Best Ever Grilled Onions
Grilled onions are a simple yet incredible addition to burgers, sandwiches, steaks, or any grilled meal. This recipe will show you how to make perfectly caramelized, slightly smoky onions with just the right touch of seasoning. These Best Ever Grilled Onions are tender, savory, and a little sweet, making them the perfect topping for any dish.
Ingredients for Best Ever Grilled Onions
- 2 large onions (sweet onions like Vidalia work well)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional, for extra sweetness and depth)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for a subtle garlicky flavor)
- Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary (optional, for added flavor)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Grilled Onions
Step 1: Prepare the Onions
- Peel and Slice: Peel the onions and slice them into 1/2-inch thick rings. Keep the rings intact for easy grilling.
- Brush with Oil: In a small bowl, mix olive oil or melted butter with balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using). Brush both sides of the onion rings with the mixture, coating evenly.
Step 2: Grill the Onions
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 350-400°F).
- Grill the Onions: Place the onion rings on the grill grates. Close the lid and cook for 5-7 minutes per side or until grill marks appear and the onions become tender. Use tongs to carefully flip the onions.
Step 3: Serve and Enjoy!
- Remove from Grill: Transfer the onions to a plate, and sprinkle fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary if desired.
- Serve Warm: Enjoy the onions as a topping on burgers, steaks, or sandwiches, or serve them as a side dish with grilled meats and vegetables.
Tips for Perfect Grilled Onions
- Choose Sweet Onions: Sweet onions like Vidalia or Walla Walla add a natural sweetness that enhances the flavor.
- Avoid High Heat: Grilling over medium heat allows the onions to soften and caramelize without burning.
- Use a Grill Basket: If you’re grilling smaller pieces of onion, use a grill basket to prevent them from falling through the grates.
Variations
- Honey Balsamic Glaze: For extra sweetness, add 1 teaspoon of honey to the balsamic mixture.
- Smoked Paprika: Sprinkle a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky depth of flavor.
- Herb-Infused Butter: Brush the onions with butter melted with herbs like rosemary and thyme for added richness.
Grilled onions are the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors, and they’ll quickly become a favorite addition to your grilling lineup. Serve these Best Ever Grilled Onions with any dish for a delicious, simple upgrade!