crispy fried jacket boxes

How to Make Crispy Fried Eggplant Boxes (Eggplant Hezi)

Crispy fried eggplant boxes, or *Eggplant Hezi*, are a beloved Chinese snack with a golden, crunchy exterior and a savory, juicy filling. Here’s a simple guide to making them at home.

Ingredients:

- 2 medium eggplants, sliced into 0.5cm-thick rounds (keep 2 slices per box)

- 200g ground pork or chicken

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 tbsp soy sauce

- 1 tsp sesame oil

- Salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar

- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

- 1/2 cup cornstarch

- 1 cup ice-cold water

- Oil for deep-frying

Steps:

1. Prepare the filling: Mix ground meat with garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, pepper, and sugar. Chill for 15 minutes.

2. Assemble eggplant boxes: Place a spoonful of filling between two eggplant slices, pressing gently to seal.

3. Make the batter: Whisk flour, cornstarch, and ice water until smooth. The batter should be thick enough to coat the eggplant.

4. Fry: Heat oil to 170°C. Dip each eggplant box in batter, then deep-fry for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels.

5. Serve: Hot with a sweet chili or garlic dipping sauce.

Tips: For extra crispiness, add a pinch of baking soda to the batter. Adjust seasoning to taste—some like a hint of five-spice powder in the filling. Enjoy this crispy, flavorful snack as an appetizer or side dish!