Do you have one of those vegetables that youâre not very excited about, but once you start eating it, youâre like, YES! I should definitely eat more of this! Eggplant is mine. And, maybe the low frequency of cooking it has something to do with the fact that I had so many questions about how to cook it and not enough answers. I never knew if I should soak it, peel it, salt it, or what! Well, over the years, Iâve gained some experience cooking eggplant, and now I donât even think twice about grabbing one at the store. Iâve gotten so good at cooking eggplant that even my kids eat it! Now THATâS saying something! In this post, weâll focus on one of the most common questions when cooking eggplant: Do you need to salt eggplant before roasting?
Roasting is the best method for cooking eggplant
Before we get to the salting part, we should mention the best way to cook eggplant. Yes, roasting is my preferred cooking method for eggplant.
For one thing, itâs easy, and thatâs what weâre all about here at Kitchen Easy Life after all!
Second, it tastes great with a caramelized char on both sides of its flesh. Slow roasting, at a high temperature, of course, really brings out the flavor of the eggplant and reduces any bitter taste it might have. So do you need to salt eggplant before roasting? Continue to discover the secrets of preparing and cooking the best eggplant.
Many people report that their eggplant is bitter after they cook it, but thatâs probably because they either arenât cooking it enough or arenât seasoning it enough.
Okay, back to the roasting. Another reason that roasting is my go-to method for cooking eggplant is that it produces a tender on the inside, and slightly crunchy on the outside texture.
SautĂ©ing in a pan is probably the worst way to cook eggplant. It cooks way to fast, doesnât caramelize, doesnât have time to develop its great flavor, and turns mushy. Plus, it can soak up way too much oil and water, making it more fatty and more soggy. Not a good combination, if you ask me!
Grilling eggplant, on the other hand, is my second preferred cooking method. I love the way veggies get that smoky char flavor and those classic grill marks. My favorite veggies to grill are eggplant, zucchini, mushrooms, and corn. But, when grilling eggplant, you will need to salt the eggplant first. Hereâs why.
To salt or not to salt?
So, do you salt eggplant before cooking? Yes and No. It depends on your cooking method. If youâre grilling eggplant, youâll want to salt the eggplant first and let it sit on some paper towels for up to 30 minutes. Why?
This helps them release some of their water so it can drip down the grating of your grill. Remember, cooking on the grill is a lot faster than roasting, and youâll need that water inside the eggplant gone in a hurry if you want a good texture.
In the same way that you pat down your meat before you oil it up and grill it, eggplant must be âpatted dry,â so to speak, but patting it without salting it wonât do a thing to get the water out thatâs trapped inside. So, if youâre grilling eggplant, be sure to salt it and let it rest first. The water doesnât just come rushing out. It can take anywhere from 10-30 minutes to release its water.
beyond salting
And, speaking of salting, do you rinse that salt off before grilling? No, as long as you pat dry youâre eggplant and oil it up before grilling, there is no need to rinse it. Actually, it wouldnât do you any good anyway because the salt already mixed with the water in the eggplant so you canât rinse anything off anyway. Just remember, donât salt them again! Just add pepper and other seasonings, but no more salt!
Now, for roasting eggplant, I donât salt first. Roasting is a lot slower so the water has time to come out of the eggplant. You will want to coat both sides of the eggplant generously with olive oil. Then, youâll want to salt and pepper both sides. The salt and the oil will combine during the roasting process to create a great crust.
Be sure to always roast them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper so you donât lose any of that caramelization. Youâll also need to flip them over so the other side can caramelize, too. Roasting eggplant is usually done at 400 degrees for about 35-40 minutes, depending on your oven.
Next time someone asks you âdo you need to salt eggplant before roasting,â you can now confidently answer them! But salting is not the whole story, check out the frequently asked questions below!
FAQs
1. How Do You Prepare Eggplant Before Cooking?
- Rinse & Dry: Start by thoroughly rinsing the eggplant under cool water. Pat dry with a towel.
- Trim Ends: Slice off the stem and base with a sharp knife.
- Peel (Optional): For a softer texture, peel the skin. Otherwise, keep it for added nutrients.
- Slice or Cube: Cut into even slices or cubes, depending on your recipe.
- Salt: Lightly salt the pieces and let them rest for about 30 minutes.
2. How Do You Roast Eggplant so Itâs Not Bitter?
- Salt It: Sprinkle salt on the eggplant slices or cubes and let them sit for 30 minutes. This draws out bitter juices.
- Dry: Pat dry to remove excess moisture.
- Season Well: Use a generous amount of olive oil, herbs, and spices for flavor.
- Right Temperature: Roast at a high temperature (around 400°F or 200°C) for a caramelized, less bitter taste.
3. What is the Secret to Cooking Eggplant?
- Not Overcooking: Eggplant becomes mushy if overcooked. Keep an eye on the cooking time.
- Pre-cooking Treatment: Salting or soaking in milk can reduce bitterness.
- Sufficient Oil: Eggplants are like sponges. Ensure you use enough oil to prevent dry, tough textures.
- High Heat Cooking: Cooking at high heat quickly gives a better texture and flavor.
4. What Happens if You Donât Salt Eggplant Before Cooking?
- Potential Bitterness: Younger eggplants are generally less bitter, but older or larger ones might retain a bitter taste.
- Texture Difference: Skipping salting can lead to a slightly different texture, often a bit more spongy and less creamy.
- Faster Prep Time: Youâll save about 30 minutes of prep time by not salting.
5. Should I Soak Eggplant Before Roasting?
- Soaking in Milk: Soaking eggplant slices in milk for about an hour can reduce bitterness. Milk draws out the bitter flavor and tenderizes the flesh.
- Rinsing After Soaking: Remember to rinse and pat dry after soaking.
- Alternative to Salting: This can be an alternative to salting, especially if youâre short on time.
To spice your eggplant up a bit, use the flavor combinations in the chart below:
Seasoning Type | Ingredients | Flavor Profile | Best Paired With |
---|---|---|---|
Classic | Olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper | Simple and savory | Any dish |
Mediterranean | Olive oil, oregano, thyme, lemon zest | Bright and herby | Pastas, salads |
Spicy | Olive oil, chili flakes, paprika, cumin | Warm and spicy | Grains, meats |
Asian-Inspired | Sesame oil, soy sauce, ginger, garlic | Rich and umami | Stir-fries, rice |
Sweet & Savory | Olive oil, honey, balsamic vinegar, rosemary | Sweet and tangy | Desserts, cheese boards |
I hope you love the roasted eggplant from the recipe below! Enjoy it as is or follow our instructions in the notes section to transform it into a healthy, low-calorie version of eggplant parmesan! If youâre looking for some delicious main courses, why not try our Longhorn Steakhouse Spicy Chicken Bites or our Beef Stew!
Easy Roasted Eggplant Recipe
Course: DinnerDifficulty: Easy4
servings5
minutes40
minutesRich, warm flavors and a caramelized crust makes this easy roasted eggplant a hit at any dinner table.
Ingredients
1 eggplant, sliced in 1/2 inch thick circles
Olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice eggplant and place on parchment. Oil both sides generously and season both sides.
- Roast at 400 degrees for 30-40 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra flavor, turn your roasted eggplant into a healthy eggplant parmesan. Top it with marinara sauce and sprinkle a blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top. Broil for 1-2 minutes or until cheese is golden and bubbly.
Craving more delicious recipes? Try these: Longhorn Steakhouse Copycat Brocolli