Here are our favorite Eggplant Recipes from around the globe- everything from Eggplant Parmesan to Moussaka, Chinese eggplant to Baba Ganoush, all of our favorites! Whether you are looking for baked eggplant recipes, healthy eggplant dinners, easy eggplant recipes, vegan eggplant recipes, you’ll find delicious inspiration here!
Eggplant is one of our favorite vegetables on the blog! Meaty, succulent and tender, it can become a plant-based replacement for meat. Eggplant is so versatile in the kitchen and can be treated so many different ways- bake it, grill it, stir fry it, or slow roast it! See its many health benefits below.
Baked Eggplant Recipes
Baking eggplant yields the most tender succulent results. Eggplant becomes beautifully tender and comforting. Here are a few of our favorite cozy recipes for baked eggplant.
Eggplant parmesan
This Eggplant Parmesan recipe is lightened up just enough, to still be utterly delicious! We dredge it in panko bread crumbs and roast it in the oven instead of frying the eggplant it to keep it light. Find the recipe in the recipe card below!
Eggplant Lasagna
This Baked Eggplant Lasagna is one of our favorites! A cozy, hearty vegetarian meal similar to Eggplant Parmesan with a succulent texture in a flavorful tomato sauce. Top it off with flavorful Arugula Almond Pesto! Keto, GF and Vegan-adaptable!
Moussaka
Moussaka is one of my favorite eggplant dishes. It’s made with layers of roasted eggplant in a rich tomato sauce topped with creamy bechamel and parmesan cheese. Perfect for entertaining or serving at a special gathering. It’s like eggplant parmesan but taken up a notch.
Baked Sheet-Pan Ratatouille!
This baked Sheet-Pan Ratatouille with eggplant, zucchini, onions and peppers is easy, healthy and vegan! Bake a big batch of these roasted vegetables on Sunday then serve it during the busy workweek over pasta, polenta or even eggs!
Meltingly Tender Moroccan Eggplant
Slow-baked Moroccan Eggplant with Ras el Hanout, caramelized garlic, shallots and tomatoes. A rustic side dish that can be served with fish or meat, or turned into a hearty vegetarian main.
Roasted Spaghetti Squash w/ Eggplant Puttanesca
Roasted Spaghetti Squash with Eggplant Puttanesca Sauce- a rich, robust marinara sauce with eggplant, olives and capers. A simple easy dinner that is healthy and delicious! With a Video!
Stuffed Peppers with Eggplant, Chickpeas and Zhoug Yogurt
These Middle Eastern grilled Stuffed Peppers with Quinoa, Eggplant, Chickpeas and Zhoug Yogurt are the perfect make-ahead meal for summer gatherings and potlucks. Or meal prep them on Sunday to serve up during the busy work week! Gluten-free, vegan and paleo adaptable!
Spicy Chinese Eggplant Video!
Easy Eggplant Recipes
These easy eggplant recipes are quick to make and have so much flavor! From Thailand to China to the Philippines, these flavorful eggplant recipes are incredibly delicious when served with rice.
Thai Eggplant Stir-fry
Thai Eggplant Stir Fry w/ your choice of protein, fresh veggies in a flavorful Thai stir-fry sauce with fragrant Thai basil. Vegan Adaptable.
Thai Eggplant Curry
An easy, authentic recipe for Thai Green Curry with eggplant and your choice of tofu, chicken or shrimp. A fast and easy weeknight dinner that can be made in 30 minutes! Use store-bought green curry paste or make your own homemade green curry paste. Video.
Sinigang (Filipino Sour Soup)
Sinigang! Filipino Sour Soup with Salmon and Eggplant is bursting with umami flavor. Quick to throw together, loaded with veggies, and completely delicious. Serve with rice if desired. Vegan-adaptable and gluten-free.
Grilled Eggplant Recipes
During the summer months, there is no better way to treat eggplant than grilling it! Here are a few of our favorite grilled eggplant recipes from around the globe.
