If you’ve never eaten eggplant before, you’re missing out! This Garlic Eggplant Slices is delicious and healthy, made by marinating slices of eggplant in a rich garlic sauce. The resulting dish can be served hot or at room temperature, and is great as a side dish or main course. This recipe also works well as a vegetarian main course. It can be prepared ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Garlic Eggplant Slices Recipes
Air Fried Garlic Eggplant Slices
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 large eggplant sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer oven to 390°F (199C).
- Put eggplant slices with the olive oil, salt, and garlic powder in a mixing bowl until evenly coated.
- Put the slices in the air fryer basket. Place the baking pan and cook for 15 minutes.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
© Food And Meal
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the Spoonacular Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
Alternative Method: Grilled Garlic Eggplant Slices
Ingredients:
- 1 large eggplant, sliced into rounds
- 3-4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, or oregano), for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. You want it hot enough to create grill marks but not too hot that it burns the eggplant.
- Marinate the Eggplant: In a bowl, mix the minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Brush this mixture generously onto both sides of the eggplant slices. Let them sit for about 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Grill the Eggplant: Place the marinated eggplant slices directly on the grill grates. Grill for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they have beautiful grill marks and are tender on the inside. Be attentive as grilling times may vary based on the thickness of your slices.
- Serve Hot: Remove the grilled eggplant slices from the grill and garnish with fresh herbs if desired. They are best served hot, with a drizzle of extra olive oil for that added richness.
Tips for making Grilled Garlic Eggplant Slices
Cooking Tips
- Choose the Right Eggplant: Opt for eggplants that are firm, with shiny and unblemished skin. The size matters; smaller eggplants are often less bitter.
- Salting the Eggplant: To remove excess moisture and bitterness, generously salt the eggplant slices and let them sit for about 20 minutes. Rinse and pat them dry before cooking.
- Proper Slicing: Even slicing is key to even cooking. Aim for slices that are about ½ inch thick to ensure they cook through without becoming mushy.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When pan-frying, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if needed, so the slices have enough space to crisp up.
- Low and Slow: When cooking on the stovetop, use medium-low heat. This allows the eggplant to cook through without burning or becoming too soft.
- Minced Garlic Magic: The minced garlic should be added toward the end of cooking. It infuses the slices with its aroma without burning and turning bitter.
- Use Fresh Herbs: If garnishing, opt for fresh herbs like basil or parsley. They add a burst of freshness to the dish.
Serving Suggestions
- Mediterranean Feast: Serve the eggplant slices alongside other Mediterranean delights like hummus, tabbouleh, and pita bread.
- Pasta Perfection: Toss the eggplant slices with cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and a drizzle of olive oil. Top with grated Parmesan for a hearty pasta dish.
- Appetizer Extraordinaire: Turn them into an appetizer by placing a cube of fresh mozzarella on each slice, then broil them for a minute to melt the cheese. Add a cherry tomato and basil leaf on top.
- Sandwich Sensation: Layer them on a ciabatta roll with roasted red peppers, arugula, and a spread of pesto for a mouthwatering sandwich.
- Main Course Magic: Pair them with grilled chicken or fish for a satisfying main course.
- Dip or Side: Serve with a side of tzatziki or baba ghanoush for dipping, or as a side to grilled meats.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) about Garlic Eggplant Slices
- Can I prepare the eggplant slices in advance for a party? Absolutely! You can pre-cook the eggplant slices and then reheat them in the oven just before serving. This way, you can enjoy the party without spending all your time in the kitchen.
- How do I store leftovers, and can I reheat them? Store any leftover eggplant slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until they’re warm and crispy again.
- Can I use other seasonings besides garlic? Certainly! You can experiment with different seasonings like paprika, cumin, or even a sprinkle of chili flakes to create unique flavors.
- Is it necessary to peel the eggplant before slicing? No, it’s not necessary. In fact, leaving the skin on adds a lovely color and texture to the dish.
- Can I make this dish with other types of eggplant? Yes, you can use different varieties of eggplant, but be aware that some may have varying levels of bitterness. If you find a variety you like, go for it!
Create golden perfection with our Garlic Eggplant Slices recipe. Learn the art of cooking and serving this versatile dish. Elevate your culinary skills today.
I'm James F Anderson, a noted sous chef from London and a Le Cordon Bleu alumnus. My career began in a Michelin-starred Parisian eatery, where my blend of classic and contemporary cooking, using seasonal ingredients, earned accolades. Recognized in culinary publications and on cooking shows, I’m committed to mentoring aspiring chefs and delivering memorable dining experiences, marking me as a standout talent in the culinary world.