Rating: 3.78
(141)

Baked Stuffed Eggplant with Fish

July 3, 2024

Baked stuffed eggplant with fish is a nourishing, flavor-packed dish that combines the earthy richness of roasted eggplant with the delicate texture of flaky white fish. Rooted in Mediterranean tradition, this dish is both comforting and refined, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion that calls for something different yet approachable.

The recipe begins with halved eggplants, hollowed slightly to create space for the stuffing. The eggplant shells are brushed with olive oil and roasted until tender, their flesh becoming sweet and silky in the oven. Meanwhile, the scooped-out eggplant is diced and sautéed with onion, garlic, tomatoes, and herbs like parsley, oregano, or basil. This forms the flavorful base of the stuffing.

Next, tender white fish such as cod, haddock, or sea bass is gently flaked and mixed into the sautéed vegetables. The fish can be precooked or poached in a bit of lemon water or broth for extra flavor. The filling is then spooned generously into the roasted eggplant halves, topped with a light sprinkle of breadcrumbs or grated Parmesan (or a dairy-free alternative), and baked again until golden and bubbling.

What makes this dish truly special is its balance. The richness of the roasted eggplant contrasts beautifully with the lightness of the fish, while the tomatoes and herbs provide brightness and depth. The result is a satisfying, nutrient-rich meal that feels indulgent without being heavy.

Serve the baked stuffed eggplants warm, garnished with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon. Pair them with a simple green salad, herbed couscous, or crusty bread to complete the meal. This dish is naturally gluten-free if you skip the breadcrumbs or use a GF alternative, and it’s a great way to enjoy fish in a creative and wholesome way.

Baked stuffed eggplant with fish is rustic, elegant, and full of fresh, clean flavors that bring the spirit of the Mediterranean to your table.

Baked Stuffed Eggplant with Fish
Baked Stuffed Eggplant with Fish
3.78 from 141 votes
A delicious and healthy recipe for baked stuffed eggplant with fish.
Servings 4 people
Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 eggplant large,
  • 1 pound fish fillets
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 2 Garlic cloves minced
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup parsley chopped
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese grated
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Cut each eggplant in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh, leaving a 1/4-inch border. Chop the eggplant flesh and set aside.
  • Season the fish fillets with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the fish fillets until opaque and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and flake the fish into small pieces.
  • In the same skillet, heat another tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped eggplant flesh, onion, and garlic. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
  • In a bowl, combine the cooked rice, flaked fish, cooked vegetables, breadcrumbs, parsley, and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Stuff each eggplant half with the rice and fish mixture. Place the stuffed eggplants in a baking dish and drizzle with olive oil.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the eggplants are tender and the tops are golden brown.
  • Serve the baked stuffed eggplants as a main course or as a side dish. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 30gFat: 12gFiber: 8g
Calories: 350kcal
Meal Type: Lunch
Keyword: fish, fish lovers, lunch ideas, Stuffed Eggplant
Cooking Method: Baked
Time: >45 Min
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Join the Conversation
  1. User avatar armadillo says:

    5 stars
    Made this tonight and it was a total comfort-meal. The eggplant gets so tender, and the fish+rashice stuffing tastes way more flavorful than I expected. I used cod and it held up nicely.

  2. User avatar Sarah Bellum says:

    3 stars
    I tried this but my fish fell apart and it was a mess. Not sure if I did it right. Maybe less cooking time? I’d give it a 3 for the effort.

  3. User avatar ShanksOnePiece says:

    3 stars
    I think the breadcrumb amount might be a bit low? The filling was slightly loose, so mine didn’t brown as much. Still tasted good though.

    1. User avatar Elisabeth Hermiston says:

      5 stars
      Good catch—if the filling was looser, that would absolutely keep the breadcrumb topping from browning. I might add a few extra tbsp next time or mix in an extra handful if it looks wet.

  4. User avatar anibal.greenfelder63 says:

    3 stars
    Not bad but kinda bland for me. I followed it pretty much exactly and needed more salt/pepper. Next time I’ll add some red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning.

  5. User avatar joaquin.sauer says:

    4 stars
    Honestly, I was skeptical about putting breadcrumbs in the mix instead of on top, but it worked. The top got a nice texture from the drizzled olive oil.

  6. User avatar esperanza.douglas says:

    2 stars
    So much work for a vegitable. If I wanted fish, I’d just grill it. No need for all this stuffing.

  7. User avatar hayden.wilkinson31 says:

    5 stars
    This recipe is a keeper! The fish and eggplant go so well together. Can’t wait to make it again!

    1. User avatar Super Saiyan Vegeta says:

      5 stars
      I totally agree! This dish is so delicious. Gonna make it for my family this weekend!

