Grilled Eggplant

This Grilled Eggplant is simple yet so delicious. Lightly charred and drizzled with homemade balsamic dressing, this elegant dish can be served as an appetizer or part of the main course.

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Italian

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Servings servings

Calories 275kcal

Author Tania Sheff

Ingredients

1 medium eggplant
1 small bunch of arugula optional
2 tsp. salt or to taste

For the balsamic dressing

3 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
3 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
1 garlic clove, minced

Instructions

Slice the eggplant into about ½ inch (or a bit thinner) circles. Arrange the slices on a large cutting board and sprinkle with salt on both sides. Let them rest while preparing the balsamic dressing.
To make the dressing, add the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and garlic into a small jar. Shake or stir well with a spoon.
Heat your grilling pan to a medium heat. While the pan is heating, remove some of the water from the eggplants with the help of a kitchen towel.
Once the pan is hot, place the eggplant slices on top in a single layer and leave to cook.
After about 2 minutes, check to see if they have developed nice char marks, and then flip them over onto the other side. Once cooked, remove and place on a chopping board to rest. Repeat this step until you run out of eggplant slices.
To plate the grilled eggplant, massage a handful of arugula or baby spinach in your hands and place in the center of the plate. Drizzle the greens with the balsamic dressing. Arrange the eggplant slices in a circle around the greens and generously drizzle with balsamic vinegar dressing. Serve.

Video

Notes

Tips for the best Grilled Eggplant

Slice the eggplant the same size. You want the slices to be on the thin side and about the same thickness for all. This helps them cook evenly so they are not burnt or undercooked.
Salt and pat the eggplant dry. Doing this will remove excess water from the eggplant. Doing this enables them to char easier and keeps them from getting soggy.
Heat the pan before putting the eggplant in it. Having the pan already hot ensures that the eggplant will cook fast and develop a nice char and texture.
Massage the arugula. If you plan to serve this dish with arugula, massage the leaves to cause some wilting. This unleashes their tangy full flavor without the bitterness.

How to Store

Store any leftover Grilled Eggplant in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep for about 3-5 days.

Nutrition