Quick Filipino eggplant omelette made with just 3 ingredients in 10 minutes. Smoky charred aubergine meets fluffy eggs for a perfect breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
What is Tortang Talong?
Tortang talong is a classic Filipino eggplant omelette where grilled aubergine gets flattened, dipped in beaten eggs, and pan-fried until golden. The result? A smoky, savory dish that works any time of day.
Growing up in the Philippines, I knew these as talong or eggplants. Living in the UK now, my daughter insists I call them aubergines or I get corrected. Either way, this dish is dead simple and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients for Filipino Eggplant Omelette
- 1 small aubergine (fresh as possible)
- 1 large egg (free-range recommended)
- 1.5 tablespoons neutral oil
That’s it. The aubergine brings natural sweetness, and good eggs mean you barely need seasoning.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Gas stove with open flame (for charring the eggplant)
- Frying pan or wok
- Fork (for pricking, flattening, and whisking)
- Plates and bowls
How to Make Tortang Talong Step-by-Step
Grill the aubergine: Prick the eggplant with a fork, then lay it directly over your gas flame. Turn occasionally until the skin is completely charred and the flesh is soft.
Steam and peel: Transfer the grilled aubergine to a plate, cover for 1 minute (makes peeling easier), then remove the skin.
Prep the eggs: Whisk the egg in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper if you like.
Flatten the aubergine: Use a fork to gently press and flatten the peeled eggplant.
Coat and fry: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Dip the flattened aubergine in the egg (let it soak for a second), then place in the hot oil. Cook 3-4 minutes per side until golden and toasted.
Serve: Enjoy hot or at room temperature.
What to Serve with Eggplant Omelette
Traditional pairings include steamed rice and a fish sauce-vinegar dip with chili. Here are more ideas:
- Banana ketchup (adds sweetness – trust me on this)
- Fried plantain and blanched beans
- FIlipino spiced vinegar
- Soy sauce-vinegar-pepper condiment
- Chinese sweet and sour sauce
- Ginger scallion sauce
Tips for Perfect Tortang Talong
Choose smaller eggplants for easier handling and better texture.
Cover after grilling to steam the aubergine slightly so the skin peels off effortlessly.
Cook on medium heat so the egg sets without burning the bottom.
FAQs About Filipino Eggplant Omelette
Can I make this without a gas stove? You can use a grill pan or broiler, but you’ll miss the smoky flavor from direct flame charring.
Do I need to season the eggplant? Not really because grilled aubergine has natural sweetness. Season the eggs instead if you prefer.
Can I use large eggplants? Small to medium eggplants work best for this recipe. Large ones can be too thick and difficult to flatten.
Is tortang talong vegan? No, it contains eggs. But you could try a chickpea flour batter as an alternative.
More Filipino Eggplant Recipes
Want another way to enjoy aubergines? Try ensaladang talong, a Filipino grilled eggplant salad with tomatoes and onions.
Tried this Filipino eggplant omelette recipe? Leave a comment below or tag us on Instagram/Facebook with your creation!
Tortang Talong (Eggplant Omelette)
Equipment
- Gas stove with open flame for charring the eggplant
- Frying pan or wok
- fork for pricking, flattening, and whisking
- Plates and bowls
Ingredients
- 1 small eggplant or aubergine
- 1 large egg
- 1.5 tbsp cooking oil
Instructions
- Prick the eggplant with a fork.
- Lay it directly over the gas flame, turning until charred.
- Place on a plate and cover for 1 minute.
- Whisk egg with salt and pepper (optional).
- Peel the eggplant.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Flatten the eggplant with a fork
- Dip in beaten egg for 1-2 seconds.
- Place in hot oil and cook 3-4 minutes per side until golden.
- Serve hot or at room temperature
Video
Notes
- Use smaller eggplants for best results
- Covering the grilled vegetable makes peeling easier
- Medium heat prevents burning while the top sets
English
Tortang talong for breakfast with fried rice and fish sauce yum.
Fish sauce with tortang talong is delicious I agree.
Banana ketchup goes well with tortang talong. Unli rice pa.
Oh no we do have a pot of ketchup. You are right we will serve tortang talong with ketchup.
You cook with ampalaya too? Very good recipe for tortang talong. Serve with Itlog na maalat too.
I see amplaya or bittermelon here but it is quite on the expensive side so I have decided to cook ampalaya when I am in Asia. Tortang talong for now.
No, I do not buy amplaya here because they are expensive so I made a decision to only cook bittermelon when in Asia. Settling with tortang talong for now. Itlog na maalat is possible to make. You gave me an idea, I will give salted egg a try.
I like it with banana ketchup and vinegar with garlic and chili also
Banana ketchup drizzled over tortang talong is a treat and something to look forward to.
Super delicious
thank you
Serve with banana ketchup the best
You got me with the ketchup, love it too
Nice reminder para sa picnic days
Kasarap naman ng idea sa picnic tapos mag-kakamay.