Instructions for preparing eggplant before you cook it.
Do you know how to prep your eggplant before you cook it?
There are two main reasons why you’ll want to prep your eggplant before you cook it:
- Larger eggplants can be bitter. By prepping the eggplant, you remove part of the water, which will make it less bitter.
- When you drain out some of the extra water, the eggplant will absorb less oil when you cook it.
Less oil is important when you are making something like Slow Cooker Eggplant Parm.
If you are someone who thinks you don’t like eggplant, give this extra step a try.
You do need to plan ahead because this step will add about 45 minutes to your cook time.
However, most of that time the eggplant is draining, so you can move on to the rest of your food prep.
Preparing Eggplant:
- Slice off the stem end.
- Peel and cut your eggplant per your recipe’s directions.
- Place the eggplant in a colander.
- Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon salt.
- Set colander over a plate and allow to drain 20 to 30 minutes.
- Rinse eggplant under cool water.
- Dry eggplant completely.
- Your eggplant is now ready for your recipe!
This extra step may seem unnecessary, but if your eggplant is past peak ripeness, it is the best way to get the most delicious taste out of your eggplant.
For those of you who learn better by watching, I’ve made a video on How to Easily Prepare Eggplant
Once you’ve prepped your eggplant, I’ve got some great grilled eggplant suggestions!
Jan Dodd
Thank you. I didn’t know how to prep the eggplant.
Your video is great. I truly appreciate the help.
Many thanks again, Jan Dodd
Barbara
Thanks. Now i know how prepare the eggplant. 🙂
Delia
Thank you. I remember reading about prepping the Eggplant with salt but couldn’t remember the steps. Thanks for your video. One question. Do you need to cut the skin of the eggplant?
Andrea Green
Hi Delia, You do not need to cut the skin when you prep your eggplant before cooking. Hope that helps! Andrea
Ginnie Terrell
If you grow your own eggplant, you don’t need to peel it. The skin is thin and tender. This makes it even easier.
Andrea Green
Great tip! Thank You!
Sylvia Dedeaux
Thank you very much can you tell me how I can smother egg plant
Terry Roden
Leave your sliced or diced eggplant in lemon water overnight. That is how you really prepare eggplant.
Andrea Green
I have never heard of this. Thank you for sharing!
pat
Can you frie your egg plant 1st then bake it with your tomatoes sauce and cheese