Marinated Grilled Eggplant ⋆

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Marinated grilled eggplant is a delicious side dish that pairs well with so many meals. The marinade is made with olive oil, herbs and spices that coat the eggplant and then soaks in for added flavor.

Why this recipe is just so good...

Grilling vegetables is a fantastic way to cook vegetables. They become tender on the inside and have beautiful caramelized, slightly crispy edges. And the smoky flavor is extra delicious!
The eggplant can be char grilled all year. Use your outdoor grill or a stovetop grill anytime you are in the mood.
It is a versatile side dish but also perfect to add to salads, sandwiches, pasta and pizza.

If you haven't marinated many vegetables, I highly recommend this technique for almost all vegetables. It will change the mind of even the biggest veggie hater! Try my Marinated Broccoli, Marinated Mushrooms or Marinated Asparagus.

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to make marinated eggplant:

eggplant, sliced about ½ inch thick
balsamic vinegar
extra virgin olive oil
Italian seasoning
garlic powder
salt
ground black pepper
red chili flakes

Garlic powder, salt, pepper, olive oil, balsamic vinegar.

How to make Marinated Grilled Eggplant

Combine marinade ingredients and stir well.

Place eggplant in a shallow bowl and pour marinade over.

Let marinate for about 10 - 15 minutes, turning halfway.

Drain eggplant from marinade and preheat indoor or outdoor grill over medium high heat.
Brush more marinade on eggplant and grill for 3- 4 minutes. If eggplant is smoking or seem to be get very charred, turn heat down to low-medium.

Flip over, baste again and grill for another 4 minutes until golden brown.
Sprinkle with optional feta or parmesan cheese.

Recipe Tips

Only marinate for up to 30 minutes or the eggplant can become soggy.
Try to cut the eggplant slices into similar thickness. This will allow even cooking and some slices won't be over or under done.
Make sure the grill temperature is not too high. While you do want some char grilled, caramelized edges, burnt eggplant is not tasty.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to choose fresh eggplants?

When choosing eggplant, look at the outer peel and avoid those that have any bruises or cuts. The stem should not be darker brown or dried out.
It should also not feel soft or mushy. Compare a few of the eggplants. The ones that feel heavier mean they are fresher.

Should I peel the eggplant first?

It is a matter of preference. The eggplant has fairly thin skin and will grill nicely. And its color gives a beautiful presentation.
Some people don't prefer the texture difference of the peel and inside part of an eggplant. Just as some people don't prefer the seeds.
Also, while the peel can sometimes be a little bitter, marinating it adds terrific flavor and any bitterness is not an issue when you grill it.

How can I use leftover grilled eggplant?

Marinated grilled eggplant is fantastic in a sandwich. Layer with slices of grilled tomatoes, mozzarella cheese and some basil. Drizzle with olive oil.

You could place slices on a pizza or cut up the grilled eggplant first and add on top with some herbs. Add to pasta dishes for a meatless meal.
Add the sliced grilled eggplant to a salad or in a vegetarian stir fry.

Sliced marinated grilled eggplant and tomato on a white platter.

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Some other delicious vegetable dishes to try: