Best Eggplant Omelette – Tortang Talong With Giniling

There’s something magical about starting your morning with a breakfast that’s both hearty and comforting and for me, that’s Tortang Talong with Giniling. It’s simple, smoky and budget friendly and can be made in 30 minutes.  

Imagine tender roasted eggplant, mashed and mixed with savory ground meat, all fried to golden perfection. When we add Giniling (ground meat), this eggplant omelette becomes a filling dish that is called Tortang Talong Relleno. 

The smoky flavor of eggplant makes it more delicious. Join me as I explore the simple process of making this dish, ensuring you can serve up something special. This Filipino classic is the kind of breakfast that leaves you smiling and ready to tackle the day.

What is Tortang Talong Relleno?

Tortang Talong Relleno is a delightful Filipino dish that beautifully marries the simplicity of eggplant with a rich, savory filling. Tortang Talong is  made by grilling eggplant until soft, peeling them and dipping in eggs and pan fried. 

The relleno version makes it special. In this recipe eggplant is stuffed with ground meat called giniling before frying. You can use pork, beef and chicken depending upon your taste. I got this recipe from my Filipino friend. I used to  call it an eggplant omelette before I knew that it’s a Filipino traditional dish. 

It makes sense that every dish we bring to the dinner table has some sort of history and tradition.

Why This Breakfast Hits Different

Imagine sinking your teeth into a dish that perfectly combines the smoky flavor of grilled eggplant with the savory richness of giniling, a ground meat mixture. Tortang Talong with giniling transforms simple ingredients into a comforting feast that increases your love for home-cooked meals. 

Honestly, it’s all about that perfect balance of flavors and textures. The roasted eggplant is soft and smoky, while the giniling adds a savory, meaty punch that turns a simple omelet into a hearty meal. 

I’ve fallen in love with this recipe because it is affordable and versatile, you can  fill it with your favorite spices or vegetables, making it a canvas for creativity in the kitchen. You can sneak in some nutritious elements without sacrificing taste. 

Quick Breakfast Cheat Sheet

Here’s everything you need at a glance – perfect for busy mornings or last-minute.

Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time	Servings
10 minutes	20 minutes	30 minutes	2–3 people

Required Ingredients For Tortang Talong With Giniling

Here are the simple, fresh ingredients that come together to make a flavorful and hearty Tortang Talong with Giniling. Each one plays a key role in making this breakfast truly special.

• Medium sized Asian eggplants 

I always choose firm, glossy eggplants as they roast perfectly and give that soft, smoky texture I love.

• Ground meat 

A little savory Giniling adds heartiness and makes every bite satisfying.

• Large beaten eggs 

Eggs bind everything together and make the omelet perfectly fluffy.

• Small onion chopped

I sauté it until fragrant. It brings a natural sweetness that balances the dish.

• Garlic Cloves

Fresh garlic gives that irresistible aroma I can’t start without.

• Small tomato, chopped 

You can skip this but I like adding tomatoes for a juicy, fresh kick.

• Salt and pepper
• Cooking oil
• Soya sauce

Get the exact quantity from my recipe card.

Equipment’s To Use For This Recipe

•  Grill pan or broiler
• Frying pan / skillet

How Do I Make Eggplant Omelet With Ground Meat

1. Grilling the eggplants 

Start by grilling the eggplants over an open flame grill or in a broiler until the skin is blackened and blistered. Let it cool and  gently peel off the skin. Being gentle here keeps them from breaking apart later.

After peeling, flatten them gently with a fork and keep the stem intact. Set eggplants aside.

If you’re unsure how to roast eggplant perfectly, check out this easy guide.

2. Cook the giniling (ground meat filling)

After grilling the eggplants, prepare ground meat mixture. In a pan sauté onion and garlic until fragrant. Add ground meat ( chicken/ pork/beef ) and chopped tomatoes  until browned. Season it well with soy sauce, pepper, and salt to taste. I always taste-test here to make sure it’s flavorful.

3. Cook the omelette (Tortang Talong)

In a shallow dish, beat the eggs adding  a pinch of salt and pepper. In a heated skillet, pour a thin layer of oil and then dip each eggplant in the egg mixture before placing it in the pan. Place a spoon full of giniling on top of eggplant and press it gently  so it sticks. Cover it with more beaten eggs.

