Option 1 - Cook the eggplant over a gas burner (Recommended): Cook the eggplants one at a time. Turn the gas stove to medium heat and place the eggplant over the flame using a pair of tongs. Let cook until the bottom side turns light brown, then rotate. Turn to medium-low heat if the eggplant starts to smoke too much. Cook until the eggplant turns tender throughout and most of the surface has turned dark brown, but not completely black.