Jamaican Jerk Grilled Eggplant

If you like spicy, saucy food, this recipe is for you. Spicy Jamaican jerk spiced grilled eggplant! Ready in 30 minutes, incredibly flavorful, and the perfect plant-based side dish!

INGREDIENTS:

EGGPLANT

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tbsp ground coriander
• 1/4 tsp allspice
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/2 tsp each sea salt and black pepper
• 2 Tbsp fresh thyme
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (~2 Tbsp minced garlic per 4 cloves)
• 1 tbsp fresh grated ginger
• 3 tbsp lime juice
• 1/4 cup tamari or coconut aminos (or soy sauce)
• 2-3 tbsp coconut sugar or maple syrup (plus more to taste)
• 2 tbsp melted coconut oil (or grape seed or avocado oil // plus more for grilling)
• 3 stalks green onions or scallions (thinly sliced)
• 1 medium serrano or habanero pepper (thinly sliced // seeds removed)
• 1 large eggplants (or sub 2 small per 1 large)
  

SAUCE

• 1/4 cup Jamaican Style Jerk BBQ Sauce (Buy Now)
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tbsp grape seed or olive oil
• 1 tbsp coconut sugar or maple syrup
• 1 tsp fresh grated ginger
• 1 pinch each sea salt and black pepper
• 1 stalk green onion (thinly sliced)
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

• In a small mixing bowl, mix together cinnamon, coriander, all spice, cayenne, salt, pepper, thyme, garlic, ginger, lime juice, tamari, coconut sugar, coconut oil, green onions or scallions, and serrano / habanero pepper.
• Taste and adjust flavor as needed, adding more tamari for saltiness, lime juice for acidity, fresh herbs for earthy flavor, coconut sugar for sweetness, pepper for heat, or garlic for bite / zing.
• Slice eggplant vertically (lengthwise) into 1/2-inch-thick “steaks” and generously brush both sides with the marinade.
• Heat up a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat and lightly oil / grease to discourage the eggplant from sticking. Once hot, add eggplant and grill on both sides until golden brown and grill marks are present – about 3-5 minutes each side.
• In the meantime, prepare sauce (optional!) by adding BBQ sauce, lime juice, oil, coconut sugar / maple syrup, ginger, salt, pepper, onion, and cayenne pepper to a small and whisking to combine. Taste and adjust flavor as needed, adding more lime for acidity, coconut sugar for sweetness, cayenne for heat, or salt for saltiness.
• Serve grilled eggplant as is or over rice, over cauliflower rice, or with sauce (optional), and garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or green onion. Best when fresh! Leftovers won’t be as good as fresh, but they will keep in the refrigerator up to 2-3 days.
• Enjoy