Sweet & Smoky Grilled Onions

Sweet & smoky grilled onions! Perfect for burgers, tacos, or just as a tasty side. Easy to make and guaranteed to be a BBQ hit. Get the recipe now!

Alright, let's dive in!

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a simple BBQ side that everyone will rave about? This grilled onions recipe will turn humble onions into smoky, sweet deliciousness. Honestly, who knew onions could taste this good?

Brief Overview

These amazing caramelized onions are inspired by classic american bbq. they are so good, i bet you will want to put them in your french onion soup recipe .

It’s an easy recipe. it takes only 40- 50 minutes to make. this recipe yields 4-6 servings of pure foodie crush .

Main Benefits

Onions are surprisingly good for you. they are packed with antioxidants! these grilled onions are perfect for bbqs or a casual weeknight meal.

What makes them special? the smoky paprika and balsamic vinegar create a flavour explosion! if you're trying to figure out what onion recipes to make, these are great!

Ready for the ingredient list? Let's go! You will need just a few ingredients for this carmelized onions .

Ingredients You'll Need

• 2 large Vidalia onions (about 1 lb total).
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml).
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (15ml).
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (5ml).
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder (2.5ml).
• ½ teaspoon salt (2.5ml).
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper (1.25ml).

I have tried this caramelized onions recipe with both charcoal and gas grills. i actually prefer charcoal for that extra smoky flavour.

Just be sure to control the heat. the great thing is that you can also use the same ingredients for french onion soup , or even for onion soup recipes ! you can also try them in the instant pot .

The french onion soup recipe is a real winner in the colder months.

The sweet Caramelized Onions can be used in so many ways to kick up your meal!

Right then, let's talk ingredients ! forget boring sides, we're about to make grilled onions the star of the show.

Honestly, get this right, and you'll be the bbq legend everyone raves about. i swear, this caramelized onions recipe is going to rock your world!

What You'll Need, My Lovely

Main Ingredients

• 2 large Vidalia onions, about 1 lb (450g) – Quality matters here! Look for firm onions, no bruises.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (15ml)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (5ml)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder (2.5ml)
• ½ teaspoon salt (2.5ml)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper (1.25ml)

Seasoning Notes

For this caramelized onions version it’s all about smoky sweetness, right? smoked paprika is the key, trust me. you know, that's what makes all the difference! if you're a spice fiend, like me, a pinch of cayenne never hurts.

Don’t have smoked paprika? regular paprika with a tiny drop of liquid smoke works in a pinch. balsamic brings a tangy sweetness.

Don't have it? red wine vinegar is the ticket.

Equipment Needed

• Grill – Gas or charcoal, whatever floats your boat. You know, if you wanted to go all fancy pants and Instant Pot them you could, but that's Caramelized Onions territory rather than grilled!
• Large bowl
• Sharp knife – Don't be using a butter knife now!
• Cutting board
• Grilling tongs – Essential. No one wants burnt fingers.

Look, you don’t need fancy kit here. a decent grill and some elbow grease are all that's needed. now let's get ready to transform these onion recipes into something amazing.

We are going for foodie crush status, ok? have you tried making french onion soup? if not, maybe you should.

Some say that french onion soup made using caramelized onions is the best onion soup recipes ever.

Okay, mate, let’s talk grilled onions . forget boring sides, we're making proper, caramelized onions that’ll have everyone begging for more.

Honestly, these are so good, they might just steal the show from the burgers!

Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row

Essential Mise en Place: Chop, Chop!

First things first: peel those 2 large vidalia onions (or any sweet ones you can find). slice them into ½-inch thick rounds.

Don’t stress if they fall apart a bit. grab a large bowl, too. you'll also need 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.

Time-Saving Organization: Be a Smart Cookie

Whisk all those lovely ingredients (oil, vinegar, spices) in the bowl. now, toss the onion rings in that mix. this gives the caramelized onions recipe flavour.

Get them well coated. you know? this little step is key.

Safety First: Don’t Be a Numpty!

Mind your fingers when slicing. A sharp knife is a safe knife as they say. And be careful around a hot grill, yeah? We don't need any A&E trips.

Step-by-Step: Grilling Like a Boss

Let's go Through this, step-by-step

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 350- 400° F) . Make sure those grates are clean. Nobody wants yesterdays burnt sausage flavour, right?
2. Lay those onion slices on the grill. Don’t overcrowd them. Cook in batches if you need to.
3. Grill for 5- 7 minutes per side . Keep an eye on them. Look for that lovely char.
4. If they're browning too fast, move them to a cooler spot. We want Caramelized Onions , not burnt offerings.
5. Continue grilling until they're tender. This is the golden ticket.
6. Remove and serve immediately.

