How to cook eggplant on stove top? |The best eggplant recipe

Cooking eggplant on the stove top is both healthy and delicious, but it can be intimidating when you’re not sure how to get started. Luckily, we have all the information right here to help make cooking this versatile vegetable easy! With its slightly sweet flavor, deep purple color and many health benefits, eggplant is a great addition to any meal—no matter if you’re a professional chef or an amateur home cook. So let’s get started on learning all about how to cook eggplant on stove top successfully.

What is eggplant?

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Eggplant, also known as aubergine or brinjal, is a plant found in various regions such as the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Ireland, and the Indian subcontinent. Belonging to the Solanaceae family, this plant species, scientifically called Solanum melongena, is cultivated globally for its delicious and nutritious fruit.

What is the stove top?

The stove top is a common cooking device used to prepare foods. It consists of one or more burners over which various pots and pans can be placed to cook food such as eggplant. Stove tops are typically powered by electricity, natural gas or liquid propane gas.

Can you cook eggplant on stove top?

Yes! Cooking eggplant on the stove top is easy, healthy and delicious. There are a few different cooking methods to choose from depending on your preferences and what kind of dish you’re making. Some of these include baking, boiling, sautéing or grilling.

Why you’ll love this eggplant recipe on stove top?

This eggplant recipe is easy to make and packed with flavour! It’s also a great way to take advantage of all the health benefits that this nutritious vegetable has to offer. Plus, it’s suitable for vegetarians and vegans as well as those who are trying to cut back on meat in their diet without sacrificing flavor. This unique dish will be sure to impress everyone at your next dinner party.

How to choose eggplant for cooking on stove top?

When selecting an eggplant for cooking on the stove top, look for one that is firm and hefty with smooth, glossy skin. Avoid any that are soft or discolored as these may be past their prime. Additionally, keep an eye out for any dark spots on the surface of the eggplant, which indicate it has been bruised.

Ways to choose eggplant for cooking on stove top

Ingredients to cook eggplant on stove top

To cook eggplant on the stove top, you’ll need:

Eggplant, 1 large
Olive oil, 2 tablespoons
Salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
Herbs or spices (optional)

How to cook eggplant on stove top?

When you’ve got the ingredients ready, it’s time to start cooking! Here’s how to cook eggplant on stove top:

Cut off the stem of the eggplant and discard it. Slice the eggplant into 1/2 inch slices and then cut each slice into cubes.
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
Add the cubed eggplant to the skillet and season with salt and pepper.
Sauté the eggplant for 8-10 minutes until golden and tender, stirring occasionally.
Add any desired herbs or spices to the eggplant, such as fresh parsley or thyme.

Tips for cooking eggplant on stove top perfectly

Here are some tips for cooking eggplant on stove top perfectly every time:

Make sure to cook the eggplant in a single layer so that it cooks evenly.
Add a little extra oil to the pan when sautéing if needed.
Be careful not to overcook the eggplant as this will make it mushy.
To get a nice crispy texture, try grilling the eggplant slices instead of sautéing them.
Use fresh herbs and spices to add flavor to your dish.

Variations on this eggplant recipe on stove top

This recipe is very versatile and can be adapted to suit your tastes. Try adding other vegetables, such as peppers or mushrooms, for a more colorful dish. You can also switch up the herbs and spices that you use or try different cooking methods. Experiment with different textures by roasting the eggplant instead of sautéing it, or try grilling it for a smoky flavor. You can even use the eggplant in different recipes, such as Eggplant Parmigiana or Stuffed Eggplant. No matter how you choose to cook it, this recipe will surely be a hit at your dinner table.

Variations on eggplant recipe on stove top

What to serve your eggplant?

Eggplant cooked on the stove top is a delicious and nutritious side dish that pairs well with both meat and vegetarian entrees. Serve it as part of your meal, or simply enjoy it with some crusty bread or over rice for an easy lunch or dinner.

How to store the leftover eggplant?

To store any leftover eggplant, simply place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to four days. Alternatively, you can freeze the cooked eggplant for up to six months.

Conclusion: How to cook eggplant on stove top

Now you know all the basics of how to cook eggplant on stove top, it’s time to get started! With its slightly sweet flavor and many health benefits, this unique vegetable is a great addition to any meal. So why not give it a try? Your taste buds will thank you.

FAQ: cooking eggplant on stove top

How long to cook eggplant on stove top?

Start by seasoning the eggplant slices with salt and pepper. Then, heat up some oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the eggplant slices in a single layer and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until they are nicely caramelized and golden brown.

Should you salt eggplant before frying on the stove top?

Discover the secret to elevating your fried eggplant to new heights! Salting your eggplant before frying not only removes any bitter flavors, but also enhances its overall taste. Even with today’s sweeter eggplants, a simple salting process can make all the difference. By taking this extra step, you’ll enjoy a crispier and more savory dish that is sure to impress.

Does eggplant need to be soaked before frying on the stove top?

Is soaking eggplant necessary before frying it on the stove top? Soaking a large whole eggplant for at least two hours is recommended to eliminate its bitter taste. For pieces of eggplant, a 30-minute soak is sufficient.

How long do you soak eggplant before frying on the stove top?

The Best Method for Perfectly Fried Eggplant: Soak sliced eggplant in a flavorful brine for 30 minutes before cooking on the stove top.

How to know eggplant is done on the stove top?

Follow these simple guidelines: If you’re cooking eggplant slices, cook them for 5-7 minutes on each side, totaling 10-14 minutes. If you’re sautéing eggplant cubes, cook them for 4-5 minutes per side, amounting to 10-12 minutes.

What temperature to cook eggplant on stove top?

For best results, cook the eggplant over medium heat is the best temperature for cooking eggplant on stove top. If the heat is too low, the eggplant will not brown; if it’s too high, the slices may burn before they are cooked through.

Can you cook an eggplant on stove top at 140 degrees?

For best results the temperature should be set at medium heat or between 350-400 degrees. Cooking an eggplant on stove top at temperatures lower than that will not properly cook the vegetable all the way through and could result in a burnt exterior while having an uncooked interior.

Why is my eggplant tough after cooking on stove top?

If your eggplant is tough and chewy, it likely means that it was not cooked thoroughly. Unlike meat, which becomes rubbery when overcooked, vegetables become soft. However, be cautious of overcooking as well, as eggplants can become mushy if cooked for too long.

Why is my eggplant still hard after cooking on stove top?

When roasting or frying, a common mistake is not using enough oil and/or not cooking it for a sufficient amount of time. Eggplant has a high oil absorption capacity, so if you are conservative with the oil, it can result in a spongy, undercooked texture or a tough, burnt exterior – sometimes even both.

How to cook eggplant on stove top without salt?

It is possible to cook eggplant on stove top without salt. Start by cutting the eggplant into slices or cubes and then heat up some oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the eggplant and cook it for 6-7 minutes on each side until it is golden brown. Add any desired herbs or spices to the eggplant, such as garlic, oregano or basil, for extra flavor. For even more taste, try adding some lemon juice and a sprinkle of olive oil at the end.

Dana Packard

Dana Packard is the Chef at Irish Setter Pub. Dana brings over 15 years of culinary experience to her position, and has worked in some of the most prestigious kitchens in the country. She is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, and is an accomplished chef with a passion for creating delicious, innovative dishes.

When she’s not in the kitchen, Dana enjoys spending time with her husband and two young children. She also loves animals, and has two dogs and a cat that she adores.