Grilled Eggplant with Tahini Sauce

Eggplant is grilled until tender and smoky then drizzled with a creamy, tahini-lemon sauce.

grilled eggplant on a plate

Grilling is one of the best cooking methods to maximize flavor, especially when it comes to vegetables! As the vegetables hit the heat, their natural sugars begin to caramelize resulting in a sweet and smoky veggie that anyone will be excited to eat – even littles!

eggplant and tahini

To take it even one step further, I love drizzling grilled vegetables (and meats for that matter!) with a quick and easy tahini sauce made with lemon and garlic.

Liz Slicing Eggplant

To start, simply slice the eggplant into thick rounds. You can certainly slice the eggplant the long way, but I find the rounds are a little easier to slice.

Liz Brushing Eggplant with Oil

Next, brush olive oil on each side of the eggplant round. Note: eggplants are little sponges, similar to mushrooms, so you’ll want to use a brush for even-coating. If you simply drizzle, the eggplant might soak up more than you really need.

Seasoning Eggplant

Once you’ve brushed the eggplant with olive oil, season each side with salt and pepper to taste.

Liz Flipping Eggplant 2

To grill, place rounds over high heat and grill until smoky, sweet and tender, about 9-10 minutes total.

Liz Silly with Grilled Eggplant

It’s going to be very tempting to start eating them as they come off the grill – I don’t blame you! Grilled eggplant is one of the most delicious bites you can enjoy!

Liz Whisking Tahini Sauce

When the eggplant is grilling, this is a great time to whip up the tahini sauce by whisking together tahini, lemon, garlic and salt. If you want a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne (or two.)

grilled eggplant on a plate

To serve, drizzle the tahini sauce over the warm eggplant right after it gets off the grill. If you have leftovers, chop the eggplant into bite-sized pieces and toss in pastas or salads throughout the week.

Frequently asked questions:

How far in advance can I make the tahini sauce?

You can prep the tahini sauce up to 3 days in advance. Store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator.

What vegetables can I use if we don’t like eggplant?

This recipe would be perfect with asparagus, bell peppers, or zucchini. Use whatever you have on hand!

Does the eggplant need to be served hot?

It tastes great hot, room temperature, or chilled, but I prefer it hot.

Liz Eating Grilled Eggplant

Your fork is waiting.

Grilled Eggplant with Tahini Sauce

Grilled Eggplant with Tahini Sauce

4.84 stars average
Eggplant is grilled until tender and smoky then drizzled with a creamy, tahini-lemon sauce.
PREP: 10 minutes
COOK: 10 minutes
TOTAL: 20 minutes
Pin
Servings: 4

Ingredients
 

  • 1 eggplant (sliced into thick rounds)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • salt and pepper (to taste)
  • minced fresh parsley or mint (optional garnish)

Tahini Sauce

  • ¼ cup tahini
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons warm water (or more, to thin)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 clove garlic (minced)
  • 1 pinch cayenne (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Pre-heat grill to high heat and brush both sides of eggplant with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste then grill until tender, about 4-5 minutes per side, rotating twice on each side before flipping.
  • While eggplant is grilling, whisk together tahini sauce in a small bowl.
  • Remove eggplant from grill and place on a platter. Serve eggplant warm with tahini sauce drizzled on top. Garnish with fresh mint or parsley if you wish.

Recipe Video


Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 181kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 4gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 299mgPotassium: 331mgFiber: 4gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 26IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 31mgIron: 1mg

SHOW AND TELL ON INSTAGRAM!Show me your creation and rate it below! Mention @thelemonbowl or tag #thelemonbowl! I would LOVE to see!

1 thought on “Grilled Eggplant with Tahini Sauce”

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Your feedback is important to us. Rate what you thought of this.




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.