A roundup of easy Vegan Eggplant Recipes (or aubergine), that are plant-based and gluten-free, so you can enjoy them without guilt! A perfect summer dish, like stuffed eggplant or curry is always a good choice if you want something flavorful, nutritious and slimming during those hot evenings.
For more tasty vegan Summer recipes, see our vegan zucchini recipes, vegan pasta salad recipes and vegan side dishes roundups for inspiration. For recipes that you can make for Summer parties check out our vegan BBQ and vegan 4th of July recipes roundups.
Vegan Eggplant Recipes
1. Vegan Bean Eggplant Casserole
Do you need a super-quick, super-easy dinner recipe for you and your family? Look no further than this delicious eggplant casserole. Just add canned beans, diced tomatoes, and spices to your prepared eggplant. Smoked paprika and chili powder give this dish oodles of flavor!
2. Thai Basil Eggplant
This vegetable stir fry is packed with flavor. Loads of bell peppers and basil leaves complement the eggplant, but the real star of the show is the sauce. It features the rich Asian flavors of hoisin, soy, and chili sauces.
3. Vegan Eggplant Rollatini Stuffed with Couscous
Are you having trouble deciding between an Italian dish or Middle Eastern cuisine? Try this recipe that fuses the two into a delectable meal! Marinara sauce covers the eggplant wraps, which are filled with couscous and yummy toasted pine nuts.
4. Miso Glazed Eggplant Kebabs with Kale Seaweed Salad
Indulge in intense umami flavor with this take on a classic Japanese side dish. Cooking the eggplant in small pieces on a skewer allows the thick miso glaze to fully cover every bite, and the salad provides tons of nutrients without overpowering your taste buds with seaweed flavor.
5. Vegan Eggplant Shakshuka
This shakshuka recipe will be an excellent introduction for anyone not familiar with the cuisine of North Africa. A tofu scramble with tons of flavor sits on top of a thick tomato sauce packed with vegetables. Best of all, you can easily adjust this recipe to accommodate whatever vegetables you have on hand.
7. Stuffed Miso Eggplant
Chopped walnuts give a meaty texture to the stuffing of these enticing eggplant boats. The mild flavor of the raw walnuts allows the Japanese seasonings to take center stage. Piling a fresh salad on top adds a wonderful pop of brightness to both the taste and the look!
8. Vegan Eggplant Curry with Chickpeas and Tofu
If your family is like mine, you can never have too many curry recipes! The combination of bountiful flavors in this recipe will even turn the heads of those non-eggplant lovers in your life. With a cook time of a little over half an hour, this makes for a perfect weeknight meal!
9. Roasted Eggplant Mushroom Salad
The earthiness of mushrooms and toasted pine nuts combines with the savoriness of fresh thyme leaves and olive oil. This is all topped with a sweet drizzle of pure date syrup, making for an unforgettable starter salad or side dish. Even better, this recipe takes very little time to put together.
10. Vegan Moroccan Salad Bowl with Eggplant
Eggplant and zucchini keep company with a plethora of fresh, bright flavors in this wonderful salad. Cucumber, ripe olives, and cherry tomatoes integrate perfectly with chopped mint leaves, preserved lemon slices, and traditional Moroccan spices. Couscous and chickpeas round out the dish, leaving you satisfied.
11. Spinach Salad with Smoky Grilled Eggplant
You have probably never eaten a spinach salad that tasted as much like summer as this recipe does! The smoky goodness of grilled eggplant and smoked paprika join heaps of fresh herbs in this exquisite dish. Adding an easy home-made lemony dressing keeps the calories of this warm-weather treat low.
12. Low Carb Vegan Eggplant Bites
These gluten-free and low-calorie eggplant slices are coated in a delicious almond flour breading. Top them with a creamy almond sauce and whatever vegetables you choose. The fantastic combination of textures and flavors will put a smile on your face.
13. Garlicky Eggplant and Potatoes in Tomato Sauce
This potato and eggplant meal is proof of the idea that you can never use too much garlic! Curry powder and tomatoes round out the flavors that will make you come back to this easy weeknight dish again and again.
