How to Cut an Eggplant: A Step-by-Step Guide

Eggplant is a beautiful fruit that brings versatility and deliciousness to many dishes. Although oddly shaped and almost alien-like, eggplant is not overly difficult to master. So, gather your Gyuto Executive Chef Knife and finest eggplant specimens, and let's get to work!

Tools You'll Need to Cut an Eggplant

Before learning how to cut eggplant, you need to gather your tools. Having the right tools handy will make cutting eggplant easier, safer, and less intimidating.

Chef Knife or Santoku Knife

The wide, sharp blades of our Japanese Master Chef Knife Set – 8-Piece allow you to cut with precision. Our Kurogane Santoku Knife is also an excellent choice for learning how to cut eggplant. A sharp knife will help you glide through the eggplant's delicate flesh without causing bruising.

A high-quality 8-piece Japanese master chef knife set with Damascus-style blades and dark wood handles, neatly arranged on a wooden cutting board with fresh ingredients in the background

Explore Seido Knives for Precision and Ease

Cutting Board

Using a solid cutting board that is resistant to knife damage is essential. Our Acacia End Grain Cutting Board has a dense structure that will help you stay safe and in control while cutting eggplant.

Slicing fresh fish fillet on a wooden cutting board with a sharp knife

Kitchen Towel for Stability

Here's a pro tip: Put a wet kitchen towel under your cutting board. The damp towel creates friction between the countertop and the cutting board, preventing slippage. This small addition to your tool lineup can reduce your risk of knife injuries.

Prepare the Eggplant for Cutting

No matter what type you select — there are hundreds — you must follow a few basic preparation steps before you learn how to slice an eggplant. Once you take care of these, we can get to the fun of cutting.

Step 1: Wash the Eggplant Thoroughly

pWashing an eggplant is as easy as washing your hands, except you don't need soap. Run the eggplant under cold water, using your fingertips to dislodge any dirt and debris from the skin. Dry the eggplant with a paper towel to make cutting it easier.

Rinsing a fresh eggplant under running water in the kitchen sink

Step 2: Remove the Stem and Base

Before cutting the eggplant into slices, remove the stem and base. Lay the eggplant on your cutting board, and use your knife to remove the stem and base end.

Peeling an eggplant on a wooden cutting board in the kitchen

Step 3: Decide on Your Desired Shape

Next, you need to decide on your desired shape, which will depend on your recipe and cooking method. Slices are best for dishes like eggplant parmesan, while dices are perfect for stews and soups. If you are looking for something in between the two shapes, strips give stir-fries a nice texture.

Slicing an eggplant on a cutting board with a sharp knife

How to Cut an Eggplant Step-by-Step

Don't feel intimidated your first time out! Eggplant is a forgiving fruit that tastes delicious, even if you don't make perfect cuts.

Step 1: Slice the Eggplant Into Rounds

Making rounds is the easiest way to cut eggplant. Lay the eggplant on your cutting board, and hold it in place with your non-dominant hand. Use your dominant hand to keep your knife steady, and make even slices.

Slicing an eggplant on a wooden cutting board with a sharp knife

Many eggplant recipes call for 1/2-inch slices, but you can cut them as thick or thin as you like. Try using a sharp, thin knife or a mandolin so you can learn how to slice an eggplant super thin.

Step 2: Cut the Rounds into Strips

If your recipe calls for eggplant strips, you already have part of the work done by cutting the eggplant into rounds. Take your rounds and stack them three slices deep. Use your sharp knife to cut the rounds into three or four evenly spaced strips. The size of your strips will depend on the size of your eggplant. Continue cutting your rounds by groups of threes until you finish.

Slicing and dicing an eggplant on a white cutting board

Step 3: Dice the Strips for Soups or Stews

Next, line up your strips in a row of four or five, going no longer than your knife's blade. Make horizontal slices across the lined-up strips. You can make the dice as small or large as you prefer. The goal is to create eggplant cubes of about a 1/2 inch.

Hands chopping eggplant into small cubes on a wooden cutting board

Step 4: Peel the Skin if Desired

Some recipes call for peeled eggplant although the skin is packed with nutrients and perfectly edible. If you prefer peeled eggplant, use a vegetable peeler to remove the skin before slicing.

Person peeling an eggplant with a stainless steel vegetable peeler on a wooden cutting board

Bonus Tips

Consider salting your eggplant slices to draw out moisture before cooking to help remove bitterness. Let the salt sit for 30 minutes before rinsing and patting the slices dry. To help compensate for shrinkage when cooking, you may want to cut your eggplant into pieces that are twice as large as the final result you want after cooking.

Mastering Eggplant Prep

Eggplants are beautiful fruits with a range of purple hues. Now that you have read these tips, you know how to slice an eggplant easily using the finest Seido Knives. Once you know how to dice eggplant, it will quickly become a favorite recipe addition.

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