Italian Grilled Eggplant

5 from 4 votes

This Easy Italian Grilled Eggplant Recipe (Melanzane Grigliate) highlights simple ingredients and bold Mediterranean flavor. Each tender slice is infused with garlic, fresh herbs, and extra-virgin olive oil, creating a dish that’s light, vibrant, and irresistibly delicious. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s the perfect easy side or appetizer that brings a taste of Italy to your table.

Prep Time10

Cook Time10

Total Time20

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: easy side dish, eggplant, grilled eggplant recipe

Servings: servings

Author: Elena Davis

Ingredients

2 medium eggplant sliced into 1/2 inch rounds
1 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic minced
Salt and Pepper to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
3 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Slice eggplant into rounds about 1/2 inch thick. You can leave the skin on or peel it off, depending on your preference.
Mix the olive oil, minced garlic, basil, parsley, salt and pepper in a small bowl with a whisk.
Brush both sides of the eggplant discs generously with the seasoned olive oil mixture using a good basting brush. Reserve extra seasoning oil to drizzle after the eggplant are grilled.
Place the eggplant slices directly on the grill and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side until they have grill marks, are slightly golden brown, and are tender.
Once cooked, remove the eggplant slices from the grill and transfer them to a serving plate or platter. Drizzle any remaining seasoned olive oil over the grilled eggplant slices. Garnish with torn basil leaves and, if desired, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Serve the grilled eggplant as a side dish or as a larger meal. It pairs well with grilled meats, pasta, or crusty bread.
Enjoy your delicious Italian grilled eggplant (Melanzane alla Griglia)!

Notes

Choose ripe and firm eggplants: Look for eggplants that are firm to the touch and have smooth, shiny skin. Avoid eggplants that feel too soft or have wrinkled skin, as they may be overripe or taste bitter.
Preheat the grill: Ensure it is properly preheated to medium-high heat before placing the eggplant slices on it. This helps create a nice sear and char on the outside while keeping the inside tender and flavorful.
Brush the eggplant slices generously: Use a basting brush to coat both sides with the seasoned olive oil mixture. This helps to infuse them with flavor and prevents them from sticking to the grill.
Keep an eye on the cooking time: Cooking time may vary depending on the eggplant slices' thickness and the grill's heat. Watch them closely and flip them once they develop grill marks and become tender. Overcooking can result in mushy eggplant, so aim for a nice char while maintaining a slight firmness.
Customize the seasonings: Feel free to experiment with additional seasonings or herbs to suit your taste preferences. You can add other herbs like thyme, rosemary, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of spice.

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