Gochujang-Glazed Grilled Eggplant

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Eggplant is such a shape-shifter—it can be creamy, smoky, crisp, or saucy depending on how you treat it. This recipe is one of my absolute favorites for summer grilling. Thick rounds of eggplant soak up a bold, slightly sweet Korean-style glaze made with gochujang, giving every bite a spicy-sweet punch and a beautiful caramelized finish on the grill.

This is the kind of recipe that turns even eggplant skeptics into fans. It’s dramatic in flavor, simple in technique, and looks stunning on a platter of grilled veggies or over rice.

📌 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

🔥 Bold Korean-inspired glaze with depth and heat
🌱 Naturally vegan and gluten-free adaptable
🥄 Just a handful of ingredients, big payoff
⏱️ Fast-cooking—on the table in under 25 minutes
🍚 Perfect for rice bowls, wraps, or BBQ platters

📌 Quick Reference Section

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Servings: 2–4
Dietary Info: Vegan, Gluten-Free (with tamari)

Key Ingredients at a Glance:
Eggplant, gochujang, soy sauce, maple syrup, sesame oil

📌 Ingredients List

1 large eggplant, sliced into ½-inch rounds
1 tablespoon neutral oil (like avocado or grapeseed)
1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
2 teaspoons soy sauce or tamari
2 teaspoons maple syrup or honey
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 clove garlic, minced
Toasted sesame seeds and sliced scallions, for garnish

Optional Add-ins & Swaps:
Add a splash of rice vinegar for tang
Use zucchini or mushrooms with the same glaze
Add grated ginger for a citrusy kick

📌 Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prep the Eggplant
   Slice eggplant into rounds and sprinkle lightly with salt. Let sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture, then pat dry with a paper towel. Brush both sides lightly with neutral oil.
2. Mix the Gochujang Glaze
   In a small bowl, stir together gochujang, soy sauce, maple syrup, sesame oil, and garlic until smooth. Set aside.
3. Grill the Eggplant
   Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high. Grill eggplant slices for 3–4 minutes per side until grill marks appear and eggplant is tender. In the last 1–2 minutes, brush each slice with the glaze and flip once more to caramelize.
4. Finish and Serve
   Transfer to a plate and drizzle with extra glaze. Garnish with sesame seeds and scallions. Serve hot or room temp.

📌 Serving & Pairing Ideas

Serve over rice with pickled veggies and kimchi
Add to grain bowls with tofu and roasted broccoli
Use as a filling for wraps with crunchy slaw

📌 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Fridge: Store leftovers for up to 3 days
Reheat: Best warmed in a skillet or air fryer
Make-Ahead: Mix glaze and slice eggplant ahead of time for quick cooking

📌 Final Thoughts

This eggplant dish brings that savory-sweet fire to the table—easy enough for a weeknight, bold enough for a backyard party. 🌶️ Show me your grilled masterpieces by tagging #SouthernSoilSunshine or share your favorite way to use gochujang in the comments!

Love this kind of bold flavor? Try our Smoky Garden Salsa with Charred Corn or Zucchini Noodles with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto!