Grilling is one of my favorite ways to cook vegetables. It gives them a smokey flavor, softens them to perfection, and gives them a crispy outside texture. Try grilling zucchini or asparagus, you won’t want to cook them any other way. also LOVE to grill pineapple because the sugars carmelize and make it extra juicy and sweet.
What Is Grilled Eggplant?
Eggplant is surprisingly SO tender and delicious, and grilling your eggplant takes it to the next level! This eggplant recipe starts with a simple seasoning of salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Grilling eggplant creates the best texture with its golden grill marks. You will also love the tasty and smokey flavor! Eggplant is so versatile in many different recipes and especially as a substitute for noodles. Like in my popular eggplant parmesan recipe. It’s a good one! I also like to use eggplant in lasagna or as a replacement for pizza dough in this air fryer pizza.
Ingredients Needed
These ingredients are minimal and so easy. Eggplant has a mild flavor but when it’s seasoned and grilled it is so tasty! See the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact measurements.
Eggplants: All you need is two eggplants for this recipe. Follow my tips below on how to pick out the perfect eggplant at the grocery store. Olive Oil: Olive oil helps prevent sticking and locks in moisture while it grills. Kosher Salt: Salt enhances all the flavors. Pepper: I always prefer cracked black pepper because the bigger pepper flakes have so much flavor. Garlic Powder: The best seasoning with great flavor. Fresh Parsley: Garnish with chopped parsley if you desire.
Grilled Eggplant Recipe
With a few easy steps, grilling eggplant will be ready in no time. It’s a quick side dish recipe perfect for all your summer meals. Follow my instructions below to learn how to grill eggplant. You will LOVE it!
Do I need to peel the eggplant? Nope! Make this easy on yourself and leave the peel on! It is completely edible and adds great texture. How do I pick an eggplant? A good rule to follow when picking out your eggplant is to look for one that is glossy. Also, when you pick it up, give it a little squeeze. It should have a tiny bit of give to it. If it’s rock hard, it’s not ready and one that is too soft is too ripe! Use Different Seasonings: This grilled eggplant is seasoned with a few simple flavors, but you can switch up the seasonings. Sometimes I add Italian herbs or make it spicy with a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. Eggplant will take on the flavor of anything you desire to season it with! Add Cheese: Sprinkle feta cheese or Parmesan cheese on top after the eggplant. It will melt onto the warm eggplant and my kids like it best this way! Drizzle With Balsamic Glaze: Just before serving drizzle balsamic glaze over the top. This is my favorite way to eat grilled eggplant. Trust me, give it a try!
In the Refrigerator: Store cooled grilled eggplant in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. To Reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 30-45 seconds or in the air fryer for a crispier texture. Cook in the air fryer at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 minutes or until warmed through.
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