Sizzling Grilled Eggplant With Garlic & Herbs Recipe – Ready in 20

Grilled eggplant elevates this humble vegetable into a smoky, mouthwatering delicacy that surprises even skeptical palates.

Charred edges and tender interiors create a magical culinary experience that elevates simple ingredients.

Mediterranean kitchens have long celebrated this versatile vegetable’s potential for absorbing rich flavors and developing incredible depth.

Intense heat caramelizes the flesh, creating a silky texture with remarkable complexity that challenges traditional expectations.

garlic and aromatic herbs complement the eggplant natural earthiness, turning an ordinary side dish into something extraordinary.

Each slice promises a robust, satisfying encounter with a vegetable that transcends its humble origins.

Preparing this dish requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor and visual appeal.

Tips for Grilled Eggplant with Garlic & Herbs

• Salt to Soften: Generously salt eggplant slices and let them rest for 15 minutes to remove moisture and reduce bitterness, creating a more tender texture.
• Oil Matters: Use high-quality olive oil to enhance flavor and prevent sticking, ensuring even coating on each slice before grilling.
• Perfect Grill Technique: Maintain medium heat and turn eggplant slices only once to achieve beautiful golden grill marks without burning.
• Moisture Check: Brush additional olive oil during grilling if slices start to dry out, keeping them juicy and preventing them from sticking to the grate.
• Herb Infusion: Let grilled eggplant rest in the herb and garlic mixture after cooking to absorb maximum flavor and create a more delicious final dish.

Reheating and Storing Grilled Eggplant with Garlic & Herbs

• Store in an Airtight Container: Place leftover grilled eggplant in a sealed container with a tight-fitting lid. Refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. These slices will stay delicious for 3-4 days when properly stored.
• Reheating Options: Warm the eggplant in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore its original crispy texture. Alternatively, use a skillet on medium heat with a touch of olive oil to quickly reheat and prevent drying out. Microwave as a last resort, covering the eggplant with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
• Serving Suggestion: Enjoy cold in salads or at room temperature as a delightful side dish.

Best Pairings for Grilled Eggplant with Garlic & Herbs

• Boost Mediterranean Flavors: Pair this grilled eggplant with a crisp, refreshing Greek white wine like Assyrtiko, which cuts through the richness and complements the herb-infused olive oil.
• Create Protein Balance: Serve alongside grilled lamb or chicken souvlaki to add protein and enhance the Mediterranean profile, creating a complete and satisfying meal.
• Elevate with Fresh Accompaniments: Add a dollop of cool tzatziki or creamy feta cheese on the side, which provides a tangy contrast to the smoky, herbed eggplant and helps balance the dish's robust flavors.
• Perfect Bread Companion: Offer warm, crusty pita bread or rustic sourdough to soak up the herbed olive oil and create a delightful combination of textures and tastes.

Variations of Grilled Eggplant with Garlic & Herbs

• Mediterranean Veggie Stack: Layer grilled eggplant with roasted red peppers, fresh mozzarella, and drizzle with basil-infused olive oil for a colorful appetizer.
• Smoky Baba Ganoush Remix: Char the eggplant more intensely, then mash with tahini, lemon juice, and smoked paprika for a creamy Middle Eastern dip.
• Cheesy Herb-Crusted Version: Sprinkle grated parmesan and breadcrumbs over the eggplant during the last minute of grilling for a crispy, golden topping.
• Spicy Moroccan Style: Dust eggplant slices with ras el hanout spice blend before grilling, then serve with a cool yogurt-mint sauce for balance.

What Sets Grilled Eggplant with Garlic & Herbs Apart

• Savor Silky Smoothness: Salting eggplant transforms its texture, removing bitterness and creating a luxuriously tender grilled vegetable that melts in your mouth with each bite.
• Master Quick Mediterranean Magic: This simple recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavors using basic ingredients, taking just 30 minutes from start to finish with minimal cooking skills required.
• Celebrate Herb-Infused Deliciousness: The combination of fresh garlic, parsley, and oregano creates a vibrant, aromatic coating that elevates the humble eggplant into a mouthwatering side dish perfect for summer gatherings, barbecues, or casual dinners.

