This Grilled Eggplant Sicilian Style is a tasty dish that features thick slices of eggplant brushed with olive oil and grilled to perfection. It’s smoky, rich, and deliciously simple!
You can enjoy it as a side or on its own—just don’t be surprised if it steals the spotlight! I love adding a sprinkle of salt and fresh herbs for an extra burst of flavor. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Eggplants: Medium eggplants are perfect for grilling due to their size and texture. If you can’t find these, zucchini or portobello mushrooms are great substitutes that also grill well.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is excellent for flavor, but you can use any light oil like canola or avocado oil if you’re looking for a different taste or a budget-friendly option.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is highly recommended for its strong flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can use garlic powder, but the taste won’t be as robust. I love adding a bit more garlic for extra kick!
Fresh Herbs: Parsley and mint add freshness. If you don’t have mint, basil is a fantastic alternative. You could also use a mix of dried herbs if fresh isn’t available, just use less since they’re more concentrated.
Red Wine Vinegar: This adds brightness to the dish. Apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar can work if that’s what you have on hand. I’ve even used a splash of lemon juice before, which brings a lovely zing!
How Do You Grill Eggplants to Perfection?
Grilling eggplants requires some special care to ensure they’re tender and flavorful. Here’s how to get it right:
- Start by preheating your grill or grill pan. Maintaining a medium-high heat is essential so the eggplants sear nicely.
- Slicing the eggplants thick enough (1/2 inch) helps to prevent them from becoming mushy on the grill. Thin slices can fall apart easily.
- Brushing the marinade on both sides makes sure every bite is packed with flavor.
- Cook each side for about 4-5 minutes. Look for those lovely grill marks to know they’re ready to flip!
Let them cook undisturbed for the best grilling results, and don’t be afraid to experiment with seasonings to make this dish your own!
How to Make Grilled Eggplant Sicilian Style
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Grilled Eggplant:
- 2 medium eggplants, sliced into 1/2 inch thick rounds
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and another 10 minutes to grill. In just 20 minutes, you’ll have a tasty grilled eggplant dish that’s perfect for serving as a side or a light meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. This ensures that the eggplants will cook evenly and get those nice grill marks. It’s important to get it nice and hot before you begin grilling!
2. Make the Marinade:
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped mint, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. Stir well until everything is combined. This marinade will add lots of flavor to your eggplants!
3. Prepare the Eggplants:
Take the eggplant slices and brush both sides with the marinade. Make sure each slice is well coated so they soak up all that delicious flavor. You can use a brush or just your hands—whatever works best for you!
4. Grill the Eggplants:
Now, place the prepared eggplant slices on the hot grill. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side. You want them to be tender and have those attractive grill marks. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the eggplants are done grilling, carefully remove them from the grill and arrange them on a serving platter. Drizzle any leftover marinade over the top for extra flavor. Serve them warm, and if you like, add lemon wedges on the side for a refreshing touch. Enjoy your grilled eggplants Sicilian style!
Can I Use Other Vegetables Instead of Eggplant?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for eggplant, you can use zucchini, bell peppers, or portobello mushrooms as great alternatives. Just adjust the grilling time as needed; these vegetables may cook faster or slower than eggplant.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Herbs?
No worries! You can substitute dried herbs for fresh ones—just use about 1 tablespoon of dried parsley and 1 tablespoon of dried mint. Keep in mind that dried herbs are more concentrated, so you may want to start with a bit less and adjust to your taste.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store leftover grilled eggplant in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can enjoy it cold as a salad topping or reheat it gently on the grill or in a skillet over low heat until warmed through.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can marinate the eggplant slices a few hours before grilling. Just keep them covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. Grilled eggplant can also be made a day in advance for a convenient appetizer or side dish!
