If you’ve been searching for a vibrant, flavorful side that brings together smoky, tangy, and fresh elements, then you must try this Grilled Eggplant with Garlic Vinaigrette and Fresh Mint Recipe. This dish is a celebration of simple ingredients elevated by grilling and a punchy garlic vinaigrette, finished with the brightness of fresh mint. It’s perfect for warm-weather gatherings or anytime you crave a vegetable dish with a little extra wow factor. Once you taste the tender, charred eggplant pieces kissed by garlicky, zesty dressing, you’ll understand why this recipe quickly becomes a favorite in any kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Grilled Eggplant with Garlic Vinaigrette and Fresh Mint Recipe lies in the simplicity and quality of its ingredients. Each item plays a specific role, from the creamy texture of the eggplant to the punch of the garlic and the fresh, cool lift of mint.
- Large eggplants: Choose firm and glossy eggplants for the best texture and flavor after grilling.
- Olive oil: A high-quality olive oil adds richness and helps the eggplant develop that lovely char.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic cloves are essential for making a vibrant and aromatic vinaigrette.
- Rice vinegar: Adds a bright acidity to balance the smokiness of the grilled eggplant.
- Low sodium soy sauce: Brings a subtle saltiness and umami depth without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Sesame oil: A little goes a long way to infuse the vinaigrette with a nutty aroma and flavor.
- Red pepper flakes: For a gentle spicy kick that livens up the dish.
- Fresh mint: Chopped fresh mint leaves add a refreshing, herbaceous note to complete the flavor profile.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance every ingredient.
How to Make Grilled Eggplant with Garlic Vinaigrette and Fresh Mint Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Grill
Start by heating your grill to high heat. Make sure to oil the grates well to prevent the eggplant slices from sticking. This preparation is key to achieving those beautiful grill marks and a smoky flavor that will elevate the dish.
Step 2: Slice the Eggplant
Cut the eggplants into roughly 1-inch thick rounds. Uniform thickness ensures even cooking. These thick slices will hold up nicely on the grill while becoming wonderfully tender inside.
Step 3: Season the Eggplant
Brush both sides of each eggplant slice generously with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to bring out their natural flavors. The oil also helps with caramelization and prevents drying out on the grill.
Step 4: Grill the Eggplant
Place the slices on your preheated grill and cook until you see nice char marks and the eggplant feels soft when pierced with a fork. Turn them once to ensure even cooking. This grilling step is where the magic happens—the smokiness infuses every bite.
Step 5: Make the Garlic Vinaigrette
While your eggplant is on the grill, smash the garlic cloves into a paste using a mortar and pestle or finely mince them. Combine the garlic paste with rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Stir thoroughly to blend all those bold flavors into a harmonious vinaigrette.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
Once grilled, lay the eggplant slices on a serving platter. Drizzle the garlic vinaigrette generously over the warm slices and sprinkle with the fresh chopped mint. This final touch brings a beautiful contrast of flavors and a pop of color that makes the dish as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
How to Serve Grilled Eggplant with Garlic Vinaigrette and Fresh Mint Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling freshly chopped mint over the eggplant is a must—it adds a cooling, herbal brightness that complements the garlic and soy beautifully. For extra flair, consider adding toasted sesame seeds or thin slices of green onions that add texture and pop.
Side Dishes
This Grilled Eggplant with Garlic Vinaigrette and Fresh Mint Recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken or lamb, or alongside a bed of fluffy couscous or steamed jasmine rice. It also shines at a mezze spread with hummus, pita, and roasted red peppers.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, serve the eggplant slices stacked like a mini tower or arrange them in a fan shape on a large platter. Drizzle the vinaigrette last-minute tableside for a fresh, aromatic presentation that will impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover grilled eggplant in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, and the flavors actually deepen as they sit.
Freezing
While you can freeze grilled eggplant, keep in mind the texture may change slightly upon thawing. If you choose to freeze, layer slices with parchment paper to prevent sticking and use within 2 months for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or warm them in the oven. Avoid microwave reheating if you want to maintain the best texture; reheat slowly to keep the eggplant from becoming mushy.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! The Grilled Eggplant with Garlic Vinaigrette and Fresh Mint Recipe is naturally vegan, made entirely from plant-based ingredients, making it perfect for any dietary preference.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No grill? No problem! You can cook the eggplant slices on a grill pan or even roast them in a hot oven until tender and slightly charred.
Can I use dried mint instead of fresh?
Fresh mint is key to the fresh brightness of this recipe. Dried mint lacks that vibrant flavor and is not recommended as a substitute here.
How spicy is this dish?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle heat that can be adjusted according to your taste. Feel free to add more or omit them for a milder flavor.
Is this dish gluten-free?
It can be if you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Otherwise, the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Eggplant with Garlic Vinaigrette and Fresh Mint Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll find yourself making over and over. It’s straightforward, packed with flavor, and a perfect showcase of how simple ingredients come together to create something truly spectacular. Give it a try and watch it become your go-to recipe for any season.
Print
Grilled Eggplant with Garlic Vinaigrette and Fresh Mint Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Grilled Eggplant recipe features thick slices of eggplant perfectly charred on the grill and topped with a flavorful garlic sauce made from rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Garnished with fresh mint, this dish makes a delicious and healthy side that pairs wonderfully with your favorite protein.
Ingredients
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
Instructions
- Prepare the grill: Oil the grates of your grill to prevent sticking and preheat the grill on high heat.
- Slice the eggplant: Cut the eggplants into round slices, each about 1 inch thick, ensuring even cooking.
- Season the eggplant: Brush both sides of each eggplant slice generously with olive oil and sprinkle evenly with salt and pepper.
- Grill the eggplant: Place the slices on the hot grill and cook them until they develop slight char marks and become tender, flipping once to cook both sides evenly.
- Make the garlic sauce: While the eggplant is grilling, smash the garlic cloves into a paste using a mortar and pestle. Transfer the garlic paste to a small bowl and stir in rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
- Serve: Once the grilled eggplant is ready, drizzle the prepared garlic sauce over the slices. Garnish with freshly chopped mint and serve alongside your preferred protein for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use low sodium soy sauce to control salt intake.
- For a milder spice level, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.
- Eggplant thickness ensures even grilling and prevents mushy texture.
- Fresh mint can be substituted with cilantro or basil for varied flavor.
- To prevent eggplant from absorbing excess oil, you can salt the slices and let them sit for 30 minutes before grilling, then rinse and pat dry.