4. Fry until Perfectly brown

Allow the eggplant covered with eggs and ground meat to cook until golden brown on both sides.  I always use medium heat. Too high burns it & too low makes it soggy. Take them out one by one and drain excess oil on a paper towel.

For a fun twist I used to garnish my Tortang Talong with chopped scallions, cheese, green onions or a drizzle of sweet chili sauce for an exciting flavor contrast.

Common Breakfast Mistakes To Avoid 

Even though Tortang Talong with Giniling is simple, a few common mistakes can turn it from perfect to disappointing. You must avoid these mishaps

1.  If your eggplant is overripe, it can release too much water. Roast until soft and slightly charred, and gently drain any excess liquid before combining with giniling. 
2. Overcooking the ground meat can make it dry and bland. I always sauté just until browned and juicy, keeping the flavor intact. 
3. Omelette falls apart if the egg coating is too thin or you handle it roughly. Use enough beaten egg and flip carefully. Think of it like a baby eggplant! 
4. High heat burns the outside while leaving the inside undercooked. Low heat makes it soggy. I stick to medium heat for that perfect golden crisp.
5.  Always make a taste-test of the giniling before combining it with the eggplant. Trust me, it makes a huge difference.

Want To Try Some Fun Variations?

Even though the classic Tortang Talong with Giniling is amazing, I love mixing things up sometimes. Here are a few variations I recommend

1. Cheesy Twist: Add grated cheese on top before flipping for a melty, gooey surprise. I do this when I want breakfast to feel extra luxurious.
2. Beef relleno: It is richer and more savory. If you love strong flavor this recipe is for you. 
3. Veggie Boost: A nutrient rich option. Mix in finely chopped bell peppers, carrots, or peas with the giniling. It adds color, crunch, and extra nutrients – perfect for a hearty morning.
   
4. Seafood Version: Swap the meat with shrimp or crab meat for a lighter, seafood-inspired twist. It’s a fun variation for special mornings.
5. Spicy Kick: Sprinkle a little chili flakes or add chopped jalapeños to the giniling. I do this when I’m craving a breakfast with some heat.

Serve It To Make Everyone Smile

I love serving Tortang Talong with meat while it is warm and crispy on the edges. Here are a few serving suggestions for this recipe. 

• People! It goes perfectly with a bowl of steamed rice and a small bowl of spicy vinegar or banana ketchup on the side. 
• To add a twist, I pair it with garlic fried rice for a more filling meal during lunch. If you love pairing this omelette with something simple and fluffy, try it alongside my Perfect, Fluffy White Rice Recipe.
•  Lighten it up with some fresh veggies or salads for balance. If you guys want to enjoy this recipe with salads try its combo with Mexican Coleslaw Recipe.

I love to eat eggplant omelette in sandwich form. I put this between bread slices or a bun – a perfect portable breakfast.

Storage Tips & Reheating 

If you have leftovers, store your recipe in an air tight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I usually stack the pieces of Tortang Talong with a bit of parchment paper in between to avoid sticking together. 

For later use, reheat them in the pan with little oil to bring back the warmth and crispness. You can also microwave it but I prefer the stove top method.

Quick Nutrition Facts 

Calories 315kcal

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value
Protein	18 g	36%
Fat	22 g	34%
Saturated Fat	6 g	30%
Carbohydrate	10 g	3%
Fiber	2 g	8%
Cholesterol	190 mg	63%
Sodium	360 mg	15%
Calcium	40 mg	4%

It can be different depending upon the meat you use. For a detailed breakdown of the calories and nutrients in Tortang Talong with Giniling, check it out on FatSecret.

Are You Ready To Make Your Mornings Delicious

Tortang Talong with giniling (Relleno style) is proof that simple ingredients can create a dish that’s smoky, hearty and deeply satisfying. Whether you make it with pork, beef, chicken or even with tofu this Filipino eggplant omelette will always taste delicious. 

I’ve been making this for years, and no matter how rushed the morning is, it never fails to put a smile on the table. So gather your ingredients and dive into this delicious dish and share it with your loved ones. 

 FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)