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You can grill aubergine on a BBQ, and it’s one of the easiest and most delicious ways to enjoy this versatile vegetable.
Grilling aubergine on a BBQ brings out its natural smoky flavor and gives it a tender, creamy texture that works beautifully in burgers, salads, dips, and side dishes.
If you’ve ever wondered how to grill aubergine on a BBQ without it turning mushy or bitter, the good news is that it’s simpler than you might think.
In this post, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about how to grill aubergine on a BBQ, from choosing the right aubergine to serving it perfectly.
Let’s fire up the grill and get started.
How to Grill Aubergine on a BBQ Perfectly Every Time
Grilling aubergine on a BBQ is all about preparation, heat control, and a little patience.
Here’s how to get it right so your grilled aubergine comes out smoky, soft, and full of flavor.
1. Choose Firm, Fresh Aubergines
The first step in how to grill aubergine on a BBQ is picking the right aubergine.
Look for ones that feel heavy for their size with shiny, taut skin and no soft spots.
Smaller or medium aubergines tend to be sweeter and less bitter than oversized ones.
If you can, choose male aubergines, which have fewer seeds and a creamier flesh when grilled on the BBQ.
2. Slice and Salt the Aubergine
How you cut your aubergine matters when you’re grilling it on a BBQ.
Slice it into rounds about half an inch thick or lengthwise into planks for a meatier bite.
Once sliced, sprinkle salt on both sides and let the aubergine sit for about 20 to 30 minutes.
This draws out excess moisture and reduces bitterness, which helps the aubergine grill on a BBQ without turning soggy.
Pat the slices dry with a paper towel before grilling.
3. Brush with Oil and Season
Aubergine soaks up oil like a sponge, so brushing is better than drizzling when you grill aubergine on a BBQ.
Use a good quality olive oil and coat both sides of each slice generously.
Season with salt, pepper, and any herbs or spices you like, such as smoked paprika, garlic powder, or dried oregano.
This step is what gives grilled aubergine on a BBQ its rich, savory taste.
4. Preheat Your BBQ to Medium-High Heat
Temperature control is key when you grill aubergine on a BBQ.
Preheat your grill to medium-high, around 400°F to 450°F, and clean the grates well.
A clean, hot grill prevents the aubergine from sticking and gives it those beautiful grill marks.
Lightly oil the grates too, just to be safe when you grill aubergine on a BBQ.
5. Grill for 4 to 5 Minutes Per Side
Place the aubergine slices directly on the grill and close the lid.
Grill aubergine on a BBQ for about 4 to 5 minutes per side, flipping once with tongs.
You’ll know it’s ready when the flesh is tender, the edges are charred, and the slices have nice grill marks.
Avoid flipping too often, as this can break down the aubergine on the BBQ and make it mushy.
6. Add a Finishing Glaze or Sauce
Once your aubergine is nearly done grilling on a BBQ, you can brush on a glaze for extra flavor.
Try a mix of balsamic vinegar, honey, and soy sauce, or a simple blend of lemon juice and tahini.
Let the glaze caramelize for a minute on each side as you finish grilling the aubergine on a BBQ.
This step takes your grilled aubergine from good to absolutely delicious.
7. Let It Rest Before Serving
When you grill aubergine on a BBQ, letting it rest for a few minutes before serving makes a big difference.
The juices redistribute, and the texture becomes even more tender and creamy.
Serve your grilled aubergine on a BBQ as a side dish, in a wrap, on a pizza, or blended into baba ganoush.
Tips for Grilling Aubergine on a BBQ Without Mistakes
Even though grilling aubergine on a BBQ is simple, a few common mistakes can ruin the results.
Here are some quick tips to keep in mind when you grill aubergine on a BBQ.
1. Don’t Skip the Salt
Skipping the salting step is one of the biggest reasons aubergine turns out bitter or soggy on the BBQ.
Take the extra 20 minutes to salt your aubergine before grilling it on a BBQ.
Your taste buds will thank you.
2. Avoid Overcrowding the Grill
When you grill aubergine on a BBQ, give each slice its own space.
Overcrowding steams the aubergine instead of grilling it, which leads to a soft, mushy texture.
Work in batches if you need to when you grill aubergine on a BBQ.
3. Use the Right Oil
Not all oils are created equal when you grill aubergine on a BBQ.
Choose an oil with a high smoke point, like avocado oil or light olive oil, so it doesn’t burn on the grill.
This keeps your grilled aubergine on a BBQ tasting clean and smoky, not bitter.
4. Watch for Doneness, Not Just Time
Every BBQ is different, so when you grill aubergine on a BBQ, rely on visual cues too.
Look for tender flesh, charred edges, and a slightly collapsed shape.
That’s how you know your aubergine is perfectly grilled on a BBQ.
So, How to Grill Aubergine on a BBQ?
To grill aubergine on a BBQ, start by choosing firm aubergines, slicing and salting them, brushing with oil, and grilling over medium-high heat for about 4 to 5 minutes per side.
With the right preparation and a little attention at the grill, you can master how to grill aubergine on a BBQ and enjoy it in countless dishes.
Whether you’re making a smoky dip, a hearty veggie burger, or a simple side, grilled aubergine on a BBQ never disappoints.
So fire up the grill, grab your aubergines, and give this method a try.
Once you learn how to grill aubergine on a BBQ, it’ll become a regular in your summer cooking rotation.