Learn to make Grilled Onions so mouthwatering, they just might steal the show at your next cookout!
When it comes to sinking your teeth into something browned, juicy, and fragrant, hot off the grill, what do you think of? If I told you onions, you’d probably laugh, but these grilled medallions are so sweet and fragrant, they’re my new obsession. Plus, I know that if I make them at a cookout, they’re totally going to please everyone, from carnivores to vegans. They’re as excellent as a topping for steaks or burgers as they are with tofu or some grilled halloumi—they’re that good!
What’s so special about grilling onions? First off, onions are one of the vegetables with the highest amount of sugar. That means that when they hit the grill, they’ll do an amazing job of browning and caramelizing. If you’ve ever made caramelized onions on the stovetop, you’ll know what I’m talking about. Plus, when you cook the onions in nice thick slabs like this, you’ll get a truly impressive presentation. You can also wedge the onions into sandwiches. But they’re also good enough to star on their own—a sprinkling of feta or some steak sauce wouldn’t hurt!
Are Grilled Onions Healthy?
Nutrient-dense onions feature two very healthy dietary traits they share with most other vegetables: They’re low in calories and high in fiber. Onions are also packed with vitamin C, potassium, and the antioxidants known as flavonoids. Grilling them simply with a little bit of olive oil makes them suitable for any keto, Paleo, or vegan diet as well—delicious and nutritious! These onions are, however, slightly high in sodium since they’re salted to increase their flavor. If sodium intake is a concern, you can lower the amount of salt you use or omit it altogether.
Why Onions Make Us Weep, And What You Can Do About It
Sure, onions are amazingly delicious, but it’s not their tastiness that brings cooks to tears when they’re slicing them. Onions contain volatile sulfur compounds released as a gas when their cell walls are cut. If the compounds make it to your eyes, they can trigger tears, a protective measure designed to wash away the irritant.
Sensitivity to these sulfur compounds varies from person to person, and it turns out that contact lenses actually provide a level of protection. But if you’re looking for strategies to lower your exposure, there are a few things you can do.
- Make sure your knife is very sharp; clean cuts will release less sulfur than jagged ones.
- Refrigerate onions for 30 minutes before you slice them to minimize the release of sulfur.
- Turn on your kitchen exhaust fan, then place your cutting board and onions directly beneath it.
- Don a pair of safety goggles when you slice; regular glasses will offer only minimal protection.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Grilled onions should ideally be served right away for the best texture and aroma, but you can also refrigerate them in a sealed container for up to 3 days. To reheat them, it’s best to toss the medallions onto a hot pan or grill and sear quickly on both sides before serving.
Serving Suggestions
These grilled onion medallions are delicious and picture-perfect on your favorite burger. Try them on beef burgers, Turkey Burgers, or Salmon Burgers, They’d also be excellent with sausages or yummy Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs or along your favorite steak, such as Grilled London Broil. Or just serve the onions as a delicious vegetable side—they’re that yummy!
Ingredients
- 4 large yellow onions
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 375°F to 450°F.
- Peel the onions and cut them into 1/2-inch thick rounds, being careful to keep the rings intact.
- Brush both sides of the onion rounds with olive oil and season with kosher salt and black pepper.
- Place the onion rounds on the grill and cook for about 10 minutes per side, or until they have nice grill marks and are tender.
- Transfer the grilled onions to a serving plate and enjoy as a delicious addition to your meal.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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