15. Vegan Eggplant Black Bean Potato Rollatini
If you are looking for an incredibly healthy and filling recipe to make for your family or guests, your search is over. These Italian-inspired roll-ups are mouth-wateringly delicious. They are not too difficult to make, and even look good on the plate.
16. Baked Eggplant with Garlicky, Spicy Lentils
Don’t let your baked eggplant be boring and lacking in flavor! Try this rich, flavorful recipe and add some fresh herbs to give your meal extra pizzaz! Prep time is very short, giving you plenty of time for other activities while your delicious food is baking.
17. Vegan Eggplant Spinach Quinoa Bowl
This one-bowl meal is super easy, super tasty, and super healthy! Instead of eating this meal right after making it, you can prepare it ahead of time and refrigerate it. Then you can have a delicious, feel-good lunch waiting for you in the fridge.
18. Baked Eggplant with Warm Quinoa Tabbouleh
When it is warm outside I crave something light and healthy to eat. This baked eggplant recipe fits the bill perfectly! Wild garlic pesto gives the eggplant extra flavor, and a quinoa tabbouleh salad brimming with cherry tomatoes, herbs, and spices completes the meal.
19. Roasted Vegan Eggplant Coconut Curry
One of the best parts about having eggplant in your curry is the way this spongy vegetable hungrily soaks up all the wonderful flavors of the dish. This particular recipe uses heaps of ground spices in creamy coconut milk to achieve that perfect curry essence.
20. Spicy Quinoa Stuffed Aubergine
If you are like me, you are always on the lookout for meals that taste just as good leftover as they do right out of the oven. This fantastic dish is wonderful the next day, either reheated or cold. Many of the components can be prepared ahead of time, making preparation even easier.
21. Vegan Eggplant Sushi
Are you tired of getting the same old vegan sushi rolls over and over again? Give this inventive recipe with its slightly charred, marinated eggplant filling a try instead. Like all sushi rolls, these take a bit of work, but the results are oh-so-worth-it!
22. Eggplant Teriyaki Stir-Fry with Tofu
Stir fry dishes live or die by their sauces. A salty, sweet teriyaki sauce made with balsamic vinegar is the perfect way to enliven an eggplant and tofu stir fry. Trust me, your family will beg you to make this meal again!
23. Sweet Potato Pizza with Roasted Eggplants
A crispy, tasty sweet potato pizza crust is an enticing vehicle for your perfectly roasted and seasoned eggplant slices. Some slightly charred red peppers and a flavorful pesto create a delectably healthy evening meal to eat by yourself or to share.
24. Mediterranean Eggplant Boats
Perfect for utilizing in-season vegetables, these eggplant boats are easy to customize. A zesty tahini dressing brings out the eggplant’s natural nuttiness while enhancing the depth of the dish.
25. Miso Glazed Japanese Eggplant
Quick, easy, but incredibly flavorful, this miso-glazed Japanese eggplant can be used as a main course or a side dish. It also looks super fancy on the plate.
26. Eggplant Puttanesca
For something summery but still hearty, puttanesca is the way to go. This eggplant version uses olives, capers, and red pepper flakes for a sauce that’s salty, vibrant, and slightly spicy.
27. Air-fryer Eggplant
Warm, crispy eggplant is surprisingly easy to make, and you can use it in almost any dish. It works perfectly with pasta and sauce, as a side, or as a main dish by itself.
28. Eggplant Sandwich
You might not immediately think of using eggplant in a sandwich, but it’s a satisfying and scrumptious addition. A sweet, smoky marinade adds another dimension to the eggplant’s flavor.
29. Aubergine Meatballs
Made with eggplant, breadcrumbs, olives, and a range of spices, these vegan meatballs deliver a punch of umami flavor. You can use them with a traditional marinara sauce and serve them over pasta or pop them into a sandwich or a salad.
30. Eggplant Lasagna
Who says you need pasta sheets for lasagna? Using thin slices of eggplant means a dish that’s more flavorful, more satisfying, and, best of all, much healthier.
31. Garlic Eggplant Stir-Fry
Made with a zesty ginger garlic sauce, this eggplant stir fry is versatile, quick, and makes an excellent warm-weather dish.
