Charred Eggplant Tacos (Printable)

Smoky grilled eggplant in warm tortillas with fresh toppings and zesty lime

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 medium eggplants, sliced lengthwise into ½-inch thick strips
02 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
03 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
04 - 1 avocado, sliced
05 - 2 cups shredded lettuce

→ Marinade

06 - 3 tablespoons olive oil
07 - 2 tablespoons lime juice
08 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
09 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 - ½ teaspoon ground cumin
11 - ½ teaspoon chili powder
12 - ½ teaspoon salt
13 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper

→ Tortillas

14 - 8 small corn tortillas

→ Garnishes

15 - ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
16 - Lime wedges, for serving
17 - Hot sauce (optional)

# How to Make It:

01 - Whisk together olive oil, lime juice, garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper in a bowl until fully combined.
02 - Brush both sides of eggplant strips generously with the marinade. Allow to sit for 10 minutes to absorb flavors.
03 - Preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat until hot.
04 - Place marinated eggplant strips on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until charred and tender. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
05 - Heat corn tortillas in a dry skillet or directly on the grill for approximately 30 seconds per side. Keep warm wrapped in a clean kitchen towel.
06 - Layer grilled eggplant, shredded lettuce, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and sliced avocado onto each warmed tortilla.
07 - Top tacos with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime. Add hot sauce if desired. Serve immediately while tortillas are warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The combination of smoky charred eggplant with bright lime and fresh vegetables creates layers of flavor
  • These tacos come together in under 40 minutes but taste like something from a restaurant
  • Even eggplant skeptics change their minds after one bite of these savory, satisfying tacos
02 -
  • Salting the eggplant slices for 30 minutes before grilling removes excess moisture and prevents sogginess
  • Do not overcrowd the grill or the eggplant will steam instead of developing those sought-after char marks
  • Letting the grilled eggplant rest for a few minutes helps the flavors settle and makes assembly easier
03 -
  • Brush the grill grates with oil before heating to prevent sticking
  • Keep your warm tortillas wrapped in a towel or tortilla warmer
  • Slice all your vegetables while the eggplant marinates to save time

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