Custrd is out now on the App Store and Google Play — Try it free for 7 days →

What Can I Make with Eggplant?

Start with Charred Grilled Eggplant, which needs only eggplant, olive oil, and salt. The heat creates a smoky exterior and tender flesh inside. Custrd shows you this recipe instantly when you add eggplant to your basket.

Charred Grilled EggplantTop recipe

Charred Grilled Eggplant

Thick eggplant slices get seared on a hot skillet until deeply charred and tender inside. Salt and olive oil are all you need for a smoky, satisfying side that works solo or with rice.

15 min68 cal1g protein

Ingredients

  • •eggplant
  • •olive oil
  • •salt

Steps

  1. 1Slice eggplant lengthwise into 1/2-inch-thick planks.
  2. 2Heat a large skillet over medium-high until it shimmers, about 2 minutes.
  3. 3Brush both sides of eggplant with olive oil and season with salt.
  4. 4Lay slices flat and sear 4 minutes per side until deeply charred and fork-tender.
  5. 5Transfer to a plate and serve hot or at room temperature.

Why this works

Eggplant absorbs heat beautifully on a grill or cast iron. The high temperature caramelizes the skin and softens the flesh, creating contrast between charred edges and creamy interior. Olive oil conducts that heat evenly while adding richness, and salt brings out the eggplant's natural sweetness.

This simplicity lets the vegetable shine. When eggplant chars, its mild flavor deepens into something smoky and complex. The oil carries that flavor and keeps the flesh moist. You're not masking the ingredient—you're transforming it through technique.

More you can make

Tap any of these to open them in Custrd — try it free for 7 days.

Baba Ganoush

18 min

Eggplant with Honey

30 min

Honeyed Eggplant

20 min

Roasted Eggplant

40 min

More recipes you can make

More dishes that use these ingredients, from a large public recipe collection. Ingredients and nutrition here; step-by-step instructions in the Custrd app.

Have different ingredients?

Try our free ingredient finder.

Open the recipe finder →

Frequently asked

Can I use less olive oil?

You can use slightly less, but 2 tbsp helps the eggplant cook evenly and prevents sticking. Too little and you'll get dry patches instead of char.

How do I prep eggplant for grilling?

Slice it lengthwise or into rounds about 0.5 inches thick. Pat dry before grilling so moisture doesn't prevent charring. Salt can be added before or after cooking.

What other eggplant recipes does Custrd have?

The app also shows Honeyed Eggplant, Roasted Eggplant, Baba Ganoush, and Eggplant with Honey when eggplant is in your basket. Check which ones match the other ingredients you have on hand.

What if I don't have a grill?

A cast iron skillet, griddle, or oven broiler all work. The goal is high, dry heat that creates char on the surface while the inside softens.

Want 15+ more meal ideas from your ingredients?

Custrd finds dozens of recipes from a single fridge photo, with smart filters for diet, time, and macros.

Try Custrd free for 7 days