32. Baba Ganoush without Tahini
To many people, making baba ganoush seems a little complicated. It’s actually simple, though, and this vegan version tastes smoky, fresh, and a little bit tart. You can serve it with chips, crackers, veggies, or pita.
33. Harissa Aubergine Traybake
There’s pretty much nothing easier than a traybake, and this aubergine version is quick and easy but looks beautiful when it comes out of the oven. Best of all, it tastes just as good as it appears.
34. Vegan Eggplant Sausage Rolls
Because it’s so meaty and satisfying, eggplant is the perfect meat substitute, and you can definitely see that with these vegan eggplant sausage rolls. They’re flaky, buttery, and packed with flavor, and they work well as a snack, a meal, or for a picnic.
35. Persian Eggplant Stew
For a rich, creamy stew with incredible flavor, reach for an eggplant! This Persian stew is spiced with cumin, mint, turmeric, paprika, and cinnamon for a flavor that is truly amazing.
36. Chinese Vegetable Curry
Curry doesn’t have to be complicated, and this eggplant version is as easy as can be. You can customize the curry by swapping in your favorite veggies or using whatever is in season.
37. Vegan Unagi from Eggplant
Unagi, or eel, is a delicious sweet and savory Japanese dish. This vegan recipe uses eggplant instead, and it tastes even better than the original.
38. Turkish Stuffed Eggplant
Eggplants are perfect for stuffing, and this Turkish recipe is warm, decadent, and tastes of fresh spices and veggies.
39. Roasted Thai Eggplant
For a burst of summer flavor, this roasted Thai eggplant recipe is a winner. A sweet and salty marinade brings out the natural flavors of the veggies, and mint adds a surprising kick.
40. Vegan Milkfish Steak
Meaty yet light, eggplant is an ideal substitute for fish. This bangus steak dish tastes scrumptious and looks amazing when plated.
Eggplant FAQ
What is the healthiest way to cook eggplant?
Roasting is often considered the best, healthiest method for cooking eggplant because it helps create a fantastic flavor and doesn’t require too much oil. However, pan searing and air frying are also great options.
What can I use instead of egg for eggplant breading?
Instead of using eggs for breading eggplant, try water or a plant-based milk, such as almond milk. Water works best with lightweight dredges, such as chickpea flour, while plant-based milks work well with heavier breadcrumb dredges.
Why do you soak eggplant in water/milk before cooking?
Eggplant has a sponge-like structure, so when you soak eggplant before cooking, it helps give the eggplant a softer, creamier texture. Soaking also reduces the natural bitterness eggplant can sometimes have.
Is it better to peel eggplant before cooking?
With younger, smaller eggplants, you can often leave the peel on, but if you’re using larger eggplants, it’s best to peel them. Although you can still eat the peel, it’s usually bitter and a bit tough on larger eggplants. If you’re not sure where your eggplant falls, go ahead and peel it before cooking.
What are your favorite Vegan Eggplant Recipes?
Leave a comment below!
Ingredients
Roasted Eggplant Dip Recipe
- 2 big eggplant
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 white onion (finely chopped)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1/2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp mayonnaise
- 1/2 tsp mustard
- salt (to taste)
- ground black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 320°F.
- Start by cutting two large or three medium-sized eggplants in half. Drizzle them with olive oil (only use a little amount; eggplants have a spongy texture that can absorb a lot of liquid.)
- Using a fork, poke a few holes throughout the eggplant halves.
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper (to taste).
- Line a baking tray with baking paper and roast the eggplants until they're soft and browned (for about 40 minutes).
- In the meantime, sautee a medium-sized onion (steam it until glassy or caramelize it a little). Set aside.
- Remove the eggplants from the oven and let them cool for about 15 minutes. Using a spoon, scoop out the flesh into a bowl and mash with a fork.
- In a separate bowl, mix the chopped onion, mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, pepper and extra olive oil.
- Add this to the eggplant mash and mix well. You can use a fork here too to reach your desired consistency or just use a blender.
- Enjoy with a slice of fresh bread.
yum yum! thank you
For someone who always has difficulty deciding what to make from eggplants, this is a super helpful article! Already got lots of inspiration for future meals.