Name: Grilled Eggplant
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 2 eggplant; 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; 1 clove minced or grated garlic; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; Chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional, for serving)

To the eggplant hold outs, this Grilled Eggplant is my attempt to seduce you at last. Crisp outside, tender (but NOT mushy) inside, and versatile, eggplant will pair with whatever you are grilling next. Surprisingly satisfying, eggplant is also an excellent base for a hearty vegetarian meal.

grilled eggplant medallions on a plate with oil and seasoning

I’ve had trauma with a wide assortment of vegetables in the past (Grilled Brussels Sprouts and Grilled Portobello Mushrooms helped me finally overcome the limp, overcooked offenders of the past).

Eggplant is an exception. We’ve only ever been on the best of terms.

My experience of eggplant is of a healthy vegetable that’s versatile, filling, and quick-cooking.

Eggplant can work as a meat stand-in, as it does in Eggplant Pasta.
Heck, it can even BE the “pasta,” as it is in this popular Eggplant Lasagna.
You can season it any which way. It is a hard-working, yummy veggie.

Thus, imagine my surprise when I offered to grill eggplant for my sister—who is not a picky eater—and her response was (direct quote) “Ewww, mushy!”

grilled eggplant with seasoning on a plate for dinner

To the eggplant haters, I am not without empathy.

As with those of you who told me you despised Brussels sprouts prior to trying Roasted Brussels Sprouts, when it comes to making vegetables taste delicious, the cooking method is often everything.

Grilled eggplant is charred, caramelized, and richly savory.
It is NOT slimy, bitter, mushy, or bland!
Grilled eggplant slices take all of 15 minutes from start to finish.
The leftovers are just waiting to be repurposed for your next healthy meal.

I beg you, let your preconceived notions go and give grilled eggplant a try!

grilled eggplant slices with bite on a plate

About Eggplant

Eggplant is a member of the nightshade family, along with tomatoes, potatoes, and bell peppers.

It offers fiber and potassium, Vitamins A and C, and eggplant calories clock in at just 25 calories per serving, making eggplant a healthy choice.

Some (ahem, Tom Brady) consider eggplant bad for you because it contains a chemical called solanine. Some will claim this chemical adds to inflammation but (per WebMD), there’s not solid evidence.

For me, the health benefits of eggplant FAR out weigh any negative risks. I have zero side effects from eating eggplant, other than feeling full and happy.
Of course, if you notice that your joints flare up when you eat eggplant, this is something to be mindful of (disclaimer: I am not a nutritionist—please contact your doctor for more).

slices of eggplant grilled for dinner on a plate

How to Make Grilled Eggplant

The trick to great grilled eggplant that will win over skeptics is the preparation.

For the best grilled eggplant, slice the eggplant into rounds.

Unlike whole grilled eggplant (which has the softer texture that people either adore or despise with no in between), or eggplant “planks,” thinly sliced eggplant is pleasantly crisp and warm.
It’s a filling vegetable side that is nutritious, without the aggressive crunch of cold, raw veggies.

To Soak or Not to Soak?

SHORT ANSWER: No, you do not need to soak eggplant before grilling, at least not in my experience.

MORE INFO: Some recipes call for eggplant to be soaked prior to cooking as a way of making it less bitter. Personally, I have never, ever had grilled eggplant that turned out bitter, even when grilling large, later season eggplant.

Brining eggplant (soaking in a salt water solution) is also an idea I’ve seen out there, but I am of the opinion that (unlike Baked Chicken Breast where brining makes a critical difference), for eggplant soaking is completely unnecessary and not worth the effort.

The Ingredients

Eggplant. Healthy, filling, and quick-cooking, this nutritious vegetable is in prime season during the summer. Cook it alongside your favorite grilled entrees.

Market Swap

Zucchini and eggplant are in prime season at the same time, and are perfect for grilling beside each other. For a step-by-step see this recipe for Grilled Zucchini.

Olive Oil. Don’t skimp! Olive oil helps the eggplant caramelize.

