How To Cook Eggplant

Do you dare to cook something new?

Eggplant has a lot to offer, and it's easier than it seems. This versatile vegetable can be the star of any dish, whether roasted, fried, or cooked in an air fryer. If you've never cooked with eggplant before, get ready to discover an ingredient that absorbs flavors like a sponge and adapts to almost any recipe. Discover it with us and surprise everyone with your new creations!

It doesn't matter if you're a beginner in the kitchen or an experienced cook, here we will teach you the best tricks to make eggplant perfect. From how to avoid its bitterness to achieving a crispy texture without using too much oil, we will guide you step by step. So, if you're ready to try something different and delicious, keep reading. Eggplant is about to become your new favorite ingredient!

How to clean and cut eggplant

Before cooking eggplant, it’s important to know how to clean and cut it properly to get the best results. Below, we explain the key steps:

Wash the eggplant: Place the eggplant under cold water and gently scrub it with your hands or a soft brush to remove any dirt or residue. Make sure to rinse the entire surface thoroughly.
Dry the eggplant: Use a clean kitchen towel or paper towel to dry it completely. This will prevent excess water from interfering with the cooking process, especially if you’re frying or roasting it.
Cut off the ends: Place the eggplant on a cutting board and, with a sharp knife, remove the stem and base. This step is essential to get rid of the hard, inedible parts.
Decide whether to peel it: Eggplant skin is edible, but it can be tough in some larger varieties. If you prefer a softer texture or if the recipe calls for it, you can peel it with a vegetable peeler before cutting.
Cut according to the recipe: Depending on the dish you're preparing, cut the eggplant into thick slices (for roasting or frying), cubes (for stews or stir-fries), or strips (for recipes like lasagna). Ensure that your cuts are even so they cook uniformly.

These simple steps will help you prepare your eggplant correctly for any recipe you want to try.

Is it necessary to peel eggplant before cooking it?

The skin of the eggplant is edible and full of nutrients, such as fiber and antioxidants, so it is not necessary to peel it in most cases. In fact, leaving the skin on can add texture and flavor to your dishes. However, in some recipes, like purées or dips (for example, baba ganoush), it is usually peeled to achieve a smoother and creamier texture.

If the eggplant is large or has a thicker skin, you may choose to peel it if you prefer a more tender texture. On the other hand, smaller varieties, like Japanese or Chinese eggplants, tend to have thinner skin that doesn’t need to be removed. The decision to peel or not will depend on the type of recipe you're preparing and your personal preferences.

How to prevent eggplant from being bitter

Bitterness in eggplant can be a common issue, but there are several simple tricks to eliminate it and enjoy its flavor to the fullest. Here are the most effective methods:

Salting: Cut the eggplant into slices or cubes and sprinkle salt on top. Let it rest for 30 minutes so it "sweats" and releases the bitter liquid. Afterward, rinse it well with cold water and dry it before cooking. This is the most commonly used and effective method to remove bitterness.
Soaking in salted water: Another option is to submerge the eggplant slices in a container with salted water for 30 minutes. This also helps effectively remove bitterness. Then, simply drain them and dry them well before cooking.
Water, salt, and milk: If you want an even smoother result, mix water, salt, and a bit of milk in a container. Let the eggplant slices rest in this mixture for 30 minutes. Rinse them well before cooking to remove any traces of milk.

With these simple tricks, you can enjoy eggplant without worrying about its bitter taste.

Tips for making eggplant crispy

Achieving crispy eggplant can be a challenge, but with the following tips, you can get a golden and delicious texture:

Pre-salting: Sprinkle salt over the eggplant slices and let them rest for 30 minutes. This helps remove excess water and bitterness, allowing for a crispier cook. Be sure to rinse and dry well before cooking.
Hot oil: If you're frying the eggplant, make sure the oil is hot before adding it. This will quickly seal the surface, preventing it from absorbing too much oil and achieving a crispy texture.
Breading: For an extra crispy layer, coat the eggplant slices with breadcrumbs or panko before frying or baking. This will give them that crunchy touch everyone loves.
Frying or roasting: Frying is the most common option to get crispy eggplant, but you can also roast it at high temperature in the oven for a similar result with less oil.
Air fryer: If you prefer a healthier option, use an air fryer. You’ll get a crispy texture with very little oil, ideal for snacks or light side dishes.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook the slices in small batches to avoid overcrowding. This ensures they cook evenly and don’t turn soggy.
Dry well: After washing or salting the eggplant, make sure to dry it completely with paper towels. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness, so this step is crucial.
Cook at high temperature: Whether in the oven or on the stove, cooking at high temperatures (200°C or more) helps brown the eggplant quickly and maintain its crispy texture.

