Description
A flavorful and easy-to-make grilled eggplant recipe featuring smoky charred slices served with a zesty garlic sauce, perfect as a side dish or paired with your favorite protein for a nutritious meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Eggplant
- 2 large eggplants
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garlic Sauce
- 6 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
Instructions
- Prepare the grill: Oil the grates of your grill to prevent sticking and preheat it on high heat to ensure even cooking and beautiful grill marks.
- Slice the eggplant: Cut the eggplants into round slices about 1 inch thick for optimal texture and grilling.
- Season the eggplant: Brush both sides of each eggplant slice generously with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Grill the eggplant: Place the slices on the preheated grill and cook until they are slightly charred and tender, turning once to ensure even cooking on both sides, approximately 5-7 minutes per side.
- Make the garlic sauce: While the eggplant grills, use a mortar and pestle to crush the garlic cloves into a smooth paste. Transfer the paste to a bowl and mix in the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes until combined.
- Serve: Once grilled, arrange the eggplant slices on a serving platter, drizzle with the prepared garlic sauce, garnish with chopped fresh mint, and serve alongside your favorite protein or as a flavorful vegetarian option.
Notes
- Choose firm, medium-sized eggplants for best results.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- If you don’t have a mortar and pestle, finely mince the garlic and mash with the back of a spoon.
- This recipe works well as a vegetarian or vegan dish when paired with plant-based proteins.
- Leftover grilled eggplant can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and enjoyed cold or reheated.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
