Charred Eggplant with Garlic Sauce

This perfectly charred tender Grilled Eggplant is a revelation for summer dining. The smoky flavor of eggplant pairs beautifully with a punchy garlic sauce and fresh mint for a dish that's simultaneously light and satisfying. I make this whenever I want to elevate a simple weeknight meal or impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

I discovered this recipe during a summer when my garden was overflowing with eggplants. Now it's requested at every family barbecue and has converted even the most stubborn eggplant skeptics.

Ingredients

• Eggplants large globe variety works best for substantial slices that hold up on the grill
• Olive oil helps prevent sticking and adds richness to the finished dish
• Garlic forms the foundation of the irresistible sauce that makes this dish memorable
• Rice vinegar provides acidity and balance to cut through the richness
• Soy sauce adds umami depth and saltiness that complements the smoky eggplant
• Sesame oil contributes a nutty flavor that enhances the overall Asian inspiration
• Red pepper flakes add a gentle heat that can be adjusted to your preference
• Fresh mint brings brightness and a cooling element that makes everything pop
• Salt and pepper for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Grill

Oil the grates of your grill thoroughly to prevent sticking. This step is crucial for eggplant which can become quite soft. Turn your grill to high heat to get those perfect char marks.

Slice The Eggplant

Cut eggplants into rounds approximately 1 inch thick. The uniform thickness ensures even cooking throughout and creates the perfect texture balance between smoky exterior and tender interior.

Oil And Season

Brush each slice generously with olive oil on both sides. This prevents the eggplant from drying out and helps achieve beautiful caramelization. Season with salt and pepper to enhance the natural flavors.

Grill To Perfection

Place eggplant slices on the hot grill and cook until you see distinct char marks and the flesh becomes tender. This typically takes about 4 minutes per side depending on your grill's heat. The eggplant should yield easily when pierced with a fork.

Create The Garlic Sauce

While the eggplant cooks crush garlic cloves into a smooth paste using a mortar and pestle. The paste will release more flavor than simply mincing. Combine with rice vinegar soy sauce sesame oil and red pepper flakes in a small bowl stirring well to incorporate all ingredients.

Finish And Serve

Arrange the grilled eggplant on a serving platter. Drizzle generously with the garlic sauce allowing it to seep into the warm flesh. Sprinkle with freshly chopped mint just before serving for maximum aroma and flavor.

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The garlic sauce is truly the heart of this recipe. I once made it for a skeptical friend who claimed to dislike eggplant and watched his eyes widen with the first bite. The sauce transforms simple grilled vegetables into something extraordinary that people remember long after the meal.

Mastering Eggplant Selection

When shopping for eggplants look for firm glossy specimens that feel heavy for their size. A lightweight eggplant may contain more seeds and less flesh. Gently press your thumb against the skin it should bounce back slightly when fresh. Smaller eggplants tend to be less bitter and have thinner skin though the large globe variety works best for this particular grilling method due to the substantial slice size.

Making It Ahead

This dish works beautifully as a make ahead option. You can grill the eggplant up to a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. The garlic sauce actually improves with a few hours of resting as the flavors meld. When ready to serve simply bring the eggplant to room temperature and drizzle with the sauce. Add the fresh mint just before serving for the brightest flavor. This make ahead capability makes it perfect for entertaining when you want to minimize last minute cooking.

Serving Suggestions

While delicious on its own grilled eggplant pairs wonderfully with so many foods. Serve alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. For a vegetarian feast combine with a grain like quinoa or farro and perhaps some crumbled feta cheese. It also makes an excellent addition to a mezze platter with hummus olives and warm pita bread. For an elevated presentation consider stacking the eggplant rounds with thin slices of fresh tomato and buffalo mozzarella for a grilled twist on Caprese salad.

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Commonly Asked Questions

→ How do I prevent eggplant from sticking to the grill?

To prevent sticking, thoroughly oil your grill grates before heating. Additionally, brush each eggplant slice generously with olive oil on both sides before placing on the grill. Ensure your grill is properly preheated to high temperature before adding the eggplant slices.

→ How can I tell when grilled eggplant is fully cooked?

Properly cooked eggplant should be tender throughout with nice grill marks on both sides. When pierced with a fork, there should be no resistance. The flesh should appear translucent rather than white and opaque. This typically takes about 4-5 minutes per side on high heat.

→ Can I make the garlic sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the garlic sauce can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This actually allows the flavors to develop more fully. Just give it a quick stir before drizzling over your grilled eggplant.

→ What can I substitute for rice vinegar in the sauce?

If you don't have rice vinegar, you can substitute with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar. Each will provide a slightly different flavor profile, but will work well with the other sauce ingredients. Add a pinch of sugar if using a more acidic vinegar to balance the flavors.

→ What proteins pair well with grilled eggplant?

Grilled eggplant pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish like salmon or tuna, lamb chops, or grilled tofu for a vegetarian option. The garlic-mint sauce complements these proteins exceptionally well. For a complete meal, add a simple grain like couscous or quinoa.

→ Do I need to salt the eggplant before grilling?

While traditional preparation often calls for salting eggplant to draw out bitterness, modern cultivated eggplants are less bitter and this step is optional. For this particular dish, simply seasoning the slices with salt and pepper before grilling works perfectly fine.