Do you need to soak the eggplant first to get rid of some of its bitterness?

Hi! Josh is right — if you do anything, salt it and let it drain in a colander. Some people salt to rid the eggplant of moisture; some because they believe it removes bitterness. I truthfully haven't salted an eggplant in years — can't be bothered! Doesn't seem to matter.

Your best bet is actually to salt it first, to get rid of the extra moisture...give it 30 minutes.
https://www.saveur.com/article/Techniques/Removing-the-Bitterness-from-Eggplant