Mastering The Bbq: Grilling Onions To Perfection

Grilled onions are a delicious side dish or topping for burgers, sandwiches, salads, pizzas, and more. They are easy to make and can be cooked in many different ways, such as on a grill, in the oven, or in a pan. The key to getting them just right is to cook them slowly so that they caramelize and become sweet and tender. You can use any type of onion, but sweet onions like Vidalia or Walla Walla tend to work best as their sugars caramelize perfectly.

Choosing the right onion

Type of Onion: Different types of onions have varying levels of sweetness and sharpness. White onions, for example, are the mildest and tend to have a less sharp onion flavour. Soaking white onion slices in cold water before grilling can further reduce their sharpness. In contrast, yellow onions have the strongest onion flavour and are typically not eaten raw due to their pungency. However, when cooked, yellow onions become sweeter and are great for caramelization. Red onions offer a balance between onion flavour and sweetness, and they hold their texture well when grilled. For the sweetest option, choose sweet onions like Vidalia, Maui, or Walla Walla, which have the highest sugar content and will caramelize beautifully.

Size and Cut: The size of the onion and the way you cut it will also impact the cooking process and final flavour. Larger onions can be cut into thick wedges or slices, while smaller onions can be grilled whole. Cutting the onion into even slices of about 3/4-inch thickness will ensure more uniform cooking. If grilling in rounds, carefully remove the outer layer, and if grilling in wedges, cut the onion in half and then into wedges before removing the peel.

Personal Preference: Ultimately, the "right" onion to choose depends on your personal preference for flavour and texture. If you prefer a milder onion flavour, opt for white or sweet onions. If you enjoy the sharp and pungent taste of raw onions, yellow onions will provide the most intense onion flavour. Red onions offer a balance between sweetness and onion flavour. Consider the dish you are preparing and whether you want the onions to be a standout side or a complementary topping.

Availability and Cost: The availability and cost of different onion varieties may also influence your decision. Certain types of onions may be more readily available or affordable during specific seasons or in certain regions.

Experimentation: Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of onions to find the ones that suit your taste preferences and cooking methods best. You may discover that you prefer the sweetness of grilled sweet onions or the more intense flavour of grilled yellow onions. By trying out various options, you can determine which onion works best for your BBQ dishes.

Preparing the onion

First, choose the right type of onion. Sweet onions, such as Walla Walla or Vidalia, are excellent choices as their high sugar content allows them to caramelize beautifully. If you prefer a milder "onion" flavour, you can opt for white onions. Red onions also work well on the grill as they offer a balance of onion flavour and sweetness.

Once you've selected your onions, it's time to cut them. You have two main options: rounds or wedges. For rounds, carefully slice the onion into pieces about 3/4–1 inch thick, removing the outer layer. If you prefer wedges, cut the onion in half and then into four wedges, removing the outer peel. It's worth noting that rounds tend to result in more tender and caramelized onions.

After cutting, brush the onion slices with olive oil on both sides. This step is important as it ensures the onions don't stick to the grill and promotes even caramelization. Additionally, seasoning the onions with salt and pepper, or other seasonings of your choice, will enhance their flavour.

If you're using wooden skewers, now is the time to thread the onion slices onto them. Skewering the onions helps prevent them from falling apart or slipping through the grill grates. Place a skewer through the centre of each onion slice to secure the tender middle part.

Finally, preheat your grill to medium heat. This temperature setting is crucial as cooking onions at high heat can lead to a burnt exterior and undercooked interior. You can also create a two-zone fire on a charcoal grill by having coals on one side and none on the other, allowing you to adjust the cooking temperature as needed.

By following these preparation steps, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious, tender, and sweet grilled onions that will be a hit at your next BBQ!

Seasoning the onion

Firstly, brush the onion slices with olive oil on both sides. This will ensure that the onions do not stick to the grill and will help to create a beautiful golden colour on the onions.

