How to keep onions intact as you grill
A frequent issue you may face when grilling onions is the layers separating and possibly slipping through the grates, which can be quite frustrating. Fortunately, there's an easy fix: skewering. Start by soaking wooden skewers in water to prevent them from igniting on the grill. Take each onion slice and pierce it from the side, pushing the skewer through the layers until it exits on the opposite side. This way, you can easily move, turn, and flip your onions without worrying about them falling apart.
Another option is to use a grill basket before placing the onions on the grates. The tightly woven mesh of the basket ensures that even small onion pieces stay put, even if they start to come apart. Alternatively, you can create a simple solution with tin foil. Lay the foil over the grates and poke a few small holes in it to allow heat to circulate. Then, place your onion slices on top of the foil and grill away.
If you prefer a method that doesn't require any extra tools, the key lies in how you cut the onion. Keep the root end intact and slice the bulb into wedges lengthwise, ensuring each wedge ends at the root. This technique will keep all the layers together, and you can easily remove the root before serving.
Dishes to elevate with grilled onions
Once the grilled onions are ready, it's time to incorporate them into your dish. The most popular way to enjoy these charred alliums is as a topping for burgers, hot dogs, and sandwiches. Their smoky and savory flavor pairs beautifully with the meats, cheeses, and vegetables nestled between the bun or slices of bread. For a more unconventional twist, consider adding grilled onions to pizza. While similar to caramelized onions, the grilled version offers a more pronounced smoky taste. They harmonize wonderfully with various pizza toppings, such as feta cheese, fresh herbs, and pizza sauce, resulting in a familiar yet intriguing pie.
Grilled onions also complement grilled meats like beef steak and pork chops exceptionally well. They enhance the flavor of grilled chicken and fish, too. With their matching smoky notes, your meat dishes will become richer, making each bite more enjoyable than the last.
Another fantastic way to utilize grilled onions is in salads. Toss them into a bowl of your favorite greens with a light vinaigrette and some crumbled cheese, then mix until well combined. You'll love the delightful contrast between the warm grilled onions and the cool, crisp vegetables.
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