Grilled Eggplant Slices with Greek Relish and Creamy Polenta
Perfectly tender Grilled Eggplant with fresh Greek relish, kalamata olives, feta cheese served over creamy polenta. An easy and healthy meatless dinner. Vegan adaptable and gluten-free. Video!
Grilled Eggplant Salad
Eggplant Salad with Grilled Halloumi Cheese,Tomatoes & a flavorful Mint Dressing- a delicious summer salad!
Grilled Eggplant Steaks with Gremolata and Tomatoes
Grilled Eggplant Steaks with Fresh Tomato Relish and Gremolata -a zesty Italian herb sauce. Keep it vegan or add crumbled cheese. A simple, healthy meatless dinner recipe! Vegan, low-carb and gluten-free.
Grilled Eggplant Salad with Freekeh and Yogurt Dressing
Grilled Eggplant Salad with Freekeh, a smoked, ancient Middle Eastern grain, tossed with fresh herbs and served over a tangy yogurt dressing. Vegan adaptable!
Thai Grilled Eggplant Salad
This flavorful Thai Grilled Eggplant Salad is simple, light, and refreshing with a tangy, umami dressing made from fresh lime juice and fish sauce. Healthy and tasty, this Thai Salad comes together in 35 minutes! (Vegan-adaptable) Serve it with jasmine rice and make it a meal.
Eggplant Sandwiches and Wraps
Meaty, succulent eggplant takes the place of meat in these hearty wraps and sandwiches- a delicious healthy plant-based substitution!
Muffuletta Sandwich with Grilled Eggplant
How to make a Muffuletta Sandwich with Grilled Eggplant, roasted peppers, pesto, fresh mozzarella cheese, and ollive tapenade. Great for picnics, or summer gatherings.
Middle Eastern Eggplant Wrap
This vegan Middle Eastern Eggplant Wrap with a lemon juice-infused Kale Slaw with Creamy Tahini Sauce is super tasty! Keep it vegan or add feta! Simple, delicious and easy!!!
Eggplant Side Dish Recipes
These tasty eggplant appetizers are full of flavor, fun to make, and highlight beautiful eggplant! One of my personal favorites, this smoky baba ganoush recipe is best made on a grill, but we love it so much we make it all year long using the oven in the winter months.
Authentic Baba Ganoush
Learn the secret to making the BEST Baba Ganoush! Made with only FIVE simple ingredients this authentic Middle Eastern Eggplant Dip can be made on the grill, or baked in the oven. Full of flavor, complexity and depth, Baba Ganoush is vegan, healthy, gluten-free, low-carb and keto!
Eggplant Caponata
Epic Eggplant Caponata- with red peppers, fresh basil and capers. The flavor-boosting secret is in the grilling! Serve it as a healthy vegan appetizer over crostini, or as a delicious side dish, or turn it into an eggplant “salad” served over greens and grains! Low- Carb and Vegan!
Moroccan Eggplant Pickles
Moroccan Pickled Eggplant with garlic, coriander seeds and cilantro. A delicious way to preserve your garden eggplant just a little bit longer! Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with fresh herbs, they make the perfect side to any Mediterranean-style meal.
Stuffed Eggplant Recipes
Lebanese Stuffed Eggplant
Dreamy, succulent Stuffed Eggplant infused with Lebanese spices, baked in the oven until meltingly tender. Filled with basmati rice, your choice of ground meat (or lentils) herbs, and pine nuts, stuffed inside the eggplant, and baked in a fragrant tomato broth. Vegan-adaptable.
Fried Eggplant Recipes
Chinese Eggplant with Spicy Szechuan Sauce
This Chinese fried eggplant with homemade Szechuan Sauce is one of our most popular eggplant recipes. So much flavor here! Serve with Jasmine Rice, black rice, cauliflower rice, quinoa or rice noodles.
