How to Grill Onions (Best Types to Grill)

Grilling onions can elevate your outdoor cooking experience, adding a delicious and aromatic touch to your favorite dishes.

With various types of onions available, it’s essential to know which ones work best on the grill and how their flavors and textures differ.

In this guide, we’ll explore the top onion varieties for grilling and provide tips on how to make the most of their unique qualities.

How to Grill Onions (4 Steps)

Grilling onions to perfection can truly elevate your outdoor cooking experience. To achieve tender, caramelized onions, follow these simple steps:

1. Prepare the onions:

You can grill onions in rounds or wedges. For rounds, slice the onions into 3/4-1 inch thick pieces, and for wedges, cut the onion in half, then into 4 wedges. Remove the outer peel in both cases.

2. Brush with oil:

To prevent sticking and enhance caramelization, brush the onions with olive oil or another neutral oil.

3. Season:

Season both sides of the onions with salt and pepper, or experiment with different seasonings like steak seasoning, Cajun, or Italian seasoning.

4. Grill:

Place the onions directly on the grill grates and cook for 5-7 minutes per side. If they stick, wait until they’re ready to flip. To prevent onions from falling through the grates, you can skewer them, use foil on the grill, or use a grill basket.

Additional tips:

• Use sweet onions like Walla Walla or Vidalia for optimal caramelization.
• When slicing, ensure the pieces are even for even cooking.
• Cook the onions low and slow to avoid burning the outside while undercooking the inside.
• If grilling for a large crowd or with limited space, grill onions first, cover and set aside, then reheat before serving.

Feel free to experiment with different seasoning combinations, sauces, or dressings to complement your other grilled dishes.

Grilled onions make a delicious addition to salsas, relishes, and baked beans, adding a smoky flavor to your outdoor feasts.

What kind of onion is best for grilling?

When it comes to grilling onions, each type offers a unique flavor and texture. Here’s a summary of the best onions for grilling and their specific characteristics:

Red onions:

These onions boast a combination of robust flavor and sweetness, making them perfect for grilling.

They maintain their texture well on the grill and don’t get mushy. Red onions are excellent for steak, burgers, sandwiches, and salads.

Yellow onions:

Known for their strong, “oniony” flavor, yellow onions become much sweeter when cooked.

They are great for caramelizing and grilling and pair well with burgers, stir-fry, fajitas, and Mexican-inspired dishes.

White onions:

Offering the mildest flavor, white onions are universally appealing. They have a sweet, mild taste and contain less moisture than other onions. Soaking them in cold water before grilling can further soften their flavor.

Sweet onions (Vidalia, Maui):

These onions have the highest sugar content, resulting in exceptional caramelization and sweetness when grilled. They are great for pizza, pasta, and sauces.

While red and sweet onions are the top choices for grilling due to their sweetness and caramelization, other types like yellow and white onions can also produce delicious results.

Ultimately, the best onion for grilling depends on your personal taste preferences and the specific dish you’re preparing.

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Final Thoughts

Grilling onions is an excellent way to add a flavorful and smoky twist to your meals.

Red onions, sweet onions, yellow onions, and white onions all have their distinct characteristics and can be grilled to perfection with the right techniques.

Whether you’re preparing a steak, burger, or salad, incorporating grilled onions will undoubtedly enhance your dish.

So, fire up the grill, choose your favorite onion type, and enjoy the mouthwatering aroma and taste of perfectly grilled onions.

>> Visit our extensive BBQ guides page for more articles that are similar to this one.