Grilled Eggplant with Garlic & Herbs Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

Eggplant: – Eggplant: Fresh, firm vegetable with smooth skin and no blemishes, key to the recipe’s success and grilling character.

Seasoning and Marinade Ingredients:

Olive Oil, Garlic, Herbs: – Olive Oil: High-quality extra virgin oil for flavoring and preventing sticking, choose a fresh and fruity variety.

• Garlic: Fresh cloves for intense aromatic flavor, select firm and plump garlic without sprouts.
• Parsley, Oregano: Fresh herbs that add brightness and Mediterranean flavor, look for vibrant green leaves without wilting.

Seasoning Ingredients:

Salt and Pepper: – Salt: Helps draw out moisture from eggplant and enhances overall flavor, use kosher or sea salt.

• Black Pepper: Freshly ground pepper for added warmth and depth, provides a subtle kick to the dish.

Instructions for Grilled Eggplant with Garlic & Herbs

Step 1: Prepare Eggplant

Slice eggplant into 1/4 inch thick rounds. Sprinkle salt generously over each slice. Let sit for 15 minutes to draw out moisture and reduce bitterness. Use paper towel to blot away salt and excess liquid.

Step 2: Create Herb Marinade

• Olive oil
• Minced garlic
• Chopped parsley
• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 3: Coat Eggplant Slices

Dip each eggplant slice into the herb mixture, ensuring both sides are completely covered with the fragrant oil blend.

Step 4: Grill Eggplant

Preheat barbecue to medium heat. Place eggplant slices on grill. Cook for 6 minutes per side until golden brown and beautiful grill marks appear. If slices look dry, brush with additional marinade to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Final Touch and Serving

Remove grilled eggplant from heat. Return slices to the original herb mixture, coating both sides. Transfer to serving platter. Spoon remaining herbs and garlic over the top for extra flavor. Serve immediately while warm and aromatic.

Grilled Eggplant With Garlic & Herbs Recipe

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4.5 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Grilled Eggplant with Garlic & Herbs offers Mediterranean charm on your plate. Mediterranean flavors dance with smoky charred edges, inviting you to savor each herb-infused, perfectly grilled slice.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Vegetables:

• 2 eggplants

Seasonings:

• 2 teaspoons (10 grams) salt
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 grams) pepper

Herbs and Aromatics:

• 3 cloves garlic, crushed
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) chopped fresh oregano

Oils:

• ½ cup (120 milliliters) extra virgin olive oil

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Instructions

1. Slice eggplant into 1/4 inch (0.6 centimeters) thick rounds, then sprinkle each slice generously with kosher salt to extract excess moisture and reduce bitterness.
2. Allow salted eggplant slices to rest for 15 minutes, enabling the salt to draw out water and potential harsh flavors.
3. Use paper towels to thoroughly blot and remove salt and released liquid from each eggplant slice.
4. Prepare a marinade by whisking together extra virgin olive oil, minced fresh garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a large shallow dish.
5. Carefully coat each eggplant slice in the aromatic herb-infused oil mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage on both sides.
6. Heat outdoor grill or barbecue to medium temperature (375-400 degrees Fahrenheit or 190-204 degrees Celsius).
7. Place marinated eggplant slices directly on clean grill grates, cooking for approximately 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown with distinct grill marks.
8. If eggplant appears dry or begins sticking, lightly brush additional olive oil to prevent burning and maintain moisture.
9. Once eggplant reaches desired tenderness and develops beautiful caramelized edges, remove from grill and return to original marinade dish.
10. Gently toss grilled eggplant in remaining herb and garlic mixture to reinforce flavors.
11. Transfer to serving platter and garnish with any remaining herb-oil mixture for enhanced presentation and taste.

Notes

• Salt draws out moisture and reduces bitterness, making eggplant more tender and less harsh in flavor.
• Salting and wiping eggplant slices prevents soggy texture and ensures beautiful, crisp grill marks.
• Coating eggplant in herb-infused olive oil creates a rich, aromatic flavor profile that enhances the vegetable’s natural taste.
• Medium heat prevents burning while allowing even cooking and developing delicious caramelization on the surface.
• Brushing additional oil during grilling prevents sticking and helps achieve a perfectly golden exterior.
• Returning grilled eggplant to the original marinade allows it to absorb extra flavor and keeps the slices moist and vibrant.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg