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Grilled Eggplant Recipe

Grilled Eggplant Recipe

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Grilled eggplant is a smoky, savory dish that brings out the rich, meaty texture of the vegetable. It’s a perfect side or main dish for summer meals, great for pairing with Mediterranean flavors, and incredibly simple to prepare. Whether served hot off the grill or at room temperature, it’s a delicious way to enjoy this versatile vegetable.

ingredients

Grilled Eggplant Recipe this Recipe
Grilled Eggplant Recipe 10 Grilled eggplant is a smoky, savory dish that brings out the rich, meaty texture of the vegetable. It's a perfect side or main dish for summer meals, great for pairing with Mediterranean flavors, and incredibly simple to prepare. Whether served hot off the grill or at room temperature, it’s a delicious way to enjoy this versatile vegetable.

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

eggplant (medium to large)olive oilgarlic (minced)lemon juicefresh herbs (like parsley or basil)saltblack pepper

directions

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

Slice the eggplant into ½-inch thick rounds.

Sprinkle the slices with salt and let them sit for 20–30 minutes to draw out moisture. Pat them dry with paper towels.

Brush both sides of each slice with olive oil.

Grill the eggplant slices for 4–5 minutes per side, or until they are tender and have visible grill marks.

Remove from the grill and immediately sprinkle with minced garlic, a squeeze of lemon juice, and chopped herbs.

Serve warm or at room temperature.

Servings and timing

Grilled Eggplant Recipe
Grilled Eggplant Recipe 11 Grilled eggplant is a smoky, savory dish that brings out the rich, meaty texture of the vegetable. It's a perfect side or main dish for summer meals, great for pairing with Mediterranean flavors, and incredibly simple to prepare. Whether served hot off the grill or at room temperature, it’s a delicious way to enjoy this versatile vegetable.

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.Preparation time: 30 minutes (including salting)Grilling time: 10 minutesTotal time: 40 minutes

Variations

Top with crumbled feta or goat cheese for a creamy touch.

Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a sweet-tart finish.

Serve with a dollop of yogurt or tzatziki sauce.

Use in sandwiches, wraps, or salads for added flavor and texture.

storage/reheating

Store grilled eggplant in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.To reheat, warm slices in a skillet over medium heat or in a microwave for about 30 seconds.

FAQs

Do I need to peel the eggplant?

No, the skin is edible and helps the slices hold their shape while grilling.

Can I grill eggplant without salting it first?

Yes, but salting helps reduce bitterness and improves texture.

Can I use a grill pan instead of an outdoor grill?

Absolutely, a grill pan works well for indoor cooking.

What type of eggplant is best for grilling?

Globe or Italian eggplants are ideal due to their size and fleshiness.

How do I keep the eggplant from sticking to the grill?

Brushing with oil and using a clean, well-heated grill helps prevent sticking.

Can I make this recipe ahead?

Yes, grilled eggplant can be made a few hours in advance and served at room temperature.

Is this recipe vegan?

Yes, it’s naturally vegan and gluten-free.

Can I add spices?

Yes, smoked paprika, cumin, or za’atar add extra depth of flavor.

How thick should I slice the eggplant?

½-inch slices strike the right balance of tenderness and sturdiness on the grill.

Can I freeze grilled eggplant?

Freezing isn’t ideal as the texture becomes mushy, but it can be done for use in casseroles.

Conclusion

Grilled eggplant is a simple, flavorful, and healthy dish that’s perfect for any cookout or weeknight meal. With its smoky flavor and versatile uses, it’s an easy favorite you’ll come back to again and again. Try it with your favorite toppings or sides and discover how delicious eggplant can be when grilled to perfection.

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Grilled Eggplant Recipe

Grilled Eggplant Recipe

  • Author: slsrecipes
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Vegan
Print Recipe

Description

A flavorful and easy-to-make grilled eggplant recipe perfect as a side dish or light main, featuring smoky char, garlic, herbs, and olive oil.

Ingredients

  • 2 medium eggplants (about 1½ lb total), sliced ½ inch thick
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  3. Brush both sides of eggplant slices with the oil mixture.
  4. Grill eggplant for 4–5 minutes per side until tender and grill marks appear.
  5. Transfer to a platter and garnish with parsley if desired.
  6. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or red pepper flakes for added flavor.
  • Oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
  • Thicker slices yield a meatier texture; thinner ones cook faster.
  • Great served chilled or reheated.