- SAVE TO FAVOURITES GO TO COLLECTIONS
- COMMENT
- JUMP TO RECIPE
Most vegans out there have known the disappointment of a roasted eggplant dish as the only vegan option in an otherwise fancy restaurant, but this list of vegan eggplant recipes (or vegan aubergine recipes) is here to prove that there are more eggplant dishes out there.
Download our free app Easy Vegetarian !
(4.7★, 100K+ Downloads in Google Play)
🥗 300+ High-Protein Recipes 📅 Grocery Lists & Meal Plans 🚫Totally Ad-free
Jump to
- Mains
- Sides and Salads
- Snacks and Appetizers
- Eggplant or Aubergine?
- How to cook eggplant
- Vegan Eggplant Recipes FAQ
In fact, eggplant is often used as a meat replacement BECAUSE it’s so versatile and can be used in many delicious recipes. The issue is that when it’s not cooked well, it can be too soft, too bland or too bitter.
To solve that, we’ve put together this list of vegan eggplant recipes. And rest assured, all of these recipes are tasty and exciting.
There’s everything from stuffed eggplant, to eggplant pasta, to eggplant meatballs in here!
All the delicious vegan eggplant recipes (or vegan aubergine recipes) you could hope for
If you’re looking for more vegan recipes check out our free 7-day vegan meal plan .
Mains
1. Amazing Aubergine (Eggplant) Curry
Bonus: quick, nutritious and very delicious, can be stored for a while in the fridge
This amazing aubergine curry (or eggplant curry) is quick, vegan and soooo tasty. Brought to you by the kings of curry. We’re keeping the calories at just below 500kcal per serving with low-fat coconut milk!
2. Spaghetti with Arrabbiata Sauce
Recipe by: HurryTheFoodUp Bonus: a simple, tasty, and spicy dinner
This easy pasta arrabiata can be made just as spicy as you like it – you’re in control with our step by step guide. Sugo all’arrabbiata here we come!
3. Vegan Moussaka
Protein: 25g Calories: 448kcal Ready in: 1 hour Recipe by: MyPurePlants Bonus: creamy, hearty, yet healthy dish
What do you need to make the BEST ever Vegan Moussaka? I would say layers of roasted eggplant slices, a hearty tomato-based mince ragú sauce, and a creamy white bechamel baked together.
4. Vegan Sticky Aubergine
Ready in: 1 hour 5 minutes (just 5 minutes prep) Recipe by: FitFoodieNutter Bonus: will beat any takeaway
Whether you’re looking for a family friendly meat-free weeknight dinner or a winning recipe for a dinner party with friends, this super easy yet utterly delicious Asian-inspired sticky aubergine will tick all the boxes. Vegan and can be made gluten-free.
5. Roasted Eggplant Pasta
Protein: 16.4g Calories: 491kcal Ready in: 35 minutes Recipe by: aSimplePalate Bonus: meaty, delicious and super healthy
6 ingredient roasted eggplant pasta in a rich tomato sauce. This pasta dish is filled with satisfying flavor and can be served with your favorite gluten free or vegetable pasta! Simple & delicious.
- Ideal for weight loss
- Easy vegetarian recipes only
- Automated grocery lists
- Use on mobile or download as PDF
6. Vegan Eggplant Teriyaki
Protein: 12g Calories: 349kcal Ready in: 25 minutes Recipe by: ItsAVegWorldAfterAll Bonus: quick, easy and so delicious
This vegan eggplant recipe is flavorful, easy to make, and served with homemade teriyaki sauce (the perfect beginner’s veganuary recipe ). It’s a great 30-minute dinner recipe for busy nights!
7. Roasted Eggplant Sandwich
Protein: 9g Calories: 326kcal Ready in: 30 minutes Recipe by: CookeAtLiveLove Bonus: a hearty amount of fillings and a perfect crunch
Delicious meaty eggplants layered with lots of crunchy veggies and the added flavors of a salty, briny olive spread.
8. Aubergine and Chickpea Curry
Protein: 4g Calories: 318kcal Ready in: 30 minutes Recipe by: LittleSunnyKitchen Bonus: creamy, delicious and really easy
Aubergine and chickpea curry is perfect for a mid-week dinner as it takes just 30 minutes to prepare. Served over white rice and garnished with chopped fresh parsley leaves.
9. Eggplant Meatballs
Protein: 1g Calories: 36kcal Ready in: 1 hour Recipe by: MyPurePlants Bonus: simple, healthy and so delicious
Roasted eggplant has this amazing texture and fairly neutral flavor, so with proper seasoning, it can be turned into many tasty things. If you would like to try eggplants for the first time or just looking for vegan recipes with eggplants, this 6-ingredient vegan eggplant meatballs recipe might be exactly what you need.
10. Chinese Spicy Eggplant
Protein: 5g Calories: 237kcal Ready in: 25 minutes Recipe by: ProfusionCurry Bonus: quick, flavorful and mega delicious
Chinese Spicy Eggplant is easy to make, full of aromatic flavors and excellent taste. Learn how to cook this simple yet delicious recipe that is gluten free, vegan, soy free and uses just a few ingredients.
11. Middle Eastern Eggplant Sandwich
Protein: 17g Calories: 604kcal Ready in: 20 minutes Recipe by: YumVeganLunchIdeas Bonus: delicious, nutritious and versatile
These easy one dish Baked Eggplant Fajitas are seriously tasty and full of flavor. This easy recipe with eggplant, black beans, and veggies is so so good.
12. Keto Eggplant Meatballs
Protein: 1.9g Calories: 44kcal Ready in: 50 minutes Recipe by: KetoVegetarianRecipes Bonus: a great choice for cleaning eating and Paleo
These vegan eggplant meatballs are a tasty plant based meatball for a low carb vegetarian or vegan meal (and if you like the sound of this, then you also need to try our vegetarian low carb meals here!). Made with a mix of eggplants and mushrooms they are baked but could be cooked in an air fryer too. These meatballs quite different from the ones further above. Worth trying both of them!
13. Vangi Bath – Brinjal Rice
Protein: 9g Calories: 410kcal Ready in: 21 minutes Recipe by: Mrishtanna Bonus: both instant pot and stovetop methods for cooking
Brinjal rice is a vegan, gluten-free, and one-pot meal that you can prepare in less than 30 minutes when you have the powder ready to go.
14. Smoky Eggplant Bacon Slices
Protein: 1g Calories: 57kcal Ready in: 40 minutes Recipe by: CookeAtLiveLove Bonus: easy and crispy eggplant to answer all your bacon cravings
Thinly sliced eggplant brushed with a sweet and smoky marinade imitate bacon in this quick and easy vegan bacon recipe.
15. BLT Sandwich with Eggplant Bacon
Protein: 9g Calories: 378kcal Ready in: 55 minutes (just 10 minutes prep) Recipe by: FitFoodieNutter Bonus: an easy, nutritious and flavorful dish
This mouth-watering vegan BLT sandwich with eggplant bacon is a delicious plant-based bacon fix for vegans or meat eaters alike. Smokey oven-roasted eggplant, crispy lettuce, juicy tomatoes and creamy vegan mayonnaise make this vegan sandwich taste out of this world.
16. Baked Eggplant Fajitas
Protein: 9g Calories: 199kcal Ready in: 40 minutes Recipe by: SlenderKitchen Bonus: quick, healthy, delicious and so easy!
These easy one dish Baked Eggplant Fajitas are seriously tasty and full of flavor. This easy recipe with eggplant, black beans, and veggies is so so good.
17. Middle Eastern Stuffed Aubergines
Protein: 10g Calories: 394kcal Ready in: 1 hour 15 minutes (just 20 minutes) Recipe by: LittleSunnyKitchen Bonus: can be stored in the fridge a couple of days
Stuffed aubergines cooked the Middle Eastern way in tomato sauce. These stuffed aubergines/eggplants are made vegan as they’re stuffed with just rice, veggies, spices and no meat!
Sides and Salads
18. Baba Ganoush
Bonus: a soft and beautifully delicious dip with a smoky flavor 🙂
Baba Ganoush Recipe (Eggplant Dip / Aubergine Dip) is smoky, soft and delicious. Flatbreads and pita bread go perfectly with this beautiful fusion of Arab-Mediterranean cuisines. Why not try it right away? 😊
Ingredients
- 3 small eggplants (3 small eggplants = 600-700g in total)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tbsp tahini (or sesame paste is fine too)
- 1 lemon (juiced)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (plus a splash when serving the dish)
- 1 tsp paprika powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional
- 1 handful pomegranate seeds
- 1 tbsp cilantro/coriander, fresh
Instructions
- Pre-heat the oven to 180ºc.
- Put the eggplants on a oven tray with a splash of olive oil and some salt . 3 small eggplants, 2 tbsp olive oil
- Using a fork, poke a couple of holes in them.
- Add the garlic cloves as well. No need to peel them. 2 cloves garlic
- Roast until tender ( 25-30 minutes).
- Let the eggplants cool for a while, then slice them open and carve out the “flesh”.
- With a beater or food processor mix the eggplant flesh with the rest of ingredients (juice the lemon and peel the garlic too before you throw it in) . 2 tbsp tahini, 1 lemon, Salt and pepper to taste
- Serve in a bowl with some paprika and a splash of olive oil for garnish. You can eat as a dip with pitas, flatbread or nachos or as a side dish of main course. 1 tsp paprika powder
Optional
- Stir in pomegranate seeds and cilantro to give this lovely Baba Ganoush an extra freshness kick. 1 handful pomegranate seeds, 1 tbsp cilantro/coriander, fresh
NOTES
Nutrition
19. Teriyaki Grilled Aubergine
Protein: 4g Calories: 132kcal Ready in: 45 minutes Recipe by: ThePeskyVegan Bonus: super easy and fun cooking time
This teriyaki grilled aubergine is a great addition to any vegan barbecue. Golden, slightly crispy, and gluten-free, you can enjoy it as either a side or a main.
20. BBQ Moroccan Eggplant Salad
Protein: 9g Calories: 391kcal Ready in: 40 minutes Recipe by: YumVeganLunchIdeas Bonus: beautiful smoky flavor, fresh vegetables and a zesty dressing
This moroccan eggplant salad is the perfect summer BBQ salad recipe (more vegetarian bbq ideas in this list!). With delicate Moroccan spices, a smokey BBQ flavour, roasted chickpeas, fresh rocket leaf salad and a zesty dressing – this is a must try. BBQ eggplant is creamy and flavorsome. This roasted eggplant salad recipe is sure to impress!
21. Escalivada (Grilled Vegetables)
Protein: 4g Calories: 137kcal Ready in: 25 minutes Recipe by: InTheKitch Bonus: simple, easy to prep, and easy to cook, perfect for any occasion
Escalivada is a traditional Spanish dish made from grilled vegetables. While that might not sound too exciting on the surface, prepare to have your mind blown by just how delicious some well cooked vegetables in a tangy, savory dressing can be.
22. Aubergine Bhaji
Protein: 3g Calories: 80kcal Ready in: 40 minutes Recipe by: VeganPunks Bonus: a spicy, soft and delicious dish
Aubergine bhaji, or brinjal bhaji, is a classic Indian side dish that pairs the rich, creaminess of aubergines with classic spices like garam masala and cumin. This recipe will serve 2 as a main and 4 as a side.
23. Eggplant Salad with Tahini
Protein: 18g Calories: 398kcal Ready in: 45 minutes Recipe by: VeggieDesserts Bonus: easy to make, beautiful and bursting with great taste
Roasted eggplant wedges get deliciously caramelised and are perfect on a salad. This method uses less oil, so it’s a healthy way to enjoy them. The baked aubergine is perfect with seasoned grains and kale in a salad or as a side dish. Vegan.
24. Miso Eggplant
Protein: 5.1g Calories: 343kcal Ready in: 1 hour 5 minutes (just 15 minutes prep) Recipe by: GreedyGourmet Bonus: super quick, simple to make, delicious and full of flavor
Miso Eggplant, also known as Nasu Dengaku, is a Japanese eggplant starter recipe. Simply halve the eggplants, bake them, glaze with miso and grill. Serve on its own as a starter, or create a vegan meal by serving it with rice and salad.
25. Vegan Eggplant Stew
Protein: 3g Calories: 193kcal Ready in: 10 minutes prep and 40 minutes cooking Recipe by: Cooktoria Bonus: simple, filling, hearty, and a great addition to any meal
This Easy Vegan Eggplant Stew is very simple and tasty. There is one extra step that makes the eggplant meaty, tender, and so soft.
26. Eggplant with Chermoula
Protein: 1g Calories: 267kcal Ready in: 35 minutes Recipe by: CarolinesCooking Bonus: easy to make, packed with fresh flavor and taste
This Moroccan eggplant with chermoula is easy to make, great for making ahead, and delicious for lunch or as a side.
27. Baingan Bharta
Protein: 3g Calories: 120kcal Ready in: 45 minutes Recipe by: SpicyTamarind Bonus: authentic, simple and flavorful
Baingan bharta is a smoky rustic dish that is prepared by mincing eggplant which has been charred over direct fire.
28. Grilled Eggplant Salad
Protein: 9g Calories: 249kcal Ready in: 20 minutes Recipe by: VeggiesSaveTheDay Bonus: you can swap in more veggies and fresh herbs
Grilled Eggplant Salad with Chickpeas and Tomatoes is a flavorful Mediterranean-inspired recipe. It’s vegan, gluten-free, and healthy.
Snacks and Appetizers
29. Eggplant and Bean Rolls
Protein: 4g Calories: 205kcal Ready in: 1 hour (just 10 minutes prep) Recipe by: WholeFoodBellies Bonus: easy to make, healthy and nutritious, freezer-friendly dish
These vegan sausage rolls combine a mixture of eggplant, cannellini beans, garlic, onions, and parsley. They are able to be made ahead of time and enjoyed either hot or cold. Great for lunch boxes or paired with a salad for a nice homemade lunch at home. Meal prep and freezer-friendly to boot.
30. Eggplant Rolls with Walnuts
Protein: 1g Calories: 46kcal Ready in: 50 minutes (only 10 minutes prep) Recipe by: HappyKitchen Bonus: a fun and delicious way to cook eggplants
These Georgian Eggplant Rolls With Walnut Filling are a delightfully simply, healthy vegan appetizer. Three ingredients, some artfully chosen spices, and less than an hour of time and you have a vegan treat for the tastebuds with these walnut stuffed eggplant rolls.
31. Aubergine Caviar
Protein: 1g Calories: 47kcal Ready in: 1 hour 30 minutes Recipe by: YourGuardianChef Bonus: simple ingredients, healthy, and so tasty
Aubergine caviar may sound sophisticated, however, it is very simple to make. It is baked aubergine with plenty of garlic, thyme and olive oil.
32. Japanese Eggplant Recipe
Protein: 4g Calories: 421kcal Ready in: 50 minutes Recipe by: CookingJourneyBlog Bonus: healthy, tasty and mega delicious
This Japanese eggplant recipe makes a great appetizer. Are you looking for a healthy eggplant recipe for dinner? Avocado, cedar or pine nuts, garlic, olive oil and dry basil make a delicious avocado pesto that’s a great addition to the roasted eggplant.
33. Baked Eggplant Fries
Protein: 9g Calories: 214kcal Ready in: 45 minutes Recipe by: VeggiesDontBite Bonus: easy, mega tasty, crispy and healthy
These baked eggplant fries will turn even the eggplant hater into a lover. I know because this was me! Healthy, easy and so delicious.
34. Japanese Miso Eggplant
Ready in: 35 minutes Recipe by: CookMorphosis Bonus: a great appetizer or a side dish
This easy 30-minute Japanese miso eggplant recipe is perfect for a quick, delicious night meal. It’s also a dream dish for any eggplant lover.
35. Eggplant Pizza
Ready in: 30 minutes Recipe by: TheUrbenLife Bonus: quick, easy, delicious and totally satisfying!
These eggplant pizza bites are dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan, and low-carb! Each slice is topped with pizza sauce, plant-based cheese, and fresh basil. Enjoy them as a light lunch or fun snack.
36. Roasted Pepper and Aubergine Dip
Ready in: 50 minutes Recipe by: ForkfulOfPlants Bonus: creamy texture and wonderful flavor
The love child of muhammara and baba ganoush, this Mediterranean dip is sweet, creamy, garlicky, smoky and a little bit nutty. Perfect enjoyed with warm grilled pitta and hungry friends.
37. Grilled Eggplant Bruschetta
Protein: 9g Calories: 347kcal Ready in: 25 minutes Recipe by: ElectricBlueFood Bonus: simple, flavorful and mega delicious
A flavourful appetizer inspired by the flavours of the Mediterranean. Enjoy this grilled eggplant bruschetta with fresh mint and, optionally, roasted cherry tomatoes!
38. Crispy Baked Eggplant Recipe
Protein: 6g Calories: 249kcal Ready in: 1 hour Recipe by: PepperBowl Bonus: simple ingredients, super tasty and versatile
‘Baked Eggplant Recipe / Easy Crispy Eggplant’ is perfect recipe is great for snack / appetizer. Best way of celebrations.Best for using as the main ingredient for making sandwiches, lasagnas.
Eggplant or Aubergine?
In case I’ve confused the Brits out there, this is a list of vegan aubergine recipes. I’m just using the more widely used term: eggplant.
Interestingly, the term “aubergine” came from the French word for eggplant and was originally derived from an Arabic word.
“Eggplant”, on the other hand, comes from a plant variety that looks similar to a hen’s egg. This variation was more common in North America in the 18th Century, when the term was coined.
How to cook eggplant
This is the big question, and the stumbling block for lots of new vegans when cooking vegan eggplant recipes.
First things first, make sure you know how to pick an eggplant. We’ve written about how to select the perfect aubergine in our baba ganoush recipe (that’s an eggplant dip, by the way).
Once you’re on to the cooking stage, remember that eggplant is mostly water and will soak up anything they are paired with. They can also get soggy if you’re not careful.
Interestingly, there’s a debate over whether or not to salt your eggplant .
All in all, I suggest you stick to whatever the recipes above state.
If you want to make these easy eggplant recipes even easier, check out these tips on cooking eggplants .
Should you peel eggplant skin?
No, it’s not necessary to peel an eggplant. The skin is edible and actually contains many nutrients.
Yet if the recipe calls for peeled eggplant you can remove the skin with a vegetable peeler or a knife.
What is the healthiest way to cook eggplant?
Steaming, stir-frying and roasting are some of the healthiest ways to cook eggplants. These techniques help bring out the flavor and retain the nutrients.
Theoretically, eggplants can also be eaten raw but usually taste bitter and can cause several issues .
How do you take the bitterness out of eggplant?
You can salt the eggplant and allow it to drain for about an hour before cooking to remove the bitterness.
Old and overripe eggplants are more likely to have a bitter taste so choosing shiny and firm eggplants is also a way to avoid an unpleasant taste.
But it’s not as relevant nowadays when eggplants are mostly bred without a hint of the old bitterness.
I’m pretty sure that this list of healthy vegan eggplant recipes has enough variation to provide inspiration for a long time (or all the eggplants you can get your hands on).
By covering all kinds of cuisines, like Chinese eggplant recipes and Japanese eggplant recipes, and different types of eggplant salads and dinner recipes, it really shows all the best that eggplants/aubergines have to offer.
