How To Smoke Eggplant In An Electric Smoker

Smoking Eggplant in an Electric Smoker: A Flavorful Twist

Welcome to the world of smoking eggplant in an electric smoker! If you’re looking to add a delicious and smoky flavor to this versatile vegetable, you’ve come to the right place. Smoking eggplant is a fantastic way to elevate its natural flavors and create a unique dish that will impress your family and friends. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to perfectly smoke eggplant in an electric smoker, so let’s get started!

Choosing the Right Eggplant

Before you begin smoking your eggplant, it’s important to select the right one. Look for an eggplant that is firm, with smooth and shiny skin. Avoid eggplants that have soft spots or discoloration. The size and shape of the eggplant are not as important, so feel free to choose one that best fits your smoker.

Preparing the Eggplant

Once you have chosen your eggplant, it’s time to prepare it for smoking. Follow these simple steps to get your eggplant ready:

1. Wash the eggplant thoroughly under running water and pat it dry with a paper towel.
2. Trim off the green cap and slice the eggplant into 1/4-inch rounds. You can also cut it into halves or quarters, depending on your preference.
3. Place the eggplant slices in a colander and sprinkle them with salt. Let them sit for about 30 minutes to draw out any bitterness.
4. Rinse the salt off the eggplant slices and pat them dry with a paper towel.

Flavoring the Eggplant

Before you start smoking the eggplant, consider adding some extra flavor to enhance its taste. You can brush the eggplant slices with olive oil and sprinkle them with your favorite seasonings, such as garlic powder, paprika, or dried herbs. This will infuse the eggplant with even more deliciousness as it smokes.

Smoking the Eggplant

Now it’s time to fire up your electric smoker and get ready to smoke the eggplant to perfection. Follow these steps for a great smoking experience:

1. Preheat your electric smoker to 225°F (107°C).
2. Place the prepared eggplant slices directly on the smoker racks, making sure they are in a single layer and not overlapping.
3. Close the smoker and let the eggplant smoke for about 1-2 hours, or until it reaches your desired level of tenderness and smokiness.

Serving the Smoked Eggplant

Once the eggplant is done smoking, it’s ready to be enjoyed in a variety of ways. You can serve it as a side dish, incorporate it into salads, or use it to make dips and spreads. The smoky flavor of the eggplant will add a delightful twist to any dish, so get creative with how you use it!

Smoking eggplant in an electric smoker is a fantastic way to take this humble vegetable to the next level. With the right preparation and a bit of patience, you can create a mouthwatering dish that will leave everyone asking for more. So, fire up your electric smoker and give smoking eggplant a try – you won’t be disappointed!

Happy smoking!