  8. 5 stars
    Love how simple the ingredient list is. 375°F for 35-40 mins was right on for my oven. I served it with a salad and it felt like restaurant food.

    1. User avatar kraig.rutherford1955 says:

      4 stars
      375°F for 35-40 mins worked for me as well. Mine took closer to 40 though (maybe my oven runs hot). Either way, the filling was really flavorful with the parmesan and parsley.

    2. User avatar Tommy Hawk says:

      5 stars
      Yes!! The simplicity is what got me too. I also did 35 minutes and the tops were perfectly golden. Served mine with a lemony salad—super restaurant vibe.

  9. User avatar chase.bosco27 says:

    2 stars
    Baked?? I thought you were supposed to fry these! I don’t get it. But I guess it’s healthier?

  10. User avatar Effrafax of Wug says:

    3 stars
    Ehh, i dunno about this one. Might just stick with chicken next time. It wasn’t the worst, but not great either.

  11. User avatar Daedric Prince says:

    5 stars
    Eggplants are my fave! 5 stars! Easy buT DELISH! 👍🍆

  12. User avatar cassidy.effertz says:

    1 star
    Not for me, sorry. Eggplant is weird and I didn’t really like the texture. Maybe other people like it tho.

  13. 5 stars
    Wow, this looks fancy! I’m going to make it for my dinner party. I bet my friends will love it. Thanks for sharing!

  14. User avatar shannon.lowe2004 says:

    5 stars
    I added more cheese, and wow! Super cheesy and delicious. Will be making it again!

  15. 4 stars
    I was skeptical at first about fish in eggplant, but it actually turned out pretty good. Will try again!

  16. User avatar jared.ratke says:

    4 stars
    I have never cooked fish before. This recipe made it simple. Very yummy!

    1. User avatar raguel.rohan10 says:

      5 stars
      That’s awesome! I’m glad you found it simple. Fish can be intimidating, but it’s so good when it’s cooked right.

    2. 2 stars
      Yummy? Hmmm, fish isn’t my thing. I think I’d try it with something else, like chicken maybe?

  17. User avatar eric.gleichner says:

    3 stars
    I tried this and it was okay, but I think it needed more spices, maybe some cayenne? Also, my fish fell apart too much.

  18. User avatar Eddie the Computer says:

    3 stars
    I tried this and it was… okay. The fish was too bland for me. Maybe some lemon would help?

    1. User avatar martina.kohler2024 says:

      4 stars
      I totally agree! A squeeze of lemon would brighten it up a lot. Maybe some herbs too! 🍋

  19. User avatar joaquina.ferry58 says:

    2 stars
    I don’t know about this one… my kids are super picky eaters. They said NO WAY. Maybe I should try without the fish?

    1. 4 stars
      Maybe try veggies instead of fish? My kids love stuffed eggplant with just cheese and rice! Worth a shot!

    2. User avatar laurence.jerde92 says:

      2 stars
      Nah, my kids wouldn’t touch this either. Fish is too fishy! Stick to pizza, trust me.

  20. User avatar wade.brekke2004 says:

    1 star
    Too many steps for me. Cooking is hard and I’m not sure how to handle fish. 😩

    1. 4 stars
      I get it! Fish can be tricky, but once you try it, you might love it! Maybe start with simpler recipes first? 😊

  21. User avatar ferdinand.ondricka says:

    5 stars
    This is a game changer! I never thought to stuff eggplants like this. Flavors were incredible! 👍

  22. User avatar nelida.auer33 says:

    2 stars
    I tried this and it didn’t turn out great. The eggplant was too mushy for my taste and I think you might need to cook the fish longer.

  23. User avatar merle.kshlerin says:

    1 star
    Baked Eggplant? Nah, I’m not sure that sounds good. Fish with eggplant? Sounds weird.

  24. User avatar jaimee.brakus19 says:

    2 stars
    Why would someone stuff eggplant with fish? That just sounds wrong! Eggplants are for baking with cheese! 😒

    1. User avatar filiberto.mclaughlin5 says:

      5 stars
      I think that’s a unique combination! I’ve always enjoyed trying new things, and this sounds delicious to me. Eggplant can really take on flavors well. 😋

    2. User avatar steve_maga says:

      1 star
      Ugh, fish and eggplant just don’t mix! You might as well use jelly with it! Stick to cheese and tomato sauce, please.

  25. 5 stars
    Yum! I added some spice to it and it turned out fantastic! Thanks for sharing!