Vegan Eggplant Recipes
Traditional Ratatouille
Learn how to make my chef’s perfected recipe for traditional Ratatouille the way they do in Provence with clean flavors and succulent summer vegetables.
Eggplant Chickpea Tagine
A simple, delicious Tagine Recipe with Eggplant cubes and Chickpeas infused with Moroccan spices served over cinnamon-scented couscous. This flavorful Eggplant Chickpea Stew is vegan and gluten-free! Video included.
Roasted Eggplant with Zaatar
Roasted Eggplant with Zaatar, served over rice or grains with lemony tahini sauce, plain yogurt or tzatzki sauce. Vegan, Gluten-free! With a video.
Miso Eggplant
Miso Roasted Eggplant is caramelized with an umami-rich miso glaze. A simple vegan main, or savory side dish.
We hope you enjoyed these 20 Easy delicious Eggplant Recipes as much we have. Tell us your favorites in the comments below!
Eggplant Recipe FAQs
Salting eggplant is optional. With especially large or bitter eggplant, salting will help remove the bitterness through “sweating” but this is generally not mandatory. You can also soak the eggplant in salted water, again, this is optional.
No need to peel eggplant as eggplant peels are edible and soften after cooking. If new to cooking eggplant or uncomfortable with the skin- feel free to remove part of the skin using a vegetable peeler, peeling in stripes.
If salting the eggplant- depending on the recipe you may need to rinse, or only pat dry. Refer to the particular recipe.
Eggplant is a versatile vegetable in the kitchen and be cooked in many ways. Most typically, it is grilled, baked, or stir-fried. But other methods work great too- smoked eggplant is heavenly, as well and pickled!
We love all the classic eggplant dishes, but when you have a garden full of eggplant to use up- it’s the perfect opportunity to get creative! Make eggplant pizza, eggplant meatballs, or a roasted eggplant salad. You could even try it in the air fryer!
Eggplant Benefits
Eggplant, also known as aubergine, is not only delicious but also offers several health benefits. Here are some of the key health benefits of eggplant:
- Rich in Nutrients: Eggplant is low in calories and fat while being a good source of vitamins and minerals. It contains vitamins B6, K, and C, as well as minerals like potassium, manganese, and folate.
- Antioxidant-Rich: Eggplant is abundant in antioxidants, such as nasunin, chlorogenic acid, and anthocyanins. These compounds help protect against cell damage caused by free radicals and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
- Heart Health: The fiber, potassium, vitamin C, and antioxidants found in eggplant contribute to heart health. These nutrients help lower blood pressure, improve blood circulation, and reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Blood Sugar Control: Eggplant has a low glycemic index, meaning it doesn’t cause a significant increase in blood sugar levels. The fiber and antioxidants in eggplant can also help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity.
- Digestive Health: With its high fiber content, eggplant promotes a healthy digestive system, preventing constipation, and supports a healthy gut microbiome.
- Cancer Prevention: The antioxidants found in eggplant, particularly nasunin, have been linked to cancer prevention. They help neutralize harmful free radicals and reduce the risk of certain cancers, including breast, colon, and prostate cancer.
- Weight Management: Eggplant is low in calories and high in fiber, making it a great addition to a balanced diet for weight management. Fiber helps increase satiety, reduce appetite, and control overall calorie intake.
Sources:
- Healthline – 7 Evidence-Based Health Benefits of Eggplant
- Medical News Today – Eggplant: Health benefits, nutrition, and dietary tips
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Delicious Eggplant Recipes: Eggplant Parmesan
- Prep Time: 40
- Cook Time: 45
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 9
- Category: Main
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
25 Succulent Eggplant recipes the whole family will love- from Moussaka to Baba Ganoush, to the Best Eggplant Parmesan (recipe below), you’ll find inspiration here!
