This sauteed eggplant recipe transforms a classic summer veggie into a quick-cooking side dish that goes with so many mains! I have always roasted eggplant or grilled eggplant when I want to cook this veggie, but recently experimented with how to saute eggplant. And you’re going to love it! Pan fried eggplant caramelizes even more than the oven version! Just like the roasting method, these simple sauteed eggplant slices take a few common kitchen ingredients. The main difference is that pan frying takes even less time — and you don’t have to wait for your oven to heat up! (You can also try air fryer eggplant as another quick — and more hands-off — method.)
Can You Saute Eggplant?
Yes, you absolutely can saute eggplant! It’s quick, easy, and delicious. Similar to sauteed zucchini, it browns perfectly for a flavorful and fast side dish.
Sauteed Eggplant Ingredients
This section explains how to choose the best ingredients for eggplant saute, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card below.
Eggplant – Get a firm one, with smooth, shiny skin and no nicks. Cook it as soon as you can for freshest flavor.Garlic Powder – Sauteed eggplant with garlic brings out natural flavors in this veggie. You could also use fresh minced garlic, but you’ll want to add it later in the cooking process to avoid burning.Sea Salt & Black PepperOlive Oil – Eggplant sauteed in olive oil (especially extra virgin) has so much flavor, but you can also use any cooking oil you have on-hand.
How To Cut Eggplant For Frying
There are a few different ways to cut eggplant for sauteing:
Slices. Cut the eggplant crosswise into 1/4 inch circles. Start with the end that does not have the stem, so that you have the leafy end to grab onto as you slice.Strips. Slice the eggplant into 1/2 inch slices, then stack the slices and cut them into long strips.Cubes. Cut the same way as strips, but then cut all the strips in the opposite direction to make cubes.
The last two methods work well in sauces or as a component in other recipes. For pan fried eggplant, I prefer slices, for several reasons:
It’s the fastest method.You get caramelized edges on each slice.It’s easier to get nice browning because you can saute without moving and flip once.The ideal thickness is 1/4 inch thick, which allows the eggplant to cook quickly and caramelize well
How To Saute Eggplant
This section shows the best way to saute eggplant with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card below.
Season. Sprinkle eggplant with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. If you want more flavor, you can add some Italian seasoning as well.
TIP: No need to pre-salt! This is a common practice with eggplant to remove bitterness, but most eggplants today are bred to avoid this problem. Eggplant cooks up much faster this way, too.
Saute. Heat oil in a large skillet and add eggplant slices in a single layer. Working in batches, saute the eggplant on both sides, until completely soft and caramelized. Repeat with remaining eggplant, adding oil between batches, until done.
TIP: Don’t move the eggplant around! Unlike some sauteing methods, in this case we want to leave the eggplant untouched except when flipping. This will give us that beautiful, delicious browning.
How Long To Saute Eggplant?
Eggplant slices need to cook for 3-6 minutes per side, assuming you slice them 1/4 inch thick. They’re done cooking when soft, browned, and caramelized on the outside.
Pan Fried Eggplant Variations
Sauteed eggplant and zucchini – Fry a mix of eggplant and zucchini slices. Both work great using this method, just make sure they are sliced to the same thickness.Sauteed eggplant with garlic – If you prefer fresh minced garlic instead of the garlic powder used in this recipe, add the garlic toward the end of cooking so that it doesn’t burn.Mediterranean sauteed eggplant – Pan fry the eggplant using the instructions below, then add the toppings from this Mediterranean chicken recipe.Pan fried eggplant cubes – Like I’ve explained above, I much prefer to saute eggplant slices, but if you prefer, you can saute cubes instead. Be sure to turn them occasionally so that all sides get browned.Eggplant with feta – When the eggplant is almost done, place a cube of feta cheese on each eggplant, cover, and let it soften.
Storage Instructions
Store eggplant in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.
Can cooked eggplant be frozen?
Yes! Freeze cooked eggplant slices between layers of parchment in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can store for up to a year in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating instructions:
Heat eggplant in a 350 degree F oven until warmed through. Sauteed eggplant is also delicious cold!
What To Serve With Sauteed Eggplant
Sauteed eggplant recipes pair well with Italian, Greek, and Middle Eastern flavors. It tastes delicious with a variety of meats and hearty pasta dishes, too:
Chicken – Chicken recipes such as caprese chicken, chicken cacciatore, or bruschetta chicken make a delicious pairing with eggplant.Lamb – Serve this eggplant with lamb kofta kebabs or oven roasted lamb chops.Sausage – Eggplant would taste delicious alongside sausage stuffed mushrooms, sausage kale soup, or sausage stuffed zucchini boats.Veggie pastas – Try eggplant with zucchini roll ups, healthy chicken alfredo, or zucchini spaghetti with meatballs.
More Healthy Eggplant Recipes
Eggplant LasagnaMini Eggplant PizzasEasy RatatouilleHealthy Eggplant ParmesanCold Roast Vegetable Salad
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