Step 1

Cube the eggplant. Slice the stem end off of the eggplant. Peel the eggplant. Cut the eggplant into 1-inch cubes.

Step 2

Salt the eggplant. Place the eggplant in a colander or salad spinner and sprinkle with the salt. Toss to combine, then let the eggplant sit for 30 minutes. If you're using a colander, you'll want to place it in a sink or bowl, as the eggplant will let off a bit of water. Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat to 400°F.

Step 3

Rinse and dry. Rinse the eggplant under cool water and then dry thoroughly. (This is where the salad spinner comes in handy.) If you're working with a colander, place the rinsed eggplant cubes out on a few layers of paper towels and pat dry with a few more towels.

Step 4

Toss with olive oil. Transfer the eggplant to a baking sheet and spread out into a single layer. Drizzle with the oil and toss to coat.

Step 5

Roast. Roast the eggplant for 20 minutes. Flip and roast until golden-brown and tender, 10 to 20 minutes more. Use the roasted eggplant cubes in salads, as a stand-in for home fries, or as a simple side all on their own.

Step 6

Slice into steaks. Slice the stem end off of the eggplant, then slice the eggplant lengthwise into 1-inch-thick "steaks."

Step 7

Salt the eggplant. Lay the eggplant out on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Sprinkle each side of the steaks with the salt and let the eggplant sit for 30 minutes. Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat to 400°F.

Step 8

Rinse and dry. Rinse the eggplant under cool water and then dry thoroughly. You can rinse the eggplant steaks while still on the cooling rack — just flip once to get each side. Pat dry with paper towels.

Step 9

Season the steaks. Transfer the eggplant to a baking sheet and spread out into a single layer. Combine the oil, tamari or soy sauce, and paprika in a small bowl, then brush onto both sides and edges of the steaks.

Step 10

Roast. Roast the eggplant for 20 minutes. Flip and roast until golden-brown and tender, 10 to 20 minutes more. Serve immediately.