Time to fire up the grill, but that doesn’t mean just cooking meats. Many vegetarian recipes can be adapted to the grill as well, often with diet-friendly results. My easy Grilled Eggplant Parmesan recipe is a great example of that. This low carb vegetarian dinner packs plenty of flavor. I guarantee, you won’t miss the breading in this version of eggplant Parmesan. It only has a little over 8 net carb grams per serving.
Grilled Eggplant Parmesan
This easy grilled eggplant parmesan recipe makes a great low carb entree by itself, but the dish also pairs well grilled chicken, shrimp or meat. If some family members are not watching their carb intake, this eggplant parm of course goes nicely with a side of pasta too. I actually eat it that way sometimes. It is still less fat and carbs.
Personally, I love the way grilling adds a slight smokey flavor to the eggplant. The extra flavor more than makes up for the omission of breading on the eggplant parmesan in my opinion.
This nutritious meatless low carb meal is inexpensive, as well as, quick & easy to make. Eggplant is generally not too expensive, even off-season. Simply top with mozzarella cheese and jarred low carb marinara sauce. Top with fresh basil leaves, Parmesan cheese and even some red pepper flakes if you like.
Keto Eggplant Recipe?
This may be a tight fit in the earlier phases of a keto diet. Once you become fat adapted, this eggplant recipe could fit in pretty easily though. At 8 1/2 net carbs per serving it should not knock you out of ketosis. It’s a great way to get that eggplant parmesan fix without blowing your low carb diet.
Not only does grilling the eggplant without breading make this eggplant low in carbohydrates, it also significantly reduces the amount of fat in the dish too.
Did I mention the much easier clean up when making this grilled version of eggplant Parmesan. After all breading eggplant is a messy time consuming job.
Choose a Low Carb Marinara Sauce
Check the label when choosing marinara sauce for your grilled eggplant parm. Look for sauces that contain no added sugar or high fructose corn syrup. There are quite a few jarred sauce options available with under 6 grams of carbs per serving. If you calculate the net carb count by subtracting the grams of fiber, the number of options will be even more. I also like to keep an eye on sodium levels in sauce too. Some low carb marinara sauces are too high in salt.
This grilled eggplant Parmesan recipe is a great low carb vegetarian dinner. It is an easy way to lighten up a meal without sacrificing flavor.
- 2-3 medium size Eggplants
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Kosher salt , to taste
- pepper , to taste
- sprinkle Oregano or Italian seasoning
- 4 oz shredded Italian cheese blend or Mozzarella
- 1 1/2 cups low carb marinara sauce (look for 5 or less carbs per serving and no added sugar)
- **optional- fresh basil
Preheat grill on high heat setting.
Cut off ends of eggplants, and slice into 1/2 inch thick planks. Baste with oil, and sprinkle with a little oregano, salt and pepper.
Place eggplant on grill and reduce grill to medium heat. Turning once after a couple minutes and continue to grill until eggplant has softened
Transfer to serving dish, and immediately top with mozzarella cheese.
Warm the marinara sauce in the microwave or a saucepan, and pour over the eggplant. Serve with about a ¼ cup of sauce per serving.
Nutrition info calculated in Carb Manager based on Rao's sauce and 1/2 tsp sea salt. Info provided as an estimate only.
Net carbs calculation:
16.5 - 7.7 fiber - .3 sugar alcohol = 8.5 net carbs
Angela says
I love eggplant parmesan! I’ll have to try this recipe some time soon.
Laura says
We have a family garden where we grow lots and lots of corn. It’s mostly a hobby. We always love to give out corn to people in the neighborhood when it’s ready. We grow wayyy too much to not share, and people love it! I am going to try this grilled eggplant.
Cindy @ Hun... What's for Dinner? says
Oh YUM! Keeping this recipe in my back pocket for summer grilling season! Thanks for sharing with us at Simple Supper Tuesday.
Jackie says
I donate to the local food bank. I also donate food whenever there is a group collecting at the grocery store.
Thank you!
jackievillano at gmail dot com
Dede says
I teach at a middle school where there are so many students in need. I take food, clothes, school supplies, and other items to share with the kids at my school. We also do a lot of service projects such as helping at the animal shelter or beautifying the campus of the local daycare.
Dana Rodriguez says
We love Barilla pasta sauces! Taste like home made!
We give back by donating locally to the food bank and Goodwill. I also give away items on our local Freecycle.
Mary Beth Elderton says
I am very concerned about food insecurity, so I donate food. I give regularly at our local grocery store. I recently participated in the USPS food drive by leaving a bag for our mail carrier to pick up.