Traditional Grilled Eggplant

2022-11-01

By Food Gino

Italian Cuisine

Appetizer

3 Delicious Ways to Cook Eggplant: Air Fryer, Instant Pot, and Induction Cooker for Perfect Results

Crispy, Golden Eggplant with No Mess: Air Fry at 375°F for Perfect Texture in Minutes

Slice your eggplant into thick rounds, brush with olive oil, and season. Air fry at 375°F for 12-15 minutes for a crispy, golden exterior and tender interior, mimicking the results of grilling with no mess.

Steam Eggplant to Perfection in Your Instant Pot: Quick, Tender Slices with Charred Flavor Finish

Use your Instant Pot to steam eggplant slices. Simply place a trivet in the pot with a cup of water and arrange your eggplant on top. Pressure cook for 3 minutes for soft, tender eggplant, then finish with a quick grill or air fryer for charred flavor.

Perfectly Sear Eggplant with Precise Heat Control Using an Induction Cooker

If you prefer using a pan, the induction cooker allows you to control the heat precisely. Preheat your skillet on medium-high heat, then sear the eggplant slices for 3-4 minutes per side, creating a perfect grilled effect.

Tips and Suggestions on Grilled Eggplant

Slicing the eggplant

Grilled eggplant requires thinly sliced pieces to ensure they are cooked through and tender. Careful knife skills are crucial, take a gander at our article 10 Tips for Guru-Style Cuts.

Reducing the balsamic glaze

The balsamic glaze for this dish needs to be reduced over low heat until it thickens and has a syrupy consistency. It's important to watch it closely to avoid over-reducing and burning the glaze.

Preparing the grill

The grill needs to be hot and well-oiled to prevent the eggplant from sticking. It's recommended to use a grilling basket or skewers to make turning the eggplant slices easier.

Seasoning the eggplant

Eggplant can be a bland vegetable, so it's important to season the slices with salt and pepper, brush them with olive oil before grilling. Take a peek at what we've written Enhance the Flavor.

Choosing the goat cheese

The goat cheese for this dish needs to be flavorful but not too overpowering. A soft, crumbly chevre cheese or a milder goat cheese like a Bucheron or Montrachet are good options.

Assembling the dish

Grilled eggplant with balsamic glaze and goat cheese is a layered dish that requires careful arranging. It's important to place the eggplant slices and crumbled cheese in a visually appealing way that allows for easy eating.

Finishing touches

To finish the dish, it's recommended to sprinkle some fresh herbs like basil or parsley over the top to add a pop of color and flavor. Drizzling some extra balsamic glaze or olive oil can also enhance the dish's taste and appearance.

Classic Grilled Eggplant Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 large eggplants
  • 1/2 cup of balsamic vinegar
  • 1/3 cup of olive oil
  • 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 4 oz. of goat cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
  2. Cut eggplants into 1/2-inch thick slices and brush both sides with olive oil. Sprinkle salt and pepper evenly on both sides.
  3. Grill eggplant slices for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, until tender and lightly charred. Remove from grill and set aside.
  4. In a small saucepan, bring balsamic vinegar to a simmer over medium heat. Cook until reduced by half, about 8 minutes.
  5. Combine minced garlic and chopped basil leaves in a small bowl. Add olive oil and whisk until well combined.
  6. Arrange eggplant slices on a serving platter. Drizzle balsamic reduction and olive oil mixture over the eggplant slices.
  7. Crumble goat cheese over the eggplant slices and sprinkle with additional chopped basil leaves.
  8. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Cooking Time

Preparation Time 15 min

Cook Time 20 min

Total time 35 min

Nutrition Facts

  • Calories: 240
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 16 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Protein: 6 g

Variations for Grilled Eggplant

Roasted Tahini Eggplant

This version is made by roasting eggplant until tender, paired with caramelized tahini and a refreshing cucumber yogurt salad for a delicious balance of flavors.

Roasted eggplant with caramelized tahini and cucumber yogurt salad by 177 milk street

Stir-Fried Eggplant

This version is made by stir-frying tender Japanese eggplant with spices and crisp cucumber, creating a vibrant and flavorful dish that’s quick to prepare.

Spicy Stir-Fried Japanese Eggplant and Cucumber

Grilled Eggplant with Peanut

This version is made by grilling slices of eggplant until smoky and tender, then drizzled with a rich peanut ginger sauce for an unforgettable taste.

Grilled Eggplant with Peanut Ginger Sauce

Sweet Grilled Eggplant

This version is made by roasting eggplant to impart a smoky flavor, then blending it into a sweet and creamy spread perfect for dips and sandwiches.

Recipe: Sweet & Smoky Eggplant Spread

Sweet Korean Eggplant

This version is made by pan-frying eggplant in a sweet soy glaze, enhancing its natural flavors and creating a delightful sweet-savory side dish.

Sweet Korean Eggplant

Glazed Eggplant

This version is made by roasting eggplant and glazing it with a luscious honey mixture, infused with Moroccan spices, for a unique and aromatic treat.

Honey Glazed Moroccan Eggplant

Chinese Eggplant

This version is made by stir-frying eggplant until tender and silky, often seasoned with soy sauce and garlic for a classic Chinese dish.

Chinese Eggplant

Grilled Eggplant Spicy Garlic

This version is made by sautéing soft Chinese eggplant in a spicy garlic sauce, delivering a bold and zesty flavor that complements its creamy texture.

Chinese Eggplant with Spicy Garlic Sauce

Grilled Eggplant with Curry

This version is made by simmering eggplant in a fragrant curry sauce, paired with a refreshing cucumber mint raita that balances the spices wonderfully.

Eggplant Curry with Cucumber Mint Raita

Grilled Eggplant Recipe Review

Go to Top