Visual Cues: Know When They’re Ready

You’re looking for softened onions with a nice char. They should be translucent and sweet smelling. A fork should slide through easily.

Critical Temperature: Not Too Hot, Not Too Cold

Maintain that 350- 400° F temperature. Too hot, and they burn. Too cold, and they’ll never caramelize properly.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Grill Game

Expert Techniques: Secrets Revealed

A little balsamic vinegar adds tang and helps with caramelization. Using a sweet onion like Vidalia is also the cheat code.

Common Mistakes: Avoid These Blunders

Don't overcrowd the grill. And keep a close eye to prevent burning. Trust me, it happens.

Make-Ahead Options: Get Ahead of the Game

You can marinate the onions a few hours in advance. it actually improves the flavour. you might even consider using this for your french onion soup recipe .

This simple trick can make the best onion soup recipes . my grandma's famous french onion soup all started with caramelized onions .

I know it's not the instant pot version everyone loves, but it's still the best!

Honestly, these grilled onions are a game-changer. perfect on burgers, in tacos, or even just on their own. give them a whirl, and let me know what you think! maybe share your version of this classic with foodie crush on instagram?.

Don't forget to tag it with onion recipes so i can find it!

Right then, let's talk about the ins and outs of nailing these Sweet & Smoky Grilled Onions , shall we? Honestly, it's all about the little things that take 'em from "meh" to "OMG, these are amazing!"

Recipe Notes

Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro!

Right, so you've grilled your onions to perfection. now what? don't just chuck 'em on a plate! think presentation, yeah? if i am using the caramelized onions in a french onion soup recipe , i love serving it in a rustic bowl with some crusty bread.

Got some juicy burgers? pile those grilled onions high! a dollop of creamy coleslaw alongside? chef's kiss . drinks-wise, a crisp beer or a chilled glass of pinot grigio works a treat.

Think "foodie crush" worthy, yeah?

Storage Tips: Keep 'Em Fresh!

So, you've got leftovers? not a problem. pop those carmelized onions into an airtight container and they'll be grand in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing? hmm, not really recommended. they can get a bit mushy when thawed.

Reheating? easy peasy! a quick zap in the microwave or a toss in a hot pan with a bit of oil.

If you're making french onion soup , add the soup with onion recipes .

Variations: Mix It Up a Bit!

Feeling adventurous? Let's get creative!

• Dietary Adaptation: For a vegan twist, swap the balsamic vinegar for maple syrup. It adds a lovely sweetness.
• Seasonal Swaps: In the summer, throw in some grilled bell peppers with the onions for extra colour and flavour.

Hey, you could even try making these in your Instant Pot ! Though, I reckon the grill gives 'em that proper smoky taste, you know?

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite!

Alright, down to brass tacks. Each serving of these grilled onions (about 1/6th of the recipe) is roughly 90 calories. It's a decent dose of vitamins and fibre.

It is made of just 9g of carbs per serving and only 6g of fat. Plus, onions are known for their health benefits, like boosting your immune system.

So, there you have it! from serving tips to nutrition, you're all set to conquer these sweet & smoky grilled onions .

These onion soup recipes will be legendary!. honestly, give it a go and let me know what you think!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my grilled onions burning before they get soft?

Ah, sounds like your grill's a bit enthusiastic! This usually happens when the heat is too high. Try moving the grilled onions to a cooler part of the grill, or reduce the heat. You can also close the lid to help them cook through without burning, a bit like giving them their own mini oven. Remember, patience is key!

Can I use any type of onion for grilled onions?

You can, but some onions are better suited for grilling than others. Sweet onions like Vidalia or Walla Walla are the top choice because their high sugar content caramelizes beautifully on the grill, giving you that desirable sweetness. Yellow onions will also work, though they will have a slightly sharper flavour. Avoid red onions if you want a sweeter flavour.

How do I store leftover grilled onions?

Pop any leftover grilled onions into an airtight container and store them in the fridge. They'll keep well for 3-4 days. Reheat them gently in a pan on the stovetop or in the microwave. They're brilliant added to sandwiches, omelettes, or even mixed into a pasta sauce for a bit of extra flavour, innit?

What are some variations I can try with this grilled onions recipe?

Fancy a bit of a twist? You could add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade for some spicy grilled onions. Or try adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an herbaceous version. For a sweeter take, use maple syrup instead of balsamic vinegar in the marinade. Get creative – it's your BBQ, after all!

Are grilled onions good for you? What's the nutritional info?

Grilled onions can absolutely be part of a healthy diet! Onions are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Grilling them brings out their natural sweetness without adding too much extra fat, especially if you use a moderate amount of olive oil. Per serving, you're looking at roughly 90 calories, 1g protein, 6g fat, and 9g carbs – a tasty and relatively guilt-free addition to your meal, cheers!

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