Tip!

Eggplant drinks up oil quickly. To make sure you don’t overdo it, I recommend brushing on the oil with a washable basting brush like this.

Garlic. Eggplant is popular throughout Provence, France, where it is seasoned liberally with garlic. The French are onto something, because the two are fantastic together.
Herbs. I like to use a combination of dried herbs prior to grilling (oregano is my go-to dried herb), then finish with basil or parsley from my garden for color and freshness.
SALT. To avoid bland grilled eggplant, be sure to season it generously with kosher salt prior to cooking, then again afterwards to taste.

SUBSTITUTION TIP

In a hurry? You can cook stellar grilled eggplant with just salt, pepper and olive oil. The herbs and garlic are a “nice to have” but certainly not essential.

The Directions

Preheat the grill to medium high (400 to 450 degrees F). Cut the eggplant crosswise into 1/2-inch rounds.

oil, oregano, and pepper seasoning for grilled eggplant

Whisk together the oil, garlic, and seasoning.

eggplant slices brushed with oil, oregano, and garlic

Brush over the eggplant.

sliced eggplant with seasoning on tray for grilling

Flip and brush the other side.

eggplant medallions in the grill with oil

Grill the eggplant for 8 to 10 minutes with the lid closed, flipping once halfway through. ENJOY!

What to Serve with Grilled Eggplant

Grilled eggplant is meaty, but mild making it a versatile side.

I like to cook eggplant on the grill at the same time as other entrees.

Burgers. Keep it classic with Blue Cheese Burgers, change it up with a Shrimp Burger, or keep your meal all-veg with this stuffed Portobello Mushroom Burger.
Chicken. Both Chicken Kabobs and simple Grilled Chicken Breast or this Tikka Masala recipe hit the spot alongside eggplant.
Seafood. Fish such as Grilled Salmon in Foil and Grilled Cod both pair well with eggplant, as does Grilled Shrimp Seasoning.
Pork. Grilled Pork Tenderloin and Grilled Pork Chops make an elegant pairing with eggplant.

Recipe Variations

Grilled Eggplant Parmesan. Sprinkle your grilled eggplant slices liberally with freshly grated Parmesan cheese (be sure to check out the Baked Cauliflower Parmesan in my cookbook also!). To make it a main meal, add some pasta and marinara sauce.
Balsamic Grilled Eggplant. Drizzle your grilled eggplant with a good quality aged balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze. For a more pronounced flavor, brush a little balsamic vinegar onto the eggplant prior to grilling.
Lemon Grilled Eggplant. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the eggplant prior to serving. I also love to add basil and Parmesan to this variation.
Mediterranean Grilled Eggplant. Sprinkle the cooked eggplant with crumbled feta and chopped fresh parsley and mint.

Storage Tips

To Store. Refrigerate leftover grilled eggplant slices for up to 5 days.
To Reheat. Rewarm leftovers in a 350 degree F oven until heated through, about 5 minutes.
To Freeze. I do NOT recommend freezing grilled eggplant, as it will become mushy once thawed.

Leftover Ideas

Leftover grilled eggplant will be your BFF! Here are some tasty ways to use:

Air Fryer Grilled Cheese. Layer eggplant slices into your next sandwich for a hearty vegetarian main (or go for a BLT with grilled eggplant!).
Pasta. Dice it up and stir it into your next batch of pasta. Chicken Pesto Pasta or Avocado Pesto Pasta would be especially summery.
Salads. Warm your leftover eggplant in the oven, then stir it into a green salad for lunch, or add it to Italian Chopped Salad to up your veggie game.

Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe

Knife Set. Thick stainless steel blades with ergonomic handles.
Cutting Board. Double-sided, non-porous cutting board with counter grips.
Measuring Spoons. Magnetic feature is perfect for drawer organization.

The Best Basting Brush

This silicone basting brush has a bristle design to prevent clumping, and is angled for easier basting and keeping dirty bristles off of your counter!

Get on AMazon

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