You can do so much with a simple eggplant than you can imagine. With these easy vegan eggplant recipes, you'll be able to accomplish many delicious dishes quickly.
I get it; not everyone likes eggplant; I used to hate it so much. Because of the weird texture, that somehow makes it impossible to cook perfectly. But you know, eventually, I tried to go out of my comfort zone and learn more about eggplants then I realized they could be so versatile.
And now, I'm obsessed with eggplant and couldn't resist the urge to make one or order one whenever I'm eating out.
Especially this Japanese miso eggplant recipe is my go-to recipe for almost any occasion. It's super quick to make and yet so delicious.
All of these recipes are personally selected by me due to their lips-smacking magnet and because they work!
These easy plant-based eggplant recipes range from those made with modern appliances (such as air-fryer or instant pot) to those made straight on stovetops.
Interesting facts about eggplant
- Did you know that eggplant is not a vegetable but a fruit? Eggplant is botanically considered a berry (like strawberry or blueberry). Want to try a random but delicious berry-related recipe? See this simply the easiest blueberry crumble bars recipe for inspiration.
- Eggplant and tomato are related. They both belong to a nightshade family.
- Eggplant has an antioxidant called anthocyanin, which gives it a purple color and can help to reduce the risk of developing cancer and diabetes.
- China produces more than 60% of the world's eggplants. India comes in second.
1. 30-Minute Japanese miso eggplant
Total cooking time: 30 minutes
Refresh, sweet, addicted, vegan, and gluten-free are all that this amazing restaurant-style Japanese miso eggplant can say. The eggplant is nicely caramelized and has such creamy, velvety texture that will melt in your mouth. Make this recipe and impress your family.
2. Vegan grilled eggplant in oven
Total cooking time: 45 minutes
This vegan oven-grilled eggplant is easy to make and super delicious. A super simple and easy vegan eggplant recipe that guarantees maximum satisfaction paired with one-of-a-kind scallion garlic soy dipping sauce.
3. Crispy air-fryer eggplant
Total cooking time: 38 minutes
This seasoned eggplant in the fryer comes out crispy and delicious. It’s an easy side dish everyone will love and goes with almost any main course.
4. Vegan eggplant parmigiana (air-fryer)
Total cooking time: 39 minutes
Another eggplant cooked in a fryer recipe. This Vegan Eggplant Parmigiana is healthier and less messy than those using deep frying method!
It's packed with flavor, crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. Enjoy it alone or topped with spaghetti sauce and melted vegan mozzarella. You can also make it deliciously gluten-free with a couple of substitutions!
5. Eggplant and potato curry
Total cooking time: 20 minutes
This homely and wholesome vegan eggplant and potato curry is cooked in tomato and garlic gravy. We love making this in our pressure cooker or Instant Pot for a quick yet delicious mid-week meal.
6. Chinese eggplant with garlic sauce
Total cooking time: 30 minutes
Flavorful Chinese Eggplant dish with a kick! This Spicy Chinese Eggplant in Garlic Sauce Stir Fry is not only delicious but also easy to make!
7. Vietnamese style eggplant
Total cooking time: 25 minutes
Gorgeously smoky & silky eggplant with a zingy, moreish vegan Vietnamese-inspired sauce. This recipe is a must-try in this easy vegan eggplant recipe list.
The eggplant is grilled until the outer is burnt, and the flesh is scooped out to serve with a special sauce. This method gives the eggplant a lovely and unique smokey flavor that you will definitely love.
8. Smokey grilled eggplant steaks
Total cooking time: 25 minutes
You are all going to LOVE this recipe! This smoky eggplant recipe turns a simple eggplant into a smoky grilled vegetable that’s hearty and satisfying. Top these eggplant steaks with your favorite sauce and serve them as a side dish or even a main dish.
9. Moroccan eggplant with chermoula
Total cooking time: 35 minutes
If you ever thought eggplant was bland, you need to try this Moroccan-style recipe with chermoula. The punchy sauce, made of cumin, lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs, transforms cooked eggplant into a flavor-packed side or mezze dish.
10. Vegan eggplant sandwich
Total cooking time: 30 minutes
This vegan eggplant sandwich is so delicious that you’ll keep making it over and over again. Layers of fresh vegetables, smokey eggplant "bacons" are packed in panini bread, then toasted till perfection!
The sandwich is ideal for lunchboxes, picnics, and lunches on the go!
11. Spicy grilled eggplant
Total cooking time: 1 hour 10 minutes
This Spicy grilled eggplant is a perfect when you have eggplant in the garden, but this is so delicious it's worth buying eggplant to make it. It is made with red pepper sauce, garnished with parsley and fresh mint. Sounds good, doesn't it?
This easy vegan eggplant recipe is a good side dish for anything-grilling, such as this oven-roasted whole chicken or this oven BBQ pork ribs.
12. Eggplant in tomato sauce
Total cooking time: 30 minutes
This eggplant in tomato sauce is hearty and flavorful, with a delicious texture. This recipe is too good to miss, made with sauteed eggplant, sweet cherry tomatoes, and fresh garlic and herbs.
13. Thai eggplant curry
Total cooking time: 30 minutes
This curry is made of baby Thai eggplant with a bit of spiciness from the jalapeno and aromatics from ginger and garlic. The recipe is also naturally vegan and, better yet, gluten-free.
You will be amazed at how the Thai eggplant soaks up all of the delicious flavors of the sauce, just like a sponge.
14. Creamy vegan korma
Total cooking time: 30 minutes
Korma is a dish that originates in India. It’s made by braising meat or vegetables in yoghurt or cream and spices to create a thick sauce.
This dairy-free korma substitutes the yoghurt for a coconut-based, which makes it not only tasty but also a vegan-friendly dish! This recipe is completely fuss free, it's perfect for those of you who don’t like to wait too long for your dinner!
15. Cozy eggplant stew
Total cooking time: 1 hour 5 minutes
This hearty eggplant stew is made with a spiced tomato base, chickpeas and spinach. Packed with flavor and perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Here is some other food collection that can inspire you one way or another:
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