Grilled Eggplant

Grilled eggplant slices on a grill pan or outdoor grill are a tasty and easy way of enjoying this delicious summer vegetable.

We’ll show you how to grill eggplant and season it with different condiments to bring out its best flavor.

Eggplant

We think the best variety of eggplant to grill are globe American eggplant (short, round shape and a deep purple color), Italian eggplant (similar color and shape to American, but slightly smaller and sweeter), and fairy tale eggplant (light purple and white color with sweet and tender flesh).

However, you can safely grill white eggplant and graffiti or zebra eggplant too.

You don’t need any other ingredient for grilling eggplant. Optionally you can brush it with a thin layer of extra virgin olive oil. However, we prefer adding the oil later, once grilled.

For the easy marinade

Extra virgin olive oil

Extra virgin olive oil is our choice because it has a fruity flavor that complements the bitter and smoky of the charring and the sweet, earthy flavor of the eggplant.

Vinegar

Eggplant and vinegar are a perfect match! You can use red wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar, apple cider vinegar, sherry vinegar, and white wine vinegar.

Fresh herbs

Fresh basil, fresh mint (including Italian mentuccia), and fresh flat-leaf parsley are undoubtedly the best fresh herbs to go with eggplant. Pick one or more for your condiment. Good alternatives are fresh thyme and fresh oregano.

Garlic

Garlic is another ingredient that marries perfectly with grilled eggplant. We like to slice it thinly, but you can also mince it. Try to go for fresh garlic as opposed to garlic powder. It’s fresher and zestier.

Salt and pepper

Sea salt and kosher salt are more flavorful than table salt. A sprinkle after grilling or diluted in the dressing is enough.

You can also add a twist of black pepper, or if you like things spicy, a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Make the marinade

We start with the marinade so that the oil has time to absorb the flavor from the garlic and herbs.

Add extra virgin olive oil, thinly sliced garlic, chopped basil (or another fresh herb like mint or flat-leaf parsley), vinegar, salt, and black pepper (or red pepper flakes) to a small bowl. Stir it and set it aside.

Grill the eggplant

Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. The temperature should be around 430°F or 220°C. Make sure the grill grates or the pan are clean.

Cast iron is your best bet if you use a grill pan because it distributes the heat evenly and reaches higher temperatures than regular pans. Non-stick also works.

Wash the eggplant, dry it, and remove the stem. Next, slice it into ⅓ of an inch thick discs (about 8mm). You can cut long slices, too, if you prefer. You can use a chef’s knife or a mandoline slicer to cut eggplant.

Tip: the peel of the eggplant can be challenging to slice if you don’t have a sharp knife. If you are having difficulties, use a serrated bread knife.

When the grill or grill pan is hot, turn the heat a notch down from medium-high to medium.

Place the eggplant discs on it on a single layer. Grill for about 3 minutes on one side, then turn around with tongues and grill for another 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer onto a serving platter and keep grilling till you run out of eggplant.

Do not undercook. Grilled eggplant should be well cooked and soft.

Consideration: Less charring is a little healthier, but it’s also less flavorful. If you want clear charring marks, do not move the eggplant. Only flip it once. If you wish to have less charring, move the discs around while cooking.

Apply marinade

As you transfer the grilled eggplant from the grill to the serving platter, drizzle with a generous amount of marinade while the eggplant is still smokey and hot.

The warm and spongy eggplant will absorb fresh herbs, garlic, and olive oil flavor. In addition, the vinegar and salt will make it extra flavorful. Optionally you can sprinkle additional fresh herbs on top.

Enjoy warm, at room temperature, or cold.

Different herb

Try substituting fresh mint or flat-leaf parsley for the basil. They are both great with grilled eggplant. If you don’t have any, you can opt for thyme and oregano, best if fresh.

Chimichurri

Chimichurri is a South American condiment that is delicious with anything grilled. Make with simple ingredients, including olive oil, vinegar, red pepper flakes, parsley, oregano, and plenty of garlic. Check our chimichurri recipe for instructions and ingredients.

Grilled eggplant can be served as an appetizer on a platter with other grilled veggies or as a side dish. It goes particularly well with protein, in salads, and with pasta:

• Serve with tofu such as our 10-min air fryer tofu, grilled tofu, or easy marinated tofu.
• Serve with pasta as a charred addition, we love it with vegan pasta salad or 15-minute tomato pasta. Simply chop it up, and add it in.
• Serve with bread either on top of focaccia or on our flatbread pizza.

You can also use grilled eggplant in a salad. We made a very quick and simple one by mixing the eggplant with grilled cherry tomatoes, grated carrots, spinach, and arugula, in a large bowl. We then served and drizzled the salad with a tangy and creamy chipotle sauce.

If you love tender and flavor-packed eggplant, check out these delightful aubergine recipes:

Sides

Sautéed Eggplant

Pasta

Chickpea Pasta With Eggplant

Starters

Breaded Eggplant

Mains

Stuffed Eggplant

Salads

Eggplant Salad

Pasta

Pasta alla Norma (Eggplant Pasta)

Sides

Roasted Eggplant

Starters

Eggplant Pizza

Or check out any of our 35 favorite eggplant recipes.