Grilled Eggplant

Here’s how to make perfectly grilled eggplant! These tricks make it come out tender every time. Top with sauce as a summer side dish or appetizer.

Eggplant can be under appreciated, but this Mediterranean-style vegetable is one of the tastiest around. You’ve got to try this grilled eggplant: it comes out smoky and tender, lightly charred and full of flavor. Top it with a sauce and you’ve got a killer summer side dish or appetizer! We went for two different sauces: a fresh tomato salsa fresca, and a creamy, lightly spicy white BBQ sauce. The combination of the two is spot on. You’ll need to know a few tricks for grilled eggplant to get it just right: here’s what to know!

Ingredients for grilled eggplant

You don’t even need to top this eggplant with sauces: especially if you’re serving as part of a sandwich or part of a grilled veggie platter. But they’re extra festive, so feel free to add them if you like. Otherwise, the ingredients for grilled eggplant are very basic:

Globe eggplant
Olive oil
Salt

Trick 1: make 1/2-inch rounds!

There are two tricks you need to know for grilled eggplant. First: slice it into 1/2-inch slices! Any thicker and the eggplant comes out charred on the outside, but tough on the inside. Trust us: we tried it (not delicious). You can place half-inch slices right on the grates and they come out perfectly tender.

Trick 2: add olive oil right before grilling!

The other tip for grilled eggplant: add the olive oil right before you cook it! Here’s the thing about eggplant: it sucks up oil like a sponge. If you add the oil too soon, the eggplant sucks it all up and then becomes dry. But if you add it right before grilling, it will stay oiled enough for the grill.

Salt to taste, until the flavor pops

Another thing to note about this recipe: typically we specify exactly how much salt to use. For this recipe, you’ll salt the eggplant afterwards (so salt doesn’t fall off on the grill). Because the size of eggplants can vary, the recipe below indicates simply to add salt to taste. Give it a good sprinkling of kosher salt, then taste and see if the flavor pops. If not, add a little more and taste until it tastes delicious but not salty.

How to grill eggplant: time and temperature

All you really need to know about grilled eggplant, besides those two tips, is the grill temperature and timing. Memorize those few things, and then make this recipe on repeat all summer! Here are the basic steps for how to grill eggplant (or jump to the recipe):

Preheat a grill to medium high heat (that’s 375 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit).
Thinly slice the eggplant into 1/2-inch rounds.
Directly before grilling, rub with olive oil.
Grill 4 to 5 minutes per side, until tender and charred. Add salt to taste and enjoy!

Sauces for grilled eggplant

Here’s the fun part: serving your eggplant! Eggplant works with lots of different flavors, from American to Mediterranean. Here’s what we used, and then a few more ideas:

Fresh tomato sauce: We went with a salsa fresca to bring in bright tomato flavor; you could also use pico de gallo.
White BBQ sauce: Ever tried this? White BBQ sauce is unique and great for drizzling on grilled veggies.
Tahini sauce: Eggplant is great with Mediterranean flavors. Try this Tahini Sauce and top with chopped parsley and pomegranate seeds.
Pesto: Spoon over Basil Pesto and top with sliced cherry tomatoes. Perfection!

Grilled Eggplant & Tomato Stacked Sandwiches

Or, serve it as a sandwich!

Another great way to serve grilled eggplant: as a sandwich! This Eggplant Sandwich with Pesto is one of our favorite summer grilled meals, inspired by a stop in a hidden sandwich shop on a trip to Italy. It layers up some tasty Italian ingredients like:

Grilled eggplant
Ripe, juicy tomatoes
Fresh mozzarella cheese
Basil pesto Make your own if you have basil or get your favorite store bought jar.
Kalamata olive spread Full of big flavor! Buy store bought tapenade or make your own.

This grilled eggplant recipe is…

Vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free and gluten-free.