Top 4 Onions for Grilling and Their Perfect Pairings
The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and grill season is finally upon us. While juicy burgers and succulent ribs often steal the show, let’s not forget about a hero of flavor enhancement – the humble onion. Whether skewered on a kabob, grilled whole, or caramelized to top your favorite steak, onions add a depth of flavor that’s impossible to ignore.
Not sure which onions to toss onto your grill? We’ve got you covered! In today’s post, we’ll delve into four of the best onions for grilling and suggest some fabulous meal pairings for each.
Yellow Onions
Let’s start with the most common one – yellow onions. They’re robust and have a strong flavor that sweetens as they cook. Given their size and durability, they’re perfect for grilling either in wedges or whole. Yellow onions shine when paired with classic grilled meats. Try them with grilled beef steaks, juicy BBQ chicken, or nestled next to a lamb chop. Their caramelized sweetness acts as the perfect counterbalance to the rich, savory meat flavors.
Red Onions
Red onions, with their vibrant color and slightly sweet flavor, are a griller’s best friend. Their firm structure holds up well to high grilling temperatures. And not just this, they turn milder and slightly sweet when grilled, making them a perfect addition to grilled vegetable skewers or a fresh, grilled romaine salad. You could also layer them on top of a grilled pizza or use them to complement grilled fish like salmon or mahi-mahi.
Sweet Onions
Sweet onions, like Vidalia or Walla Walla, are a summertime treat. Known for their mild, sweet flavor, these onions are perfect for people who aren’t fans of the strong, pungent onion taste. Their inherent sweetness intensifies upon grilling, making them an excellent pairing for sweet, smoky, or spicy BBQ sauces. They pair wonderfully with pork chops, grilled pineapple, or a hearty Portobello mushroom burger for a vegetarian option.
White Onions
Lastly, we have the crisp and slightly tangy white onions. These onions are incredible when grilled whole or halved, offering a balanced flavor profile that pairs well with almost anything. A popular choice in Mexican cuisine, grilled white onions add an aromatic charm to grilled skirt steak for fajitas or carnitas. They also beautifully complement other grilled veggies, like bell peppers and zucchini, creating a delightful veggie platter.
Tips for Grilling Onions
Grilling onions is an art in itself. Here are some top tips to achieve the perfect, mouth-watering grilled onions:
- Preparation is key – Peel your onions, then cut them in a way that maximizes surface area for optimal caramelization. Thick rings, wedges, or halves work great.
- Use skewers or a grilling basket – If cutting into smaller pieces, skewers or a grilling basket can prevent your onions from falling through the grill grates.
- Season generously – A drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper goes a long way. For added flavor, try a sprinkle of your favorite BBQ rub or fresh herbs.
- Monitor the heat – Grilled onions need moderate heat. Too hot, and they’ll burn before fully cooked; too low, and they won’t caramelize properly.
- Patience – Let your onions grill undisturbed for several minutes to allow them to caramelize and char slightly. Turning them too often can hinder this process.
Final Thoughts
Onions, in their variety and versatility, are truly an unsung hero in the grilling world. Whether you’re team yellow, red, sweet, or white, there’s an onion out there to elevate your BBQ game. So next time you fire up your grill, remember to make some room for these flavor-packed bulbs. Their charred, caramelized goodness might just steal the show from your main grilling stars. Now go forth and grill those glorious onions!