Grilling onions enhances their natural sweetness and imparts a delicious smoky flavor. To achieve perfectly grilled onions, follow these steps to cut them properly:

1. Peel the Onion

Start by removing the outer papery skin. Place the onion on a cutting board and trim off the root end. Leave the stem end intact to help hold the onion together during cutting.

2. Slice the Onion

• For Onion Rings:
  • Trim and Peel: Slice off the top of the onion and peel away the outer layers.
  • Cut into Rings: Slice the onion into 1/4 to 1/2-inch thick rings. Keep the rings intact to avoid them falling apart on the grill.
• For Onion Wedges:
  • Cut in Half: Slice the onion in half from the root end to the top end.
  • Cut into Wedges: Place each half cut-side down and slice into 1/2-inch wide wedges. The wedges will hold together better during grilling.

3. Prepare for Grilling

• Season the Onions: Brush the onion slices or wedges with oil to prevent sticking and help them caramelize. Season with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices or herbs.
• Grill the Onions: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the onions directly on the grill grates or on a grill basket if you prefer. Grill for 4-6 minutes per side, or until the onions are tender and have a nice char.

4. Tips for Perfectly Grilled Onions

• Use a Grill Basket: For smaller onion pieces or rings, a grill basket can help keep them from falling through the grates.
• Monitor Heat: Adjust the heat as necessary to avoid burning. Medium heat works well to achieve a good char without charring the onions too quickly.
• Turn Carefully: Use tongs to turn the onions gently to avoid breaking the rings or wedges.

With these steps, you’ll have beautifully grilled onions that add a burst of flavor to your dishes. Enjoy them on burgers, as a side dish, or as a topping for your favorite grilled meats.