Charred Eggplant Tacos (Printable version)

Smoky grilled eggplant with fresh veggies in warm corn tortillas

# 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 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 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 the 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 evenly hot.
04 - Place marinated eggplant strips on the preheated grill. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side until distinct char marks appear and flesh becomes tender. Transfer to a plate.
05 - Heat corn tortillas in a dry skillet or directly on the grill for approximately 30 seconds per side until pliable and slightly toasted. Keep warm wrapped in a clean kitchen towel.
06 - Layer grilled eggplant strips, shredded lettuce, red onion slices, quartered cherry tomatoes, and avocado slices onto each warmed tortilla.
07 - Top tacos with chopped fresh cilantro and a generous squeeze of fresh lime juice. Add hot sauce to taste if desired. Serve immediately while tortillas remain warm.

# Expert tips:

01 -
  • The way the smoky charred eggplant contrasts with cool creamy avocado is absolute magic
  • These tacos come together in under an hour but taste like something from a restaurant
  • Everything can be prepped ahead so you are just grilling and assembling when hungry
02 -
  • Eggplant acts like a sponge so do not skip the marinating time or the flavor will stay on the surface
  • Letting the grill get properly hot before adding the eggplant is what creates those gorgeous char lines
  • Keep the warmed tortillas wrapped in a towel because cold tortillas will crack and break when you try to fold them
03 -
  • Slice the eggplant evenly so all pieces finish cooking at the same time
  • Use fresh lime juice rather than bottled for the brightest flavor

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