Garlic Grilled Eggplant

If you haven't grilled eggplant yet, you're seriously missing out. Garlic Grilled Eggplant is one of those dishes that's ridiculously easy to make but tastes like it came straight from a fancy restaurant. It takes just 15 minutes to whip up and requires very few ingredients. And the flavor is absolutely amazing. The balsamic vinegar and Worcestershire sauce give it that perfect depth, while garlic and parsley add a fresh punch.

I first made this on a whim one evening when I had some eggplant lying around and wanted something quick but flavorful to serve alongside grilled chicken. I love making grilled vegetables like Grilled Romaine or Grilled Cauliflower, but I hadn't tried eggplant before, so I thought I'd give it a go!

The smoky, garlicky flavor is so satisfying, and it pairs perfectly with pretty much anything, especially when you toss it in the marinade right after grilling, soaking in all that goodness. Plus, it's super versatile: throw it on a salad, toss it into a veggie bowl, or just eat it straight off the grill!

Smoky, Savory, and Simply Delicious

Here's why we can't get enough of this grilled eggplant recipe:

• Quick and easy: This Garlic Grilled Eggplant comes together in just 15 minutes. Perfect for when you need a simple, delicious side dish without a lot of prep.
• Flavor-packed: The combination of Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, and garlic gives the eggplant a savory, smoky depth that's totally crave-worthy.
• Versatile: Use this grilled eggplant as a side for grilled meats, toss it on top of a salad, or even make it the star of a veggie-packed bowl. It's the kind of dish that works for almost anything.
• Texture tip: When grilling, make sure to cut the eggplant into even slices so they cook uniformly. If you're looking for a bit of extra char, flip the eggplant halfway through grilling for those perfect grill marks.
• Flavor modifications: Feeling adventurous? Try adding a drizzle of tahini or a sprinkle of feta after grilling for an extra boost of flavor. You could also swap out the Worcestershire sauce for soy sauce or coconut aminos for a different twist.

Key Ingredients and Easy Swaps

Here are the ingredients you need to make this grilled eggplant recipe and a few alternatives:

• Eggplant: Look for medium eggplants that are firm to the touch with smooth, glossy skin. Any type of eggplant can be grilled, including the most common globe eggplant (large and dark purple), smaller Italian eggplant, Chinese eggplant, white eggplant, or Japanese eggplant.
• Olive oil: This adds a robust, rich flavor, but you can also use another type of oil you prefer, like canola or avocado oil, for a more neutral flavor.
• Worcestershire sauce: Worcestershire adds a nice, rich umami flavor. If you don't have Worcestershire sauce, you can easily swap it with soy sauce or coconut aminos.
• Balsamic vinegar: Balsamic vinegar adds some sweetness to the dish, but you can also use red wine vinegar or white balsamic.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves add a nice layer of flavor. Swap in garlic powder if you like.
• Parsley: Finishing the dish with some chopped fresh parsley, basil, oregano, or cilantro adds freshness and flavor.

How to Choose the Perfect Eggplant

Most people don't cook with eggplant often, aside from the usual eggplant parmesan or stir-fry. When picking one, go for a firm, smooth eggplant without brown spots or blemishes. Smaller eggplants tend to be sweeter and less bitter, so stick with small to medium-sized ones. Make sure to check the stem, too! The stem should be green and firm, not mushy or moldy.

How To Cook Eggplant On The Grill

Here's how you can cook your eggplant on the grill:

1. Prep the eggplant

Slice the eggplant into rounds or planks. If you're in a rush, the rounds are faster to cook.

Pro tip: The skin on the eggplant is totally fine to leave on. It adds texture and helps hold the slices together while grilling. Plus, it retains some of that lovely flavor!

2. Make the marinade

Mix olive oil, Worcestershire sauce (or soy sauce), balsamic vinegar, garlic, and parsley. Toss the eggplant in this marinade and let it sit for a few minutes. No need to marinate for hours!

3. Grill it up

Place the eggplant on the grill and cook for a few minutes on each side until it's tender and has nice grill marks.

4. Toss and serve

After grilling, toss the eggplant back in the marinade and season with salt and pepper. Serve it hot and enjoy!

Using a Grill Pan Instead of an Outdoor Grill

If you don't have an outdoor grill or it's too cold to cook outside, a grill pan on your stovetop works great. Here's how to do it:

Just heat it up over medium-high heat and cook the eggplant for a few minutes on each side, just like you would on the grill. You'll still get those nice grill marks and smoky flavor.

How do I know when the eggplant is done?

The eggplant will be done when it's golden brown with crispy grill marks on the outside, and it should be tender to the touch when you poke it with a fork. Don't worry if it gets a little soft. That's actually the perfect texture! If it's still a bit firm, give it another minute or two on the grill.

Grilled Eggplant Seasoning Ideas

Once you start grilling eggplant, you will quickly learn that it is a sponge when it comes to flavor. Here are different ways you can spice up your grilled eggplant:

• Switch out the seasoning: Try out all your favorite spice blends and herbs to create unique flavor combinations. It's delicious with red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, Middle Eastern spice blends like Zataar or Harissa, or Indian flavors like curry powder.
• Add fresh herbs and dressing: Another yummy option is to add fresh herbs and vinaigrettes to the eggplant when it comes off the grill. The eggplant soaks up the flavor, and the herbs add brightness. Try fresh mint, basil, cilantro, and parsley. This Balsamic Marinade is perfect for this recipe!
• Top with cheese: Eggplant tastes amazing with cheese. It's my favorite way to upgrade grilled eggplant! Try it with some crumbled feta, goat cheese, Parmesan, or fresh mozzarella.
• Vietnamese-style: A unique way to enjoy garlic eggplant is to use fish sauce dressing and scallion oil. Top with chopped peanuts or sesame seeds for a delicious side dish with other savory dishes.
• Garnish: Finish the grilled eggplant with fresh lemon juice, olive oil, nuts, seeds, fresh herbs, or vinaigrette. You can serve it with dips like sweet chili sauce, chili garlic sauce, or yogurt sauce, depending on your flavor combo.

How to Serve Grilled Eggplant

Here are a few ways you can enjoy this delicious grilled eggplant:

• Make grilled eggplant parmesan: One of my favorite things to do with grilled eggplant is to make eggplant parmesan. Once the eggplant comes off the grill, just add marinara sauce and cheese. Place it on some foil and return to a hot grill for 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts. Top with breadcrumbs if desired for some crunch.
• Make a rollatini: Grilled eggplant slices are perfect for making Eggplant Rollatini! Simply roll them up with ricotta and herbs, baked in marinara sauce, and top with cheese for a lighter, smoky twist on a classic. Perfect for a cozy dinner!
• Use it for sandwich buns: Low carb, Paleo, Keto, and Whole30 folks or anyone looking for a light burger bun. Use grilled eggplant slices instead of bread. Just make sure to cut them thick enough that they are sturdy. Or use the eggplant planks as a base for bruschetta to go along with salad and pasta dishes.
• Serve as a healthy side dish: Add fresh herbs and dressing to the eggplant when it comes off the grill and pair it with your favorite main course like grilled chicken, grilled pork, grilled fish, or grilled tofu.
• Make mini pizzas: Top the eggplant slices with cheese and your favorite pizza toppings for eggplant pizza bites.
• Make fajitas: Grilled eggplant is a perfect addition to Baked Eggplant Fajitas! After grilling, simply toss the slices with fajita seasoning and your favorite veggies. Serve on a warm tortilla with a squeeze of lime, guacamole, and salsa for a smoky, veggie-packed twist on fajitas!
• Turn it into a dip: Take the grilled eggplant and make baba ganoush out of it.
• Make eggplant sandwiches: Take inspiration from Middle Eastern Sabich sandwiches and serve the grilled eggplant in a pita with tahini or hummus, Israeli salad, pickles, and hard-boiled eggs. Or use the eggplant instead of a burger patty.
• Grilled vegetable salad: Toss the grilled eggplant with vegetables and greens. Add feta cheese or goat cheese and some sliced almonds. Top with vinaigrette for a delicious summer salad.

How To Store Grilled Eggplant

If you happen to have leftovers, here's what you should do with them.

Storing:

Store any leftover grilled eggplant in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure it's cooled completely before storing.

Reheating:

Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. You can also give it a quick grill or broil for a few minutes to bring back the crispy texture.

Using leftovers:

There are so many ways to enjoy leftover grilled eggplant! I love chopping up leftovers and serving them in a Buddha Bowl or an Easy Mediterranean Salad!