Grilled Eggplant

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for grilling eggplant, what each one does in my recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card below.

• Eggplant – In some countries, these are called brinjal or aubergine. I always pick the smaller to medium ones, because they’re less bitter and have fewer seeds. Look for ones that feel heavy for their size, which means high water content — and definitely no squishy parts. Got extra eggplant? Whip up a batch of my eggplant caponata!
• Olive Oil – You can use regular or extra virgin olive oil. Avocado oil is a great choice, too.
• Seasonings – I usually have homemade Italian seasoning on hand, but dried oregano by itself would also work well on grilled eggplant. You’ll need garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper, too.

How To Grill Eggplant

I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card.

1. Slice the eggplant. While you preheat your grill, cut the eggplant crosswise into 1/2-inch rounds. (You can also cut lengthwise if you prefer, but in my experience it stays together better and is easier to flip if you cut crosswise.)
2. Whisk the seasonings. In a small bowl, whisk together the oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

3. Season the vegetables. Brush the oil mixture on both sides of the eggplant slices.
4. Grill them up. Place the eggplant on the grill and close the lid. Grill, flipping halfway through, until tender and caramelized with grill marks on both sides.

Do You Need To Salt Eggplant Before Grilling?

Most of the time, no, especially if you’re using small or medium eggplants. I skip salting for this grilled eggplant recipe. It makes it easier, modern eggplants are usually not very bitter, and in my experience, grilling tends to cancel out any bitterness anyway.

That being said, I do salt eggplant if it’s very large, seedy, or older. If yours is one of these, sprinkle the slices with salt, let them sit for 15-20 minutes, then wipe them dry before brushing with oil.

Some people also soak their eggplant in water, but I don’t find it helps any more than salting does. Also, I found that my grilled eggplant turned out less caramelized after soaking.

Flavor Variations

Like I said above, I intentionally kept this grilled eggplant simple so that I can serve it with anything. When you want extra flavor, here are some of the best ways to do that:

• Feta Cheese – I had to start with this one because it’s how I got into grilling eggplant! My husband’s cousin topped his with feta right on the grill. You can crumble some over your plate, but I like to place a big chunk on the eggplant near the end of grilling. Close the lid and let it soften.
• Lemon – You can add 1-2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice right into the olive oil mixture, but I usually just serve lemon wedges on the side.
• Balsamic – Whisk 1-2 tablespoons with the oil before brushing on the eggplant, or drizzle with balsamic glaze at the end.
• Fresh Herbs – Nothing beats fresh parsley or basil on this. I prefer to sprinkle them on at the end to keep the flavors bright, but you can add them to the marinade, too.
• Spicy – Add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade.
• Sauces – My all-time favorite addition! Drizzle the grilled eggplant with tahini sauce, basil pesto, or even tzatziki.
• Toppings – For Mediterranean vibes, add a sprinkle of pine nuts, fresh herbs, chopped roasted red peppers, or even shredded parmesan.

Serving Ideas

Now that you know how to grill eggplant, there are so many mains you can pair with it! I usually make it with other grilling recipes:

• Chicken – Keep it simple (and juicy) with my grilled chicken breast or grilled chicken legs.
• Seafood – My fave options are grilled salmon or shrimp skewers, because the flavors play so well with grilled eggplant.
• Kabobs – My chicken kabobs and these veggies are a match made in grill heaven. (Plus, you can thread any extra eggplant right on the skewers). Lamb kofta kebab or pork souvlaki also pair well, with their Mediterranean vibes.
• More Grilled Veggies – Make some grilled cauliflower, grilled asparagus, or cabbage steaks for extra vegetables.

More Easy Eggplant Recipes

If you like eggplant prepared this way, try my other easy eggplant dishes next:

Eggplant Rollatini

Air Fryer Eggplant

Oven Roasted Eggplant

Mini Eggplant Pizza