With these tips, you'll achieve perfectly crispy eggplant in any recipe you prepare.

Ingredients for cooking eggplants

To prepare a delicious eggplant recipe, it’s important to have the right ingredients that will enhance its flavor and texture. Below are the basic ingredients you'll need to cook eggplants in a simple and tasty way:

Eggplants (2 medium): The main ingredient. You can choose between varieties like classic, Japanese, or Chinese eggplants, depending on your preference.
Olive oil (2-3 tablespoons): Ideal for roasting, frying, or sautéing the eggplants, as it adds a mild flavor and helps them brown.
Salt (to taste): Essential for removing the natural bitterness of the eggplant before cooking.
Black pepper (to taste): To season and enhance the natural flavor of the eggplant.
Garlic (2 cloves, optional): A touch of garlic can add an aromatic and delicious flavor to your eggplant dishes.
Fresh or dried herbs (to taste, optional): Such as basil, parsley, or thyme, which complement the mild flavor of the eggplant beautifully.
Grated mozzarella or parmesan cheese (100 g, optional): Perfect for gratinating or sprinkling over the eggplant before baking or at the end of cooking.

With these basic ingredients, you’ll be able to prepare your eggplants in a delicious and healthy way. Let’s get started!

How to cook eggplant step by step

Here we show you two detailed methods for cooking eggplant: in the oven and in the pan, including how to use garlic and cheese to give them a special touch, and how to serve them.

Method 1: Cooking eggplant in the oven

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).
Wash and cut the eggplant: Wash the eggplants under cold water and dry them with a towel. Cut off the ends (stem and base) and then slice them into thick rounds or lengthwise, depending on your preference.
Optional: remove bitterness: If you want to avoid bitterness, sprinkle salt over the eggplant slices and let them rest for 30 minutes. Then, rinse them well and pat dry with paper towels.
Add oil, garlic, and season: Place the eggplant slices on a baking sheet. Drizzle with 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil, add 2 finely chopped garlic cloves, and season with salt, pepper, and herbs to taste (such as thyme or basil).
Bake the eggplant: Bake the slices for 25 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Add cheese (optional): If you want a tastier touch, sprinkle grated cheese (like mozzarella or parmesan) over the slices during the last 5 minutes of baking to let it melt.
Serve: Remove from the oven when they are golden brown and tender inside. Serve the hot eggplant slices as a side dish or main course.

Method 2: Cooking eggplant in the pan

Wash and cut the eggplant: Wash the eggplants under cold water and dry them with a towel. Cut off the ends (stem and base) and then slice or cube them, depending on your preference.
Optional: remove bitterness: If desired, sprinkle salt over the slices or cubes of eggplant and let them rest for 30 minutes to remove bitterness. Rinse well and dry before cooking.
Heat the oil: Heat 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
Add garlic: Add 2 chopped garlic cloves to the hot oil and sauté for a few seconds until golden brown.
Cook the eggplant: Add the eggplant slices or cubes to the hot pan and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally so they brown on all sides.
Season while cooking: During cooking, season with salt, pepper, and herbs to taste (such as oregano or parsley).
Add cheese (optional): If you prefer an extra flavor boost, you can sprinkle some grated cheese over the slices just before removing them from heat so it melts slightly.
Serve: Serve the golden-brown eggplants directly from the pan as a side dish or main course.

Both methods are easy to follow and include options to add garlic and cheese according to your personal taste. Serve your hot eggplants with fresh salads or as part of a more elaborate main dish.