Ingredients
- 2 extra large eggplants, cut into -1/3 inch thick rounds ( 24 or 27 slices)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 1/4 cups panko breadcrumbs (panko is lighter than traditional breadcrumbs)
- 1 3/4 cups parmesan cheese (divided) save 1/2 cup for assembly.
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
- Spray olive oil or olive oil for drizzling
- 28 ounces Marinara Sauce (store-bought or make your own)
- 2 fresh mozzarella balls, thinly sliced (or use 8 ounces grated)
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, optional
- Garnish: fresh basil, chili flakes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400F
- Slice eggplant into ⅓ inch slices.
- In a wide, shallow bowl, whisk eggs, water, salt and pepper. In another wide shallow bowl, mix equal parts panko and parmesan.
- Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment. Dip the eggplant slices into the egg mixture, letting excess drip off, then dredge each side into the panko/parm mixture. Place on the sheet pans, repeating until all are done. Sprinkle any excess panko-parmesan mixture over top. Spray or drizzle generously with olive oil. Bake 20-25 minutes, until golden and crispy. The goal here is to get the eggplant golden and crispy, so be patient here. All ovens are different, this may take longer- feel free to use your boiler.
- Assemble: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover the bottom with ¾ cups marinara sauce. Saving the best-looking pieces for the top, place a layer of crispy eggplant on the bottom. Drizzle with ½ of the remaining marinara, add ½ the mozzarella and half the parmesan. Add fresh oregano if you like. Add the final layer of eggplant, cover with remaining marinara, sprinkle with remaining parmesan, and top with mozzarella. Season with salt and pepper and chili flakes.
- Bake at 400 F uncovered for 20-25 minutes until beautifully golden and edges are bubbling.
- Garnish with basil ribbons.
Notes
Storage: Leftovers Eggplant Parmasan will keep up to 4 days in the fridge for freeze for up to 6 months.
Salting: Feel free to salt the eggplant before making this- slice and salt each piece, let stand 30 minutes. Rinse an pat dry.
Parmesan: Use high-quality fresh grated parmesan if possible and even though this is called “Eggplant Parmesan” I love using half-pecorino cheese here for optimum flavor.
Lightened-up version: You can roast the eggplant without any breading, or just bread one side for a lighter option.
Gluten-Free Use gluten-free bread crumbs, or use roasted eggplant instead of breaded eggplant.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 11.9 g
- Sodium: 1398.8 mg
- Fat: 10.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 30.6 g
- Fiber: 7.7 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 68.8 mg
Made this for dinner tonight, scaled it by half since I only had one eggplant. I also subbed seasoned breadcrumbs (which is what I had on hand)… but still added lots of parm. 🙂 It was great!
great to hear Jenny!
Hey very interesting post!
Glad you like it!
This Eggplant Parmesan is absolutely wonderful! I did alter it just slightly because I didn’t have quite enough Parmesan cheese on hand. I substituted some of the cheese used in the eggplant ‘coating’ with nutritional yeast and it worked brilliantly! I love the lightness of the Panko crumbs too. And the eggplant was melt-in-your-mouth divine!
My husband told me it was the best Eggplant Parmesan he’d ever tasted! So thank you Sylvia! This recipe will definitely be on repeat at this home.
Awesome Rennie! Great idea with the nut. yeast.
The tagine is a favorite!
Great to hear!
Your photos are so gorgeous and show the beauty and versatility of eggplant. I want to make each of these recipes. Thank you for sharing!
Awww…thanks Brigette!
We have eggplant growing in our garden and have made many of these. Some of our favorites are the Baked Zaatar Eggplant, Baba Ganoush and the Asian eggplant stir-fry. Looking forward to trying the Lebanese Eggplant. Bob
Great to hear Bob!
Thanks for all the eggplant recipes. We made the Lebanese Stuffed Eggplant this weekend and we all agreed, it was one of the best eggplant dishes we’ve had!
Awesome Sara- so happy you enjoyed this!