Here’s the ultimate recipe for grilled onions that turn out sweet, smoky, and beautifully charred! With just three ingredients and 15 minutes, you can whip up the simplest grilled side dish of the summer.
Introducing one of the finest summer side dishes: grilled onions! The grilling process transforms this layered vegetable from spicy to sweet with a hint of smokiness. It becomes a tender, charred delight, and its bright pink hue is truly stunning!
When Alex and I fire up the grill, we always toss in red onions alongside a medley of other grilled vegetables, as they provide fantastic flavor. They are a perfect accompaniment to grilled shrimp or burgers, and even make for a delightful burger topping!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Onions and the grill are a match made in heaven! Since they are ideally suited for grilling, they require minimal seasoning. When Alex first took these off the grill, I kept asking, “What did you add to these?” No need for much seasoning; onions taste incredible as is. Below are the three ingredients needed for grilled onions:
Red onions: My favorite choice for grilling is red onions because they retain their shape and boast a lovely color. However, yellow or sweet onions (like Vidalia) are fantastic options too! You can even mix different onions for a beautiful presentation.
Olive oil: I prefer using extra-virgin olive oil for all of my grilling needs.
Kosher salt: This enhances the onion’s natural sweetness as the sugars caramelize.
How to Cut Onions for the Grill (the Most Important Step)
The key to making perfect grilled onions lies in cutting them so that the root end remains whole. Here’s why:
Keeping the root intact allows the layers to stay together while grilling. If not, the onion will fall apart into layers, and they may slip through the grates. If this happens, no worries! Just use a grill basket or a piece of foil laid over the grates.
Slice the onion in half, then create wedges by cutting just below the root. This keeps the layers connected to the root end. Check the photos for clarification!
How to Grill Onions Step-by-Step
Using the right cutting technique (as described above), you can grill the onions directly on the grates! It’s quick and simple: cook them until charred and tender. Here are the basic steps (or skip to the recipe):
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 375 to 450 degrees.
Cut the onions into wedges, maintaining the root end. This helps keep the layers together while grilling.
Toss with olive oil and salt. That’s all you need.
Grill on the grates for 8 to 10 minutes. Cook until charred and tender, flipping once.
Ways To Serve Them
Grilled onions make an excellent side for any summer grilled meal! Here are several main dishes that complement the sweet, tender goodness of red onions:
Grilled Sides That Pair Well with Onions
If you’re already igniting the grill, take full advantage of it. Here are the vegetables I like to cook alongside red onions when entertaining:
Grilled Peppers
Grilled Squash or Grilled Zucchini
Grilled Portobellos or Grilled Mushrooms
Perfect Potatoes, Potatoes in Foil or Grilled Sweet Potatoes
Grilled Carrots
Grilled Asparagus or Green Beans
Cabbage Wedges or Bok Choy
BBQ Grilled Cauliflower or Grilled Broccoli
How to Store Grilled Onions
Grilled onions taste best the day they’re grilled, but leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes. They’re incredibly tasty on a sandwich (like a burrata sandwich) or in tacos (such as black bean tacos)!
Dietary Notes
This recipe is vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free, and gluten-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I grill onions in foil instead of directly on the grates? Absolutely! Wrap the wedges in a foil packet with oil and salt, and grill for 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll achieve tender, jammy onions without heavy charring, making it a suitable option if your grates are crowded with proteins.
Why are my grilled onions falling apart? The root end of the onion keeps the layers together; if you cut it off or slice through it completely, the wedges will fall apart. Ensure the root stays fully attached, and cut towards it, not through it.
Can I use a grill pan or cast-iron skillet on the grill? Yes, and this works wonderfully if your grates are spaced wide apart. Heat the pan on the grill.