This grilled eggplant recipe turned out WAY better than I expected. You can grill or roast it, brush on the savory sauce, and finish with any toppings you like. Vegan and perfect for your next summer BBQ!
🤔 What is grilled eggplant?
Grilled eggplant is made by slicing or scoring whole eggplants, then cooking them until tender and lightly charred. The flesh becomes soft and creamy with a mild, smoky flavor. You can season it with sauces, herbs, or toppings like sesame seeds, chilies, and green onions.
🍚 Ingredient Tips & Substitutes
Feel free to garnish the finished eggplants with whatever you like; you can also customize the sauce to match your taste!
- Eggplants Purple or green eggplants (Asian or Chinese variety) work well for this recipe. They’re tender, easy to score, and cook quickly on the grill. Use leftovers to make Chinese eggplant stir-fry!
- Egg Helps the sauce thicken slightly and cling to the eggplant while cooking.
- Light soy sauce Provides a salty, umami base for the sauce without overpowering the eggplant.
- Sesame oil Adds a nutty aroma.
- Paprika powder A mild spice that brings warmth and color.
- Garlic
- Oil Use a neutral oil for brushing the grill.
- Fresh chilies Optional, but recommended if you like spice; adjust the amount to taste.
- Green onions Sprinkle on top for a fresh, oniony bite after grilling.
- Sesame seeds Add crunch and a hint of nutty flavor to the finished eggplant.
🍆 Try more eggplant recipes!
This easy recipe for grilled eggplant makes a healthy side dish, snack, or light main. It’s low in calories, full of flavor, and vegetarian! Will you grill or oven-bake it? Let me know in the comments! Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.
Grilled Eggplant Recipe
Equipment
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Large bowl for soaking the eggplant before grilling
- Cutting board and knife
- Grill or grill pan
- Basting brush
- Spatula for moving the eggplant on the grill
Ingredients
- 4 eggplants
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp paprika powder
- 1 tbsp oil for brushing the grill
- chilies finely chopped, to taste
- green onions finely chopped, to taste
- sesame seeds to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, garlic, light soy sauce, sesame oil, and paprika powder until smooth.
- Grill the eggplants: Brush your grill or oven rack with oil. Place the whole eggplants on the grill and cook until the skins are blistered and the insides are soft, turning occasionally.
- Slice open: Use a knife to carefully cut them lengthwise, leaving the bottoms intact. Gently spread them open.
- Brush with sauce: Spoon or brush the prepared sauce over the exposed flesh of each eggplant.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle with chopped chilies, green onions, and sesame seeds.
- Serve: Serve warm or at room temperature as a side dish or light main.
Video
Notes
- Nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and should be considered approximate.
👩🍳 How to make grilled eggplant
- Mix the sauce. In a small bowl, combine egg, minced garlic, light soy sauce, sesame oil, and paprika powder. Stir well until everything is mixed into a smooth sauce.
- Grill the eggplants. Brush your grill rack lightly with oil. Place whole eggplants directly on the grill and cook over medium heat until the skin is blistered and softened, turning as needed.
- Slice open the eggplants. Once the eggplants are fully cooked and soft, use a knife to carefully cut them open lengthwise, but don’t slice all the way through. Gently spread the halves open.
- Brush with sauce. Generously brush the eggplant flesh with the sauce mixture. Let the sauce soak into all the nooks and crannies.
- Add toppings. Top each eggplant with chopped chilies, green onions, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
- Serve. Serve warm or at room temperature. Spoon out the filling or eat the peel as well. You can enjoy them as a side dish or a light vegan main.
❓Frequently asked questions
What to serve with grilled eggplant? Serve it with rice, couscous, or flatbread for a filling meal. Pair it with grilled meats, fresh salads, or yogurt-based dips. Add toppings like herbs, chili oil, or crushed nuts for extra flavor. It works well as a side or light main dish.
Can I freeze grilled eggplant? Yes. Let it cool completely, then place it in an airtight container or freezer bag with parchment between layers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or on a pan. Texture may soften slightly, but flavor holds up well.
