How To Cook Eggplant 3 Different Ways

Published on

8.3.22

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Are you new to eggplant? Read here to find out how to cook eggplant in three easy ways and discover some tasty eggplant recipes.

So often, it can be easy to pass up certain fruits and vegetables out of habit at the grocery store. If you typically stick to the same grocery list, the odds are that you might not be reaching for eggplant. Maybe trying new foods isn't something you often do.

On the other hand, perhaps you've tried it before and love eggplant! Whether you're brand new to this food or have been enjoying this vegetable's taste for years, keep reading! We'll walk through a few of the easiest ways to cook this vegetable. Then, we'll show you some of our favorite recipes to follow when you want to enjoy eggplant in your meals. 

What Is Eggplant?

Before we discuss how to cook eggplant, let's go over this food to learn more about it. Eggplant is a type of vegetable that belongs to the nightshade family. Nightshade plants include zucchini, okra, and chili peppers.

These veggies tend to flourish in the summer and can grow in many sizes and shapes. Their seeds are edible, making them even easier to deal with when using them to prepare a meal.

How Does Eggplant Taste?

Have you ever tasted zucchini or squash? These mild, slightly sweet, and bitter vegetables offer a similar taste to eggplant. Eggplant tends to be very durable, and it can absorb the flavor of whatever liquid you cook it in.

The difference in size and appearance between eggplants can indicate slightly different flavors. For instance, larger, more wrinkly eggplants may have a more bitter flavor, while smaller ones with smooth, shiny skin maintain a slightly sweet flavor. 

What Are The Health Benefits of Eggplant?

If you're considering trying this food as a side dish or main event, you'll probably do so for the taste. However, eating eggplants may offer potential health benefits, too! Let's see what eggplants bring to the table concerning your health.

Antioxidants

First, eggplants are rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants are valuable because they help defend your body from harmful substances known as free radicals. This protection may help ward off types of disease and support your heart health. 

High in Nutrients

In addition to containing antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals, eggplant also packs a wealth of nutrients. Here are some of the nutrients you can expect when eating eggplant:

You can eat as much eggplant as you want! With every bite, you'll benefit from the nutrients it has to offer. 

May Help Blood Sugar Control

Eggplant is high in nutritious value, and it may be able to help you support your blood sugar. Here's how. 

Eggplant is high in fiber, which may lower blood sugar in your body. This fiber slows the rate of digestion and absorption of sugars to help keep your blood sugar level steady. 

Three Easy Ways To Cook Eggplant

Feeling adventurous? When you're ready to try eggplant, keep in mind that there are multiple ways you can enjoy this vegetable! Keep reading to see how you can prepare eggplant to find the option that works best for you. 

Preparing the Eggplant

Before you cook your eggplant, you can prepare it for cooking in various ways. Here are some basic steps:

Broil Eggplant

Ready to cook your eggplant? The first way you can cook this vegetable is by broiling it. This option may be one of the quickest ways to enjoy this vegetable.

Toss sliced eggplant in a bit of olive oil. Arrange the eggplant on a broiling pan or baking tray. Using your oven's broiler, cook the eggplant for 4-6 minutes. You'll have golden-brown eggplant in no time. Pro-tip, sprinkle some parmesan on top of the eggplant and broil for 1 additional minute.

Try another broiling method with a full eggplant. Pierce a few holes around the eggplant with a fork. Place the the whole eggplant on a broiling pan and into the oven. Broil on one side until you see the skin begin to char. Carefully rotate the eggplant with tongs and repeat until the whole eggplant is smokey and charred on the outside. Remove the charred eggplant and set into a strainer over a bowl. Let the juices flow out. Once cool enough to touch, tear or slice open the eggplant. Season with salt, pepper and a drizzle of olive oil. Enjoy with some crusty bread!

Roasted Eggplant

For this cooking method, you'll want to avoid cutting your eggplant first. Simply poke several holes all over your eggplant and then place it on a baking tray in the oven. After 45 minutes to an hour, your baked eggplant will develop a soft, buttery texture. 

