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Smoky grilled onions make the perfect addition to any bbq and especially hamburgers! The char from the grill paired with the subtle bite and sweetness of a Vidalia onion is a flavor combination that can’t be beaten.
Onions are a quintessential part of summer cuisine. Whether you’re grilling salmon burgers, chicken kabobs, a juicy steak, or preparing a delicious salad, onions add flavor and depth to any dish. But slicing and grilling onions can be tricky – they often fall through the grill grates or get stuck to them. In this recipe, I’ll share some tips and tricks for how to grill sweet onions perfectly every time!
why you’ll love these grilled Vidalia onions
- Perfect for burgers. Grilled onions add another layer of flavor to your burger. The sweetness of the onion pairs perfectly with the savory beef burger and salty cheese.
- They’re easy to make! With just a few simple tips, you can grill onions like a pro.
- They’re versatile. You can enjoy them as a side dish or add them to your favorite recipe.
- Grilling brings out the flavor of the onion. The high heat of the grill caramelizes the sugars in the onion, resulting in a sweet and savory flavor.
Ingredients you need to make grilled onions
- Onions! Vidalia onions are my personal favorite, but you can use any type of onion you like. I recommend going for a sweeter variety of onions, such as a Vidalia, Walla Walla, or Maui onion.
- Olive oil: This will help prevent the onions from sticking to the grill grates.
- Spices: A little bit of salt and pepper goes a long way in bringing out the flavor of the onions.
How to grill onion rings/Slices
If you want to make grilled onions for burgers, then slices are the way to go!
Prep The Onion slices
- Lay the onion on its side on your cutting board, and cut the onion into thick slices.
- Carefully slide the metal skewers through the center of the onion rings, while holding down the rings with your other hand.
- Use a brush to spread the olive oil and seasoning all over the onions on both sides.
Grill Onion Rings
- Preheat the grill. Place the onion skewers directly on the grill.
- Flip the onions and cook until they easily release off the grill and have softened.
how to grill onion chunks
Grilled onion chunks go great with grilled steak, grilled marinated chicken, or anything else you might be throwing on the grill!
Prep Onion chunks
- Cut the onion in half vertically and then cut each half again to make small wedges.
- Carefully slide the metal skewers from the smaller part of the onion chunk through to the larger side.
- Use a brush to spread the olive oil and seasoning all over the onions on both sides.
Grill Onion Chunks
- Place the onion skewers directly on the preheated grill.
- Cook until they easily release off the grill and have softened.
Tips for grilling onions
- Use sweet onions. While this recipe works well with any type of onions, sweet ones like Vidalia get the best caramelization on the grill.
- Repurpose leftovers easily. Grilled onions are delicious fresh off the grill, but for some reason, they are just not as appealing the next day. So I love to throw them in a pot with other vegetables to make an easy marinara sauce or soup like tomato soup or creamy vegetable soup.
- Freeze them. Yes, you can actually freeze grilled onions! Just place them in a freezer-safe bag and use them within six months. They’re great to have on hand for last-minute meals or when you’re short on time.
- Use the skewers. It may be tempting to just place the onion rings or chunks directly on the grill, but I find that skewering them makes it much easier to turn and cook evenly without losing them through the grates.
popular substitutions & additions
- Marinate your onions. If you want to add even more flavor to your grilled onions, try marinating them in a mixture of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and your favorite herbs.
- Add some spice. If you like things spicy, try adding a few dashes of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the mix.
- Make it cheesy. Grilled onions are delicious on their own, but if you’re looking to take them to the next level, try adding some cheese. A few slices of cheddar or Swiss cheese would be delicious!
what to serve with your grilled onions
- For the onion chunks, I love serving them with anything on a skewer: Chicken Tawook, Beef Kafta, Lamb Kabobs, Grilled Chicken Kabobs, or West African Beef Kabobs.
- For the onion rings, try serving them with burgers and sandwiches like: Avocado Burger, Lamb Burger, Turkey Burger, Beef Burgers, Veggie and Hummus Sandwich, or Grilled Steak.
how to store & reheat grilled onions
Grilled onions can be stored in the fridge. To reheat, simply place them in a pan over medium heat until warmed through.
how long will grilled onions last in the fridge?
Grilled onions will last in the fridge for up to four days.
Can you freeze grilled onions?
Yes, grilled onions can be frozen! Simply place them in a freezer-safe bag and use them within six months. They are great in soups! They will not hold their crunch and may be a little soggy, but the flavor is still there, making them perfect for soups.
Frequently asked questions
The best onions for grilling are sweet onions like Vidalia, Walla Walla, or Maui. You can use red, white, or yellow onions, but they won’t be as caramelized.
No, it’s best to use oil to prevent the onions from sticking to the grill grates and to help them caramelize.
For this recipe, I do recommend peeling the onions, but if you’re in a pinch, you can leave the skins on. Just make sure to give them a good rinse before cooking. You don’t want the skins igniting.
So there you have it – everything you need to know about grilling sweet onions! I hope you find these tips and tricks helpful the next time you fire up the grill. Enjoy! Do you have any other tips or tricks for grilling onions? Share them in the comments below! Happy grilling.
More grilled vegetables:
- Grilled Tomatoes
- Grilled Portabella Mushrooms
- Grilled Romaine Lettuce
- Grilled Zucchini
- Grilled Eggplant
- Grilled Corn
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Grilled Onions
Ingredients
- 2 sweet onions
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley to garnish
Instructions
- Peel off the outer layers of the onions and discard. Leave the root end intact to make it easier to cut the onions.
For grilled onion slices:
- Lay the onion on its side on your cutting board, and cut the onions into ½ inch thick slices. Cut off the root and discard. You should get about 4-6 rings per onion. Carefully slide the metal skewers through the center of the onion rings, while holding down the rings with your other hand.
For grilled onion chunks:
- Cut the onion in half vertically. Make three vertical cuts into each half and then slice them in half crosswise. Cut off the root and discard. You should get 12 chunks per onion. Carefully slide the metal skewers from the smaller part of the onion chunk through to the larger side. Add as many onion chunks that can fit on a skewer (3-6)
Grilling Instructions:
- Drizzle the onions with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Use a brush to spread the olive oil and seasoning all over the onions on both sides.
- Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium heat and oil the grates or pan. Place the onion skewers directly on the grill. Cook for 5 minutes, then try to flip (if sticky, keep on for 1-2 more minutes) and cook for 5-7 more minutes until they easily release off the grill and have softened.
- Serve immediately with fresh parsley, if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.
