flour (all-purpose or whole wheat)
 - 
1 tsp onion powder
 - 
1 tsp garlic powder
 - 
Salt and pepper, to taste
 - 
2 eggs, beaten (or flax eggs – see notes)
 - 
Grapeseed oil, for coating the pan
 - For the Sandwiches:
 - 
8 slices bread, toasted if desired
 - 
½ cup mayonnaise (regular or vegan)
 - 
2 tbsp harissa paste
 - 
1 cup lettuce
 - 
1 large tomato, sliced
 - 
½ cup sprouts (optional)
 
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Crispy Eggplant
 - In a large bowl, combine panko, flour, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
 - In a separate bowl, beat the eggs (or prepare flax eggs). Make sure both bowls are wide enough to dip a slice of eggplant.
 - Heat grapeseed oil in a skillet over medium heat.
 - Dip an eggplant slice into the egg, then coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture.
 - Cook in the skillet for 3 minutes on the first side, then 2 minutes on the other, until golden brown and crispy.
 - Repeat with remaining slices, cooking in batches to avoid overcrowding.
 - Transfer cooked eggplant to a towel-lined plate.
 - Step 2: Assemble the Sandwiches
 - In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise and harissa paste. Spread evenly on one side of each slice of bread.
 - On four slices of bread, layer lettuce, cooked eggplant, tomato slices, and sprouts if using.
 - Top with remaining slices, mayonnaise side down.
 - Slice in half if desired and serve immediately.
 
Notes
- Vegan Variation: Use flax eggs and vegan mayonnaise; ensure bread is vegan.
 - Flax Egg Preparation: Mix 1 tbsp ground flaxseeds with 3 tbsp water; let sit 5 minutes until thickened.
 - Serving Tip: Best served immediately for crispiness.
 
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
 - Cook Time: 20 minutes
 - Category: Breakfast
 - Cuisine: Mediterranean