Ever find yourself staring at an eggplant and thinking, “Nah”? We get it. Eggplants aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. Yet, they’re in so many recipes.
What to do? We’ve got a list of substitutes that’ll make your dishes exciting again. No eggplant? No problem.
In our homes, we’ve swapped it out more times than we can count. The results? Surprisingly good.
Ready to shake up your cooking?
7 Easy Substitutes for Eggplant
Alright, brace yourselves. It’s about to get vegetably adventurous in here as we explore the top 7 substitutes for eggplant. Because, let’s face it, sometimes you just can’t find an eggplant, or you’ve decided you’re not on speaking terms with them anymore.
| Substitute | Taste | Texture | Suitable Dishes |
| Zucchini | Mild, slightly sweet | Firm, juicy | Casseroles, stir-fries, grilled dishes |
| Portobello Mushrooms | Earthy, savory | Meaty, dense | Burgers, stuffed dishes, grilled items |
| Cauliflower | Neutral, slightly nutty | Firm, crunchy | Roasted dishes, curries, stews |
| Tofu | Mild, absorbs flavors | Soft, silky | Stir-fries, baked dishes, marinades |
| Bell Peppers | Sweet, slightly crunchy | Crisp, juicy | Stuffed dishes, roasted items, salads |
| Jackfruit | Slightly sweet, tropical | Stringy, meaty | Curries, tacos, pulled “pork” dishes |
| Spaghetti Squash | Mild, slightly sweet | Stringy, noodle-like | Pasta dishes, casseroles, baked items |
1 – Zucchini
Zucchini steps into the spotlight as a stellar option. It nails the job with a similar texture. Slicing it works wonders in dishes that call for eggplant.
We’ve swapped in zucchini during many meal preps. Success was always on the menu. Its versatility surprises us every time.
In recipes, use the same amount of zucchini as you would eggplant. It’s a straight swap. No math degree required.
Craving more info on making the switch? Check out this helpful guide on using zucchini as a substitute.
2 – Portobello Mushrooms
Portobellos make a great stand-in. They bring a hearty feel to any dish. Their large caps slice up nicely for hefty servings. We throw these bad boys onto the grill and are always amazed by their robust flavor.
Use one large portobello for every medium-sized eggplant your recipe needs. Simple. Deep flavors come alive in stews and bakes.
Love mushrooms? Crave their earthy taste in more meals? We sure do. Find out how to swap them like pros here.
3 – Cauliflower
Cauliflower steps up as a solid swap. It works wonders in various dishes, blending seamlessly with diverse flavors.
We’ve used cauliflower in place of eggplant and the outcome impressed us. It adapts well, especially in baked dishes.
For every eggplant your recipe calls for, try using an equal amount of cauliflower. This substitution has never steered us wrong.
Curious about leveraging cauliflower in more meals? This veggie won’t disappoint in versatility.
For additional insights on using cauliflower effectively, feel free to check this resource.
4 – Tofu
Tofu is up next, and boy, does it fill those eggplant shoes well. Its texture makes it a top contender. We chuck it into our meals where eggplant was once the star. You’ll be amazed by how it keeps things interesting.
Substitute tofu one-to-one for eggplant. Just cube it, cook it, and toss it in. Easy. Our dishes turn out great with this switch.
Not only does tofu blend in well, it also soaks up flavors like a sponge. For those interested in other ways to substitute tofu, check out additional ideas right here.
5 – Bell Peppers
Bell peppers are a solid choice for swapping in. Their crispness and sweet notes can transform a dish.
We’ve tossed them into plenty of meals. Never disappointed. Bell peppers work well if you need that slight crunch.
For each eggplant, consider using one large bell pepper. This has worked for us in numerous recipes.
In need of ideas on how to make this swap? Bell peppers can add a colorful twist to your plates.
Interested in mixing up your dishes with bell peppers? You might want to check this out for more inspiration. Find more bell pepper substitute ideas here.
6 – Jackfruit
Jackfruit steps in as a game changer in meals. Its meaty texture fills the gap left by eggplant effortlessly. We dice it up for stews and sautés where eggplant usually stars. This swap works wonders. For each eggplant, using a comparable amount of jackfruit does the trick.
We find it absorbs flavors brilliantly, ensuring our dishes remain vibrant and tasty. Given its versatility, jackfruit blends into most recipes without a hitch.
Curious about introducing jackfruit into your cooking routine? You might find this guide helpful.
7 – Spaghetti Squash
Spaghetti squash makes a great swap for eggplant. We find it shines in many recipes. It’s got a texture that can really jazz up a dish. We use it cup for cup in place of eggplant.
This veggie roasts well, giving a slight sweetness to dishes. It’s a hit in our pastas and bakes. For those seeking more ways to use spaghetti squash, our guide may help. Find insights and tips here.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.