Charred Eggplant Tacos (Printable Version)
Smoky grilled eggplant in warm tortillas with crisp vegetables and zesty lime.
# Ingredient List:
→ 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 tbsp olive oil
07 - 2 tbsp lime juice
08 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
09 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
10 - ½ tsp ground cumin
11 - ½ tsp chili powder
12 - ½ tsp salt
13 - ¼ tsp 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:
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 - Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat until properly preheated.
04 - Place marinated eggplant strips on the hot grill. Cook for 4–5 minutes per side until charred marks appear and eggplant becomes tender. Remove 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 slices, quartered cherry tomatoes, and avocado slices onto each warmed tortilla.
07 - Top with fresh chopped cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime. Add hot sauce if desired. Serve immediately while warm.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The charred eggplant brings this incredible smoky depth that makes you forget these tacos are entirely plant-based
- Everything comes together in under 45 minutes but tastes like you spent all day tending the grill
02 -
- Dont rush the marinade time those 10 minutes are when the eggplant really starts to soak up all that smoky flavor
- Warm your tortillas properly or they will crack and break when you try to fold them
03 -
- Slice your eggplant evenly so everything cooks at the same rate
- If the eggplant feels bitter, sprinkle the slices with salt and let them sit for 30 minutes before marinating, then rinse and pat dry