These whole Grilled Spring Onions are dressed with olive oil, salt, and pepper and grilled, which turns them into a delicious, sweet accompaniment or garnish.
If you’ve never made these before, you’re in for a treat. I was skeptical at first but once I grilled green onions for the first time I realized how great they are. They lose their potency and the sweetness really comes out. They are delicious. They go really well with your spring grill recipe, and specifically with spiral ham or grilled brats.
Why You’ll Love It
- Healthy: Green onions are low in calories and packed with vitamins and antioxidants, making them a nutritious addition to your meal.
- Impressive: The charred grill marks and vibrant green color of the onions make for an eye-catching presentation.
- Versatile: Grilled green onions can be served as a side dish, topping, or ingredient in a variety of dishes, adding depth of flavor and visual appeal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Spring Onions – Also referred to as green onions or scallions. Look for fresh, firm green onions with crisp, green tops.
- Olive Oil – You can substitute with other oils like avocado oil or vegetable oil, but olive oil lends a distinct flavor.
- Salt & Pepper – You can also add any other seasoning you like. I just keep it simple.
- Lemon Wedges – Optional addition on the side.
Spring onions and green onions are often used interchangeably in recipes, but they do have distinct differences. You can grill either. Green onions are young shoots of the onion and are harvested before the bulb has had a chance to swell. Spring onions are more mature than green onions but not fully grown into large onions. They have a larger bulb at the base and a more pronounced flavor.
Helpful Tips
- Use a brush or your hands to evenly coat the green onions with olive oil before grilling to prevent them from sticking to the grill grates.
- Make sure your grill is fully preheated before adding the green onions to ensure they cook properly and develop those desirable grill marks.
- Leave enough space between the green onions on the grill to allow for proper airflow.
- Green onions cook quickly, so be attentive and flip them as needed to prevent burning. Aim for a nice char without overcooking.
How to Make Grilled Spring Onions
Step 1: Preheat the grill
Before you get started, make sure your grill is getting nice and hot. Preheat it to medium-high heat. If you’re grilling these alongside other things, you can keep the heat needed for the larger item, like the meat you’re grilling.
Step 2: Prepare the onions
Meanwhile, take your green onions and give them a little haircut—snip off the root ends and any parts that look a bit tired or discolored.
Grab a big bowl and lay your green onions in there. Give them a good drizzle with some olive oil, making sure they’re all nicely coated. Sprinkle over some salt and pepper according to your taste.
Step 3: Grill
When your grill’s ready and raring to go, lay those green onions right on the grill grates. Let them sizzle away for about 2-3 minutes on each side. You’re aiming for those gorgeous charred marks and a nice tender texture. Just keep an eye on them; you don’t want to take it too far and end up with a charred mess.
Once they’re grilled to perfection, with just the right amount of tenderness and those beautiful char marks, scoop them up and lay them out on a serving platter. They’re now ready to impress at your table.
How to Store & Reheat
Storing
Once cooled, store any leftover grilled green onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
Reheating
Microwave: To reheat, simply place the green onions on a microwave-safe plate and heat them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or until warmed through
Grill: Alternatively, you can reheat them on a grill or skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until heated to your liking.
Grilled green onions are best enjoyed hot, so try to reheat only the amount you plan to eat immediately to maintain their flavor and texture. Any leftover grilled green onions can be chopped and added to various dishes like soups, stir-fries, omelets, or pasta for an extra boost of flavor.
Questions About the Recipe
Can I grill the green onions indoors if I don’t have an outdoor grill?
Yes, you can use a grill pan or a stovetop grill to grill the green onions indoors. Simply follow the same instructions for preheating and grilling, adjusting the heat as needed.
How do I know when the green onions are done grilling?
The green onions are done when they have softened slightly and developed charred grill marks on both sides. They should be tender but not mushy. Use a fork or knife to test for doneness by piercing the thickest part of the onion.
Can I use regular onions instead of green onions for this recipe?
While green onions are preferred for their mild flavor and quick cooking time, you can use regular onions or even leeks as a substitute. Just keep in mind that the flavor and cooking time may vary.
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Grilled Green Onions (or Spring Onions)
Equipment
- Grill tongs
Ingredients
- 8 green onions scallions
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- While the grill is heating, prepare the green onions by trimming off the root ends and any wilted or discolored tops.
- Place the green onions in a large bowl and drizzle them with olive oil, tossing to coat evenly.
- Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Once the grill is hot, place the green onions directly on the grill grates.
- Grill the green onions for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they develop charred grill marks and begin to soften. Be sure to keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
- Transfer to a serving platter once the green onions are grilled to your desired level of tenderness and char.
Notes
- Make sure the grill is hot before putting on the onions, so they can get nice grill marks.
- Give the onions space on the grill so they can get crispy and cooked through.
- Season with any other seasonings you like or keep it simple with salt and pepper.
Nutrition
Laura is a passionate home cook and grill enthusiast who has spent years perfecting her culinary skills, with a particular focus on grilling techniques and flavor combinations. Her fascination with the grill, smoke, and the mouthwatering results they produce has led her on an exciting journey to discover the best methods for grilling delicious and unforgettable meals.