Sauteed Eggplant
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This healthy, low-carb side dish is delicious and full of flavor! Try this Sautéed Eggplant for an easy vegetable dish that’s packed with nutrients.
Sautéed Eggplant Recipe
This has become a go-to side dish in our house because it is so easy to cook up and we can add different seasonings to make it kid-friendly. Some of our favorites have been grill seasoning, bbq seasoning, garlic salt, and even cinnamon. You really can make this recipe your own.
And it’s low-carb and keto-friendly! Add some cooked ground beef or chicken thighs and you’ve got a one pan meal that’s low in carbs and bursting with flavor. So many ways to use this delicious, sautéed eggplant recipe.
On the hunt for more low carb side dishes? Check out some of our favorites: Air Fryer Frozen Artichoke Hearts, Air Fryer Frozen Asparagus, and Instant Pot Frozen Brussels Sprouts. All of these can be customized with seasonings and (keto) sauces to your liking.
How To Make Sautéed Eggplant
Start by prepping your eggplant. Wash it and chop off the stem. Next slice eggplant in half and begin chopping into cubes.
Heat a nonstick pan to high heat. Add the eggplant and olive oil. Once the pan starts sizzling, mix up the eggplant. Add more olive oil, if needed.
Reduce heat to medium high. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring every minute.
If eggplant is starting to burn before it is done cooking, reduce heat once again to medium. Cook for another 2 minutes until tender and cooking through.
Add your seasonings. This recipe calls for soy sauce, garlic powder, and red pepper. Mix the eggplant with the seasonings and cook for one more minute.
Next remove eggplant from skillet with a spatula and add to a serving bowl or plate.
Cooking Tips
- The recipe keeps the eggplant peel on, but you are welcome to remove it if that’s your preference
- Cooking with oil is totally optional, but it does add flavor
- For best results, wait to season the eggplant until the end of cooking time
Do You Need to Salt Eggplant Before Sautéing?
No. If you want to maintain an “al-dente” texture, such as when making a side dish, you do not need to salt the eggplant before cooking. If you want a creamier texture for adding the cooked the eggplant to a main dish, then you can salt it before sautéing.
Do You Peel an Eggplant Before Sautéing?
No, you do not need to peel an eggplant before cooking. The outside is edible, and therefore it is just a matter of personal preference as to whether or not to peel it off.
What To Serve With Pan Fried Eggplant
This healthy side dish would make a complete meal with one of these hearty main courses: Instant Pot Frozen Tilapia, Instant Pot Bone-In Chicken Thighs, or Air Fryer Filet Mignon Steak.
Or if you’re looking for more sautéed vegetable to make a bigger dish, try out Sautéed Green Beans, Sautéed Broccoli Recipe, and Spicy Garlic Sautéed Spinach Recipe.
More Vegetable Sides To Try
- How To Bake Spaghetti Whole Squash
- Roasted Zucchini In The Air Fryer
- Steamed Spinach In The Instant Pot
More Eggplant Recipes
- Spicy Garlic Eggplant
- Eggplant Parmesan In The Air Fryer
- How To Cook Eggplant In The Instant Pot
- Air Fried Eggplant
- Best Ever Eggplant Dip
- Roasted Eggplant Cubes
- Eggplant Caviar
- Keto Eggplant Parmesan
Sautéed Eggplant
Recipe Video
Instructions
- Wash the eggplant and chop off the stem. Next slice eggplant in half and begin chopping into cubes.
- Heat a nonstick pan to high heat. Add the eggplant and olive oil.
- Once the pan starts sizzling, mix up the eggplant. Add more olive oil, if needed.
- Reduce heat to medium high. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring every minute.
- If eggplant is starting to burn before it is done cooking, reduce heat once again to medium. Cook for another 2 minutes until tender and cooking through.
- Add your seasonings. This recipe calls for soy sauce, garlic powder, and red pepper. Mix the eggplant with the seasonings and cook for one more minute.
- Next remove eggplant from skillet with a spatula and add to a serving bowl or plate.
Notes
- The recipe keeps the eggplant peel on, but you are welcome to remove it if that's your preference
- Cooking with oil is totally optional, but it does add flavor
- For best results, wait to season the eggplant until the end of cooking time
Nutrition
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