Next, you can add your chosen seasonings. A simple option is to sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides of the onion slices. If you want something with more flavour, you could try using steak seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or Italian seasoning. You could also try adding a pinch of garlic salt, or rosemary and thyme.

If you are cooking the onions in a skillet, you can add the seasonings to the skillet along with the onions. If you are cooking the onions in foil, you can add the seasonings to the foil before placing the onions inside.

Cooking the onion

There are several ways to cook an onion on a BBQ. You can cook it directly on the grill, in a skillet on the grill, or wrapped in foil.

Direct on the grill

To cook an onion directly on the grill, you can cut it into rounds or wedges. For rounds, slice the onion into pieces about 3/4–1 inch thick. For wedges, cut the onion in half and then into four wedges. Brush the onion slices with olive oil on both sides and sprinkle with salt and pepper or steak seasoning. Place the onions directly on the grill grates and cook for 5–7 minutes on each side.

In a skillet on the grill

To cook onions in a skillet on the grill, preheat your outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Place a heavy skillet on the grill rack and add butter and olive oil. Slice two large onions and add them to the skillet. Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and wilted. Turn the heat down to medium-low and continue cooking for about 10 minutes. Sprinkle sugar over the onions, stir, and cook for 10–15 minutes more, until the onions are a deep golden brown colour.

Wrapped in foil

To cook onions on the grill wrapped in foil, preheat the grill to medium heat. Cut the onion into slices or wedges, then place them in aluminium foil, dot with butter, and sprinkle with seasonings such as black pepper, salt, or beef bouillon. Fold the foil into a packet, leaving a small hole at the top, and place on the grill. Cook for 45 minutes to an hour, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and a deep brown colour.

Choosing the right onion

All types of onions can be delicious when grilled, but each will have a slightly different flavour. White onions are the mildest, while yellow onions have the strongest onion flavour. Red onions offer a balance of onion flavour and sweetness, and Vidalia, Maui, and sweet onions have the highest sugar content and will be the sweetest when grilled.

Serving the onion

Once your onions are grilled to perfection, it's time to serve them! Grilled onions are incredibly versatile and can be used in a multitude of ways. Here are some ideas to get you started:

As a Side Dish

Grilled onions can be served as a flavourful side dish on their own. Their natural sweetness and caramelization will make them a delicious addition to any meal. You can also pair them with other grilled vegetables like zucchini, green beans, or cauliflower for a tasty and healthy side.

On Burgers and Sandwiches

Add a juicy, sweet, and savoury kick to your burgers and sandwiches by using grilled onions as a topping. They pair exceptionally well with burgers, whether it's a juicy ribeye burger or a vegetarian option. Grilled onions can also elevate a simple grilled cheese sandwich or add a twist to your favourite steak sandwich.

In Salads

Chop up your grilled onions and sprinkle them over your favourite salad for a burst of flavour and texture. They go particularly well with avocado toast, pasta salad, or even a hearty steak salad.

With Meat

Grilled onions are the perfect complement to grilled meats like steak, pork chops, or chicken. Top your meat with the grilled onions, or serve them on the side for a flavourful accompaniment. The natural sweetness of the onions will enhance the savoury notes of the meat.

In Tacos

Take your taco nights to the next level by adding grilled onions as a topping. They will add a depth of flavour and a nice charred texture to your tacos. You can also use grilled onions in other Mexican-inspired dishes like fajitas or casseroles.

In Scrambles and Frittatas

Leftover grilled onions can be chopped up and added to egg dishes like scrambles or frittatas. They will give your breakfast a savoury boost and are a great way to switch up your morning routine.

On Pizzas

Grilled onions make a fantastic pizza topping. Their sweet and savoury flavour will complement the cheese and sauce, and they add a nice charred texture to your pie.

In Soups and Steamed Vegetables

Grilled onions can be stirred into your favourite vegetable soup for added depth of flavour. They also pair well with steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. Simply scatter the grilled onions over the veggies for a tasty and nutritious side dish.

Frequently asked questions