    1. 4 stars
      That sounds delicious! I might try adding garlic powder too next time. 😊

    2. User avatar deandre.toy37 says:

      3 stars
      Spice? What kind? I don’t think eggplant can handle too much. 🤷‍♂️

  26. User avatar Billy Medhurst says:

    5 stars
    This recipe is amazing! I made it for my family and they loved it! So flavorful.

    1. User avatar erin.bednar says:

      5 stars
      I totally agree! This recipe is a game changer. My kids devoured it too! 🌟

    2. User avatar marla.auer1985 says:

      3 stars
      Sounds good, but isn’t eggplant kinda bitter? Just wondering if it really tastes alright.

  27. User avatar ronnie.gusikowski says:

    5 stars
    This recipe is a game changer! I never thought eggplant could taste this good. The fish and rice combo is incredible. A definite 5 stars from me!

    1. User avatar bertie.macejkovic1972 says:

      5 stars
      Totally agree! I was surprised too. It’s a delish way to eat eggplant! 5 stars for sure!

  28. User avatar clint.cruickshank3 says:

    4 stars
    Quick and tastes great! Olive oil drizzles enhance the flavor. Will recommend to my friends.

    1. User avatar alva.rohan says:

      2 stars
      Sounds good, but fish in eggplant? Hmm, I dunno about that. Might stick to just veggies.

    2. 5 stars
      I totally agree! Olive oil really brings out the flavors. This dish is a hit at my home too!

  29. 2 stars
    My eggplant turned out mushy. What did I do wrong? Not sure about baking this way.

  30. User avatar billy.kuhic5 says:

    3 stars
    I don’t know about fish in eggplant… sounds a bit weird. Can it work?

  31. User avatar julene.senger says:

    5 stars
    This is one of those recipes where everything smells amazing while baking. The parmesan + breadcrumbs top is such a nice touch. Would 100% make again.

    1. User avatar winston.langworth42 says:

      5 stars
      Totally agree—my kitchen smelled incredible the whole time. That parmesan-breadcrumb top is legit. I’m making this again next week.

  32. User avatar ariel.funk says:

    3 stars
    Fish fillets + rice + parmesan = okay, but I think it needs acid (lemon?) or it’ll taste kinda flat. Still, I’d eat it lol.

  33. User avatar kaleigh.upton61 says:

    4 stars
    Fish in eggplant? Honestly I was skeptical, but it worked. The texture is great—like a stuffed casserole vibe but lighter. I did sauté the eggplant flesh a few minutes longer for deeper flavor.

    1. 5 stars
      I was skeptical too, but I actually love how the eggplant holds everything together. The casserole comparison is spot on—lighter but still satisfying. Great tip on sautéing the flesh a bit longer!

    2. User avatar coralie.ondricka25 says:

      3 stars
      Interesting combo, but 1 lb fish + 1 cup cooked rice feels like a lot of filling for 2 large eggplants. I tried something similar and it was kinda bland until I added more garlic/seasoning. Still, texture sounds good.

  34. User avatar Glossu "Beast" Rabban says:

    3 stars
    I’m not much of a cook. Can anyone tell me if I can skip the fish? Sounds complicated.

  35. User avatar bill.beahan78 says:

    2 stars
    I don’t trust recipes that don’t say whether to cover the baking dish. Eggplant can burn on top, and fish can get chewy. Still, parmesan makes everything better, I guess.

    1. 5 stars
      I actually covered mine with foil for the first 20 min so it wouldn’t dry out, then uncovered at the end. Eggplant gets tender way faster that way. Parmesan is doing the heavy lifting though 😄

    2. User avatar val.johns2016 says:

      4 stars
      Fair point on covering—this one doesn’t mention it. But baking time is 35-40 min and it says “tops golden,” so I’d probably leave it uncovered for color and just loosely foil it halfway if your oven runs hot.

  36. User avatar stasia.collier86 says:

    4 stars
    Eggplants are my fave! This is my new go-to dinner recipe. So easy and so good. YUM!

  37. User avatar lon.leannon says:

    4 stars
    The timing feels a bit optimistic. 35-40 minutes was not enough for my huge eggplants—had to bake closer to 50. Still worth it.

  38. User avatar Lumberjack says:

    5 stars
    This recipe is amazing! I’ve made it twice already and my family loves it.

  39. 4 stars
    Delicious! I didn’t have parmesan, so I used cheddar. Not bad, just try it out!

  40. User avatar joe_banana says:

    4 stars
    Super easy to make! But I might add some chili flakes next time for a kick. Thanks for the recipe!

    1. User avatar natisha.oberbrunner says:

      5 stars
      Chili flakes sound like a great idea! I think it’ll give it a nice flavor. I made it last week and it was super tasty!

3.78 from 141 votes
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