Ideal cooking time for eggplants according to the method

The cooking time for eggplants varies depending on the method you use. Here are the recommended times for some of the most common methods:

Oven: Cook slices or halves between 25 and 30 minutes at 180-200°C, turning halfway through to ensure even browning. If cooking the eggplant whole, the time will be 45 minutes at 180°C. Make small incisions in the skin to allow steam to escape.
Pan: For slices or cubes, cook for 8-10 minutes over medium-high heat. Stir occasionally to brown all sides evenly. If adding garlic, do so in the last few minutes to prevent it from burning.
Air fryer: For slices or cubes, cook between 15 and 20 minutes at 180°C. Ideal for achieving a crispy texture with little oil. Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer so the air circulates properly.
Grill: For slices, cook between 15 and 20 minutes over medium-high heat. Turn every 5 minutes to prevent burning and ensure even cooking. Brush with oil before grilling for better results.

Additional tips:

Always check doneness by inserting a fork or skewer; if it goes in easily, the eggplant is ready.
If you prefer a crispier texture, you can slightly increase the cooking time or use higher temperatures.

These times will help you cook your eggplants perfectly according to the method you choose.

Ideas for using cooked eggplants in different recipes

Cooked eggplants are incredibly versatile and can be incorporated into a wide variety of dishes. Here are some ideas to make the most of this delicious vegetable:

Add to pasta: Roasted or sautéed eggplants are an excellent addition to pasta dishes. You can mix them with tomato sauce, garlic, and basil to create a light and healthy pasta.
Include in salads: Cooked eggplants, especially if roasted or grilled, can add a special touch to any salad. Combine them with leafy greens, feta cheese, and nuts for a Mediterranean-style salad.
Fillings for wraps or sandwiches: Cooked eggplant slices are perfect for use as a filling in vegetarian wraps or sandwiches. Add hummus, cheese, and fresh vegetables for a quick and nutritious lunch.
Incorporate into stews or casseroles: Cooked eggplants blend well into stews or casseroles, absorbing the flavors of spices and other ingredients. They are ideal for dishes like ratatouille or curry.
As a base for dips: You can mash cooked eggplants and mix them with tahini, garlic, and lemon to make baba ganoush, a traditional Middle Eastern dip.
Topping for pizzas: Cooked eggplants can be an excellent topping for homemade pizzas. Place them on the dough along with cheese and tomato sauce for a healthier option.
Side dish for meats or fish: Grilled or roasted eggplants work very well as a side dish for roasted meats or grilled fish.
Filling for empanadas or savory pies: Mix cooked eggplants with other ingredients like cheese, spinach, or mushrooms to make flavorful fillings for empanadas or savory pies.

These ideas will help you incorporate cooked eggplants into your daily meals in a creative and delicious way.

Can you freeze cooked eggplant?

Yes, you can freeze cooked eggplant, but it's important to follow a few steps to maintain its texture and flavor as best as possible:

Let it cool: Once cooked, allow the eggplant to cool completely before freezing. This prevents ice crystals from forming, which could affect its texture.
Wrap it well: Place the eggplant slices or cubes in airtight bags or freezer-safe containers. Make sure to remove excess air to avoid freezer burn.
Freeze for up to 3 months: Cooked eggplant can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Beyond this time, it may lose quality in flavor and texture.
Thaw properly: To use it, thaw the eggplant in the refrigerator for several hours or directly in a pan or oven if you prefer a quicker method.

Freezing cooked eggplant is an excellent way to make use of any surplus or save time for future meal preparations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How long should I salt eggplant before cooking it?

A: It is recommended to salt the eggplant slices and let them rest for 20 to 30 minutes. This helps remove excess water and reduce bitterness.

Q: Can I cook eggplant without oil?

A: Yes, you can cook eggplant without oil, especially if you roast or steam it. However, oil improves its texture and flavor, so it’s common to use a small amount.

Q: How do I know if the eggplant is ready to cook?

A: The eggplant should be firm to the touch, but not hard. If it is too soft or has dark spots, it’s better not to use it.

Q: Can you grill eggplant directly?

A: Yes, eggplant can be grilled directly. Cut it into thick slices, brush them with a bit of oil, and cook over medium-high heat for 15-20 minutes, turning every 5 minutes to prevent burning.