Name: Grilled Eggplant with Garlic, Mint, and Asian-inspired Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean-Asian Fusion
Ingredients: 2 large eggplants; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 6 cloves garlic; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint

Description

This Grilled Eggplant Recipe features tender, smoky eggplant slices charred to perfection on the grill and topped with a flavorful garlic, soy, and chili sauce. Enhanced with fresh mint and a medley of Asian-inspired seasonings, it’s a delicious vegetarian side or appetizer that’s quick to prepare and bursting with vibrant flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Eggplant and Seasoning

2 large eggplants
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Garlic Sauce

6 cloves garlic
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint

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Instructions

Prepare the Grill: Oil the grates of your grill to prevent sticking and preheat it to high heat, ensuring it’s ready for grilling.
Slice the Eggplant: Cut the eggplants into round slices approximately 1 inch thick to ensure even cooking and easy handling on the grill.
Season the Eggplant: Brush both sides of each eggplant slice generously with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper to enhance the natural flavors.
Grill the Eggplant: Place the eggplant slices on the preheated grill. Cook until they are slightly charred and tender, flipping once during cooking to achieve even grilling on both sides.
Make the Garlic Sauce: While the eggplant cooks, use a mortar and pestle to crush the garlic cloves into a smooth paste. Transfer this paste to a small bowl and mix in rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes, stirring until well combined.
Serve: After the eggplant is grilled, drizzle the prepared garlic sauce over the slices. Garnish with freshly chopped mint for a bright, herbal finish. Serve alongside your favorite protein or as a flavorful vegetarian dish.

Notes

For an extra smoky flavor, consider using charcoal in your grill.
You can substitute fresh mint with cilantro or basil based on your preference.
If you don’t have a mortar and pestle, finely mince the garlic and mash it with the back of a spoon.
Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spiciness of the sauce.
This recipe pairs well with grilled meats, tofu, or as a side in Mediterranean and Asian-inspired meals.