Air Fryer Eggplant

Do you have an air fryer in the house? If so, this kitchen appliance can help you enjoy another way to prepare eggplant in a flash. 

For this option, dealing with circular slices of eggplant is easiest. Preheat your air fryer, and then lay your circular pieces in a single layer in your air fryer's basket. Then, cook it at 400º for 20 minutes, flipping it halfway. 

You may have to cook these in a few batches, but air frying eggplant is a delicious way to enjoy its soft texture with a bit of crispiness.

You can have these crispy slices with a little marinara sauce for a quick snack or put them in an airtight container and use them in a recipe later.

Nine Easy Eggplant Recipes

If you're ready to put your eggplant skills to the test, we've got a few recipes you can try! At Jow, we love keeping our recipes straightforward so you can make your meals quick and get back to the activities you love. Each of these eggplant recipes is ready in minutes!

Eggplant Parmesan

Are you looking for a meatless, pasta-free Mediterranean dinner that will impress your dinner guests? Our Eggplant Parmesan recipe is one for the books! You only need five ingredients to put this meal together, so get out your tomato sauce and mozzarella and be ready to wow!

Eggplant Caponata

One unique way to enjoy eggplant is in Caponata form. This eggplant dip makes a unique relish that's perfect for pairing with fresh-baked bread. You'll feel like an expert chef after making this! 

Eggplant and Hummus Sandwich

Try brightening your weekend afternoons by crafting an Eggplant and Hummus sandwich. With sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese, and creamy hummus in the mix, your taste buds will thank you! 

Roasted Eggplant With Burrata

Perhaps you plan on having a few people over for dinner, and you're searching for the perfect bite-sized appetizers to serve before your meal. If so, our Roasted Eggplant With Burrata is an excellent choice. It's an easy, tasty roasted eggplant recipe you can prepare to wow your guests. 

Eggplant and Ricotta Rigatoni

Here's another delicious Italian dish you can enjoy this week! Our Eggplant and Ricotta Rigatoni is a meatless pasta that combines a blend of fantastic flavors. It's ready in less than a half-hour, too.

Teriyaki Eggplant and Rice

Let's say you're short on time and want to whip up a fast, tasty dinner for your household. In that case, our Teriyaki Eggplant and Rice recipe could be the recipe for the job. With some Japanese inspiration and a total time for cooking of just over twenty minutes, this is the perfect quick-fix dinner.

Roasted Eggplant Platter and Yogurt Sauce

Maybe you're in the mood for a light meal that tastes filling and refreshing at once. Our Roasted Eggplant Platter and Yogurt Sauce features yummy roasted eggplant with filling quinoa and creamy yogurt sauce. You might dream of re-creating this mouth-watering recipe for weeks.

Eggplant and Pork Stir Fry

Here's another stir fry you can enjoy in no time! When you're in a rush or don't feel like standing over a stove for hours, this eggplant stir fry is the way to go. Savor the blend of flavors in every bite. 

Vegan Roasted Eggplant With Turmeric

Many people are attempting to reduce their meat consumption and lean into vegan eating for various reasons. If you want to add more meat-free dishes to your menu, our Vegan Roasted Eggplant With Turmeric is a tasty place to start!

What Can You Substitute for Eggplant?

What's more stressful than forgetting that one ingredient you needed at the store? If you forget eggplants on your next grocery list, don't worry! You can replace this vegetable with a few other options with similar tastes. 

Try substituting your missing eggplant for any of the following:

Although these foods might have unique textures, they make excellent substitutes when you're low on eggplant and need a suitable replacement.

Discover More Mouth-Watering Recipes

Once you try eggplant, you'll wonder what took you so long! Although it might have been a food you avoided at the grocery store, these recipes prove that it's a food you need in your life!

When you're ready to branch out and try adding more easy recipes to your weekly menu, we've got your back at Jow! You deserve easy, tasty meals.