Grilled eggplant with coconut milk

Authentic Filipino Grilled eggplant with coconut milk — a delicious vegetarian dish with 6 ingredients. Follow our detailed step-by-step instructions for the perfect result.

Medium
Updated March 14, 2026
3 views

15

Prep Time (min)

30

Cook Time (min)

4

servings

280

Calories/serving

Medium

Difficulty

Grilled eggplant with coconut milk

Ingredients

Servings:
4
  • 6 Egg Plants
  • 1 can Coconut Milk
  • 1 tbs Lemon Juice
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • To taste Red Pepper Flakes
  • 4 Sticks Onions

Instructions

4 steps · ~28 minutes total

  1. Step 1

    . Prepare the eggplants for grilling by pricking them all over with a fork. This is so it won’t burst during the grilling process as the natural water in it heats up.

    5 minutes
    Oil the grill grates before placing food to prevent sticking.
  2. Step 2

    Grill the eggplants, turning them over frequently to ensure even cooking. Grill until the skins are dark brown, even black and the eggplant is soft when you touch it.

    5 minutes
    Don't overcrowd the pan — cook in batches for a better sear.
  3. Step 3

    Soak the grilled eggplant in a bowl of water to cool it down. Peel the skin off the eggplant. Place the whole eggplants in a shallow dish (my mom actually cuts the eggplant into small, bite-sized pieces).

    10 minutes
    Keep your fingers curled under (claw grip) for safety when cutting.
  4. Step 4

    In a small mixing bowl, mix together the coconut milk or cream, lemon powder, salt and hot pepper. Mix until the lemon powder and salt dissolve. Taste, then adjust the amount of lemon powder, salt and hot pepper to your liking. Pour the mixture over the eggplant. Sprinkle the green onions over the eggplant and coconut milk. Stir gently to combine.

    8 minutes
    Taste as you go and adjust seasoning gradually — you can always add more but can't take it away.

💡 Tips & Tricks

This Filipino recipe for Grilled eggplant with coconut milk is best served fresh. Adjust seasoning to your taste.

🔄 Variations

• Spice level: Adjust the heat to your preference — add more chili for extra kick, or reduce it for a milder version. • Vegetarian: Replace meat with mushrooms, chickpeas, or your favorite plant-based protein. • Fusion twist: Combine elements of Filipino cuisine with your local favorites for a creative fusion dish.

Storage & Reheating

❄️

Refrigerator

Up to 3 days in an airtight container

🧊

Freezer

Up to 2 months — thaw overnight in fridge

🔥

Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

What to Serve With

Complete your filipino meal with these perfect pairings:

🍽️Steamed rice or crusty bread
🍽️A fresh green salad
🍽️Seasonal roasted vegetables

About This Dish

Grilled eggplant with coconut milk is a beloved dish from Filipino cuisine, originating in Philippines. With a total preparation time of about 45 minutes, it makes for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Filipino cuisine reflects the country's rich history and multicultural influences — Malay, Chinese, Spanish, and American. It is known for its bold, savory-sweet flavor profiles.

This recipe is rated medium difficulty and uses 6 ingredients. Intermediate cooks will enjoy the balanced challenge.

Frequently Asked Questions

To achieve the best flavor, slice the eggplant into thick rounds, brush them with oil, and grill them over medium-high heat until they are tender and have nice grill marks, usually about 4-5 minutes per side.

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Nutrition Facts

4 serving(s) per recipe

Serving size1 serving
Calories280kcal
Total Fat13g
Sodium617mg
Total Carbohydrates31g
Dietary Fiber3g
Protein34g

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Recipe Details

CuisineFilipino
CategoryGrilled
CountryPhilippines