How to Cook Eggplant

What is eggplant exactly? Eggplant is actually a berry—a very large berry and, like the tomato, it's a member of the nightshade family. It's grown around the world and makes its way into an array of cuisines. Depending on how you prepare it, eggplant can be firm and meaty, soft and silky, or even crunchy. Learn how to cook eggplant and make the most of this tasty nightshade.

How to Shop for Eggplant

Eggplants come in a variety of sizes and colors. No matter which variety you choose, look for eggplants without soft spots or cuts in the skin. They should feel firm and a little heavy for their size. Larger eggplants tend to have more seeds, so be aware of that if you're planning to roast them as halves.

How to Prepare Eggplant

Whether you're slicing or dicing, learn how to prepare eggplant. Before you start prepping, here are a few common questions that arise when cooking eggplant.

Can You Eat Eggplant Skin?

Yes, you can eat eggplant skin, so plan to leave it on. Eggplant skin has some great health benefits as it contains anthocyanins, a type of antioxidant that gives the nightshade its purple color. Anthocyanins can help reduce the risk of heart disease, minimize oxidative stress and even help reduce cancer risk. Plus, it's a good source of nasunin, an antioxidant that supports your brain health.

Should You Salt Your Eggplant?

Conventional kitchen wisdom says that salting eggplant makes its texture less soggy and its taste less bitter. However, modern crops are bred to be tender and less bitter than their predecessors, so the eggplant you buy today is ready to cook without this extra step. However, salting eggplant draws out moisture, and some chefs believe that salt can make it easier for breading to stick to the rounds or slices before baking. If you would like to take the time for this step, here's how to salt eggplant:

1. Slice the eggplant into rounds, planks or cubes.
2. Place in a colander and generously sprinkle salt on the pieces to coat them.
3. Let rest for 30 to 60 minutes.
4. Rinse well and pat dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel.
5. Cook as directed.

How to Slice Eggplant into Rounds

Place the eggplant horizontally on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, cut off the stem and bottom ends. Slice the eggplant into rounds at least 1/2 inch thick.

How to Cut Eggplant into Planks or Strips

Place the eggplant horizontally on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, cut off the stem and bottom ends. Cut in half lengthwise, then place one of the halves cut-side down on the cutting board. Slice into planks at least 1/2 inch thick. To make eggplant strips, slice each plank into 2 or 3 strips.

How to Dice Eggplant

Start by cutting the eggplant into strips as directed above, then slice each strip crosswise into cubes.

How to Cook Eggplant

Eggplant can be used in a variety of recipes, from EatingWell's Eggplant Parmesan to Easy Eggplant Stir-Fry. Learn how to cook eggplant, including how to grill it and how to roast it, and check out these healthy eggplant recipes for delicious inspiration.

How to Bread and Bake Eggplant

Slice an unpeeled eggplant into rounds or strips. Create a breading station with 3 shallow bowls: one filled with flour, one filled with 2 eggs whisked with 2 tablespoons water, and one filled with breadcrumbs. Bread the eggplant by dipping pieces first in the flour, then the egg mixture (letting the excess drip off) and finally the breadcrumbs. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in a 400°F oven for 30 minutes, flipping once halfway through.

How to Grill Eggplant

Slice an unpeeled eggplant into rounds or planks. Preheat a grill to medium-high heat (450-500°F). Brush each side of the eggplant slices with oil and sprinkle with salt, if desired. Place on the grill grate and cook until browned, about 4 minutes per side.

How to Roast Eggplant

How to roast eggplant halves: Slice the stem and bottom ends off an unpeeled eggplant, then slice in half lengthwise. With the tip of a knife, make diagonal cuts about 1/2-inch deep into the cut side of the eggplant. Brush the cut sides with oil, sprinkle with salt and place cut-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast in a 400°F oven until the peel is shriveled and the eggplant is very tender, about 30 minutes.

How to roast eggplant cubes: Dice an eggplant as noted above and toss the cubes with oil and salt in a large bowl. Roast on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a 400°F oven, flipping once halfway through, until tender and browned, 15 to 20 minutes.

How to Sauté or Stir-Fry Eggplant

Dice an eggplant into cubes as directed above. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the eggplant and cook without stirring until browned, 2 to 3 minutes . Stir, then continue to cook until tender.