Flavor-Packed Grilled Eggplant with Garlic & Herbs Recipe

Sizzling summer nights call for a delightful grilled eggplant with garlic & herbs that bursts with Mediterranean flavors.

Smoky charred edges and tender, silky flesh make this dish a true culinary gem.

Each slice absorbs aromatic herbs and robust garlic, creating a mouthwatering experience that transforms simple vegetables into something extraordinary.

The grill adds a beautiful caramelized crust that enhances every single bite.

Olive oil and fresh herbs dance together, infusing the eggplant with layers of complexity.

Serve this vibrant side dish alongside grilled meats or as a standalone vegetarian delight.

Your taste buds will thank you for this easy, yet impressive recipe that brings restaurant-quality elegance to your home cooking.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 32 minutes

Calories: 200 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Grilled Eggplant with Garlic & Herbs

• Eggplant: Choose firm, glossy purple eggplants without blemishes for the best texture and flavor.
• Salt: Helps draw out moisture and reduces bitterness, ensuring a more refined grilling experience.

• Olive Oil, Garlic: Creates a rich, aromatic coating that adds depth and prevents sticking during grilling.
• Parsley, Oregano: Fresh herbs bring vibrant, earthy notes that complement the eggplant's mild flavor.
• Black Pepper, Salt: Elevates the overall taste profile with balanced seasoning.

• No additional ingredients needed beyond the base and seasoning components.

Tools to Get Eggplant Grilled Just Right

• Grill: Essential for creating perfect golden-brown eggplant with delicious grill marks.
• Large dish: Used for marinating eggplant slices in olive oil, herbs, and garlic.
• Paper towels: Needed to remove salt and moisture from eggplant slices.
• Cutting board: For slicing eggplant into even 1/4 inch thick pieces.
• Sharp knife: To cut eggplant cleanly and precisely.
• Tongs: Helpful for flipping and moving eggplant slices on the grill.
• Serving platter: For presenting the final grilled eggplant dish.

Grilling Instructions for Garlic Herb Eggplant

• Eggplant Preparation Slice fresh eggplant into thin, even rounds. Sprinkle with salt and let rest to release excess moisture and reduce bitterness. Gently pat dry with clean kitchen towel.
• Flavor Infusion Mix fragrant olive oil with minced garlic, chopped herbs, and a pinch of seasoning. Lovingly coat each eggplant slice, ensuring complete coverage.
• Grilling Magic Place seasoned eggplant on medium-heat grill. Cook until beautiful golden-brown marks appear, flipping midway. If slices start looking dry, brush with additional herbed oil.
• Final Touch Remove tender, charred eggplant from grill. Return to herbal marinade, turning to capture every delicious drop. Transfer to elegant serving plate, cascading any remaining herb mixture on top for extra flavor punch.

Herb and Garlic Enhancements for Grilled Eggplant

• Remove excess moisture and reduce bitterness by salting eggplant slices before grilling, which helps create a more tender and flavorful result.
• Maintain medium heat to prevent burning and ensure even cooking, allowing eggplant to develop beautiful caramelized grill marks without charring.
• Experiment with different fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary to create unique flavor profiles that complement the eggplant's natural richness.
• Transform this grilled eggplant into a versatile dish by chopping and adding to salads, spreading on crusty bread, or serving as a side with grilled meats and Mediterranean-inspired meals.
• Elevate the dish's nutritional value by marinating eggplant in balsamic vinegar or adding crumbled feta cheese for extra protein and tangy flavor.

Ways to Serve Grilled Eggplant with Other Dishes

• Pair with Warm Bread: Serve alongside crusty Italian or Mediterranean bread to soak up the delicious herbed olive oil.
• Create a Mediterranean Appetizer Platter: Arrange grilled eggplant slices with feta cheese, olives, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for a stunning starter.
• Toss into Salad: Chop the cooled grilled eggplant and mix into a fresh green salad with cherry tomatoes and a light vinaigrette for a vibrant side dish.
• Enjoy as a Vegetarian Main: Stack the eggplant slices with fresh mozzarella and basil leaves, creating a simple yet elegant vegetarian main course perfect for summer meals.

Storing Grilled Eggplant for Maximum Flavor

• Maximize Freshness: Store grilled eggplant in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making each bite even more delicious.
• Prep Ahead: Slice and salt eggplant up to 24 hours before grilling. Keep prepared slices in a sealed container in the refrigerator to save time during meal preparation.
• Revive Leftovers: Reheat chilled eggplant in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, adding a splash of olive oil to restore moisture and bring back its original vibrant texture.
• Freeze with Care: Wrap cooled grilled eggplant slices individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen eggplant will maintain quality for up to 2 months, perfect for quick future meals.

Smoky Eggplant Delight Recipe

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• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mediterranean-inspired grilled eggplant with garlic & herbs brings Mediterranean charm to summer tables. Fresh herbs and smoky char create a delicious side dish that draws diners closer to regional culinary traditions.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 eggplants
• ½ cup (120 milliliters / 4 fl oz) extra virgin olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, crushed
• 2 tbsps (30 milliliters / 1 fl oz) chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tbsps (30 milliliters / 1 fl oz) chopped fresh oregano
• 2 tsps (10 grams / 0.35 oz) salt
• ½ tsp (2.5 grams / 0.09 oz) pepper

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Salt eggplant rounds to extract moisture and reduce bitterness, letting slices rest for 15 minutes before blotting dry with paper towels.
2. Marinade Creation: Whisk extra virgin olive oil with minced garlic, parsley, oregano, sea salt, and black pepper in a shallow dish, creating an aromatic herb-infused mixture.
3. Coating Process: Thoroughly coat each eggplant slice in the prepared marinade, ensuring complete coverage on both surfaces.
4. Grill Setup: Preheat outdoor grill to medium heat (375-400°F), preparing clean grates for even cooking.
5. Grilling Technique: Place marinated eggplant directly on grill, cooking 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown with distinct char marks, brushing additional olive oil if needed to prevent sticking and maintain moisture.
6. Final Flavor Enhancement: Remove grilled eggplant, return to marinade dish, gently tossing to reinforce herb and garlic flavors, then transfer to serving platter and drizzle with remaining herb-oil mixture.

Notes

• Prevent Bitterness: Salt eggplant slices to draw out moisture and reduce harsh flavors, ensuring a smoother, more enjoyable texture.
• Marinate Thoroughly: Completely coat eggplant in herb-infused oil for maximum flavor absorption and a rich, aromatic profile.
• Monitor Grill Temperature: Maintain medium heat (375-400°F) to achieve perfect golden-brown grill marks without burning.
• Moisture Management: Brush additional olive oil during grilling to prevent sticking and keep eggplant slices tender and juicy.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg