Perfect Sautéed Eggplant [+ Maple Soy Glaze]

completed Perfect Sautéed Eggplant plated on a plate against a white background

5 from 43 votes

Perfect Sautéed Eggplant [+ Maple Soy Glaze]

This Sautéed Eggplant is tender in the middle, slightly 'meaty', crisp/caramelized on the outside, is easy to prepare, ready in 20 minutes, and a versatile vegan side dish – made even more delicious with a simple maple soy glaze!

Prep Time5

Cook Time15

Total Time19

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Diet: Vegan

Servings:

Calories: 88kcal

Author: Toni Okamoto

Equipment

Ingredients

2 tablespoon of soy sauce
1 tablespoon of agave or maple syrup
2 tablespoons of water
1 eggplant, cut into 1-inch cubes (not peeled)
3 garlic cloves thinly sliced
1 tablespoon of oil
¼ teaspoon of black pepper
3 springs green onions, thinly sliced
Crushed red pepper for garnish, optional
Sesame seeds for garnish, optional

Instructions

In a small bowl, whisk the soy sauce, agave or maple syrup, and water.
In a large pan with a lid, over medium-high heat, add the oil.
Carefully add the cubed eggplant to the pan and cook for 2 minutes each side or until golden brown. Add the garlic and cook for another 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently until the garlic is nice and brown, but not burned.
Turn off the heat, add the sauce, black pepper, mix well and cover with a lid. Let it sit covered for 2 to 3 minutes.
Garnish with green onions, and optional crushed red pepper, or sesame seeds.
Serve hot.

Notes

Cut even-sized pieces: This will ensure they cook at an even rate.

Use fairly high heat: Just like deep-frying, hot heat will stop the eggplant from overly absorbing oil (since it’s like a sponge!). Instead, you’ll end up with delicious, caramelized eggplant morsels that crisp on the outside while tender in the middle. Delicious!

Don’t overcrowd the pan: Otherwise, the eggplant will steam and not crisp up (which is lackluster at best!). Cook in batches if needed.

Don’t move the eggplant too much: You want to make pan-seared eggplant rather than moving it around. Only touch it when flipping. This is crucial to achieving a wonderful golden brown crust.

Nutrition