Grilled Green Onions
These Grilled Green Onions are a delightful addition to any BBQ cookout. They are an easy and flavorful side dish, with their charred grill marks and smoky sweet flavor with a hint of zesty lemon. A perfect spring and summer side dish that is ready in just 10 minutes!
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Green onions, also known as scallions or spring onions, are a versatile vegetable side dish that can be used either cooked or raw as an addition to many dishes. Whether you’re cooking indoors or having an outdoor BBQ, they can be easily grilled in less than 10 minutes.
The sweet and mild onion flavor develops a smoky flavor on the grill, making them an ideal last-minute veggie side dish for any cookout. Just toss them on the grill right before serving and you’ll have a mouthwatering spring or summer side dish that perfectly complements any grilled meat.
These grilled green onions are easy and quick to prepare. Charred grill marks and zesty lemon-infused smokiness creates a perfect harmony that elevates any dish. Whether you’re enjoying them alongside grilled meats or incorporating them into salads, they are a go-to option to add a burst of flavor and color to your dinner.
If you love the sweet and savory onion flavor, make sure to try also these Air Fryer Onions and these Roasted Whole Onions too!
Why you will love this recipe!
- Quick and Easy: With minimal preparation and cooking time, this recipe is perfect if you’re looking for a last-minute flavorful side dish.
- Healthy: Green onions are rich in essential nutrients and low in calories, making them a guilt-free addition to your diet.
- Versatile: Whether you’re a seasoned griller or a beginner, these green onions can be cooked on both indoor and outdoor grills offering versatility for any cooking setup.
- Dietary info: They’re vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, low-carb, and low in calories.
Ingredients
- Green onions: Thicker and larger green onions will work better for this recipe, but thin ones will also work nicely. Just reduce the cooking time to make sure they don’t burn.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and garlic powder are enough to enhance their sweet and mild flavor. Depending on what I’m serving the onions with, I sometimes like to serve them with a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese on top.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice will give them a tangy and zesty touch that goes so well with the smokiness of the grill.
How to grill green onions
Be sure to scroll down for the full recipe!
- Trim the green onions, then toss in the oil, seasonings and lemon juice. (photo 1)
- Grill in one single layer until you get grill marks. (photo 2).
Recipe Variations
You can customize this recipe by adding some different seasonings. Sprinkle some chili flakes or smoky chipotle powder on top to make them spicy. Or add some freshly grated ginger and sesame oil for an Asian twist.
You can also add some crumbled Feta cheese on top or add some shaved almonds on top for an extra touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can eat all parts of the green onions (except for the root). The white part is more pungent, similar to white onions, while the green part is sweeter, similar to chives.
Green onions have a milder taste compared to regular white or yellow onions. That’s why it’s also very often served raw as a topping on several Asian dishes.
While green onions are recommended for this recipe due to their mild flavor and quick cooking time, you can use regular onions as a substitute. However, keep in mind that regular onions might take longer to cook and may have a stronger flavor compared to green onions.
Serving Suggestions
Grilled green onions are a versatile addition to various dishes. Here are some of my favorite pairings:
Make Ahead and Storage
You can prep and season the onions a few hours ahead of time and have them ready to cook at the last minute.
They’re best enjoyed as soon as they’re cooked, but will also keep 2-3 days covered in the fridge. You can also serve them cold or reheat them in the microwave or for a couple of minutes on the grill or in a pan. They can also be enjoyed cold in salads.
Recipe Notes and Tips
- Make sure the grill is very hot before you add the onions, this way you’ll get nice char marks.
- There’s already oil on the onions, so there is no need to add extra oil to the pan or grates.
- Only flip them once halfway through the cooking for the best result.
These grilled green onions prove to be a simple yet delicious addition to any meal, offering a healthy and flavorful option for spring and summer BBQ cookouts. They’re versatile and mild in taste, so they’ll become a favorite go-to side dish for any occasion.
More Easy Vegetable Side Dishes
If you’ve tried this recipe, be sure to leave a star rating and a comment below!
Grilled Green Onions
Equipment
- Indoor Grill Pan or outdoor grill
Ingredients
- 2 bunches green onions
- 1 tablespoon oil (vegetable, canola, avocado etc)
- pinch salt and pepper
- pinch garlic powder
- squeeze lemon juice
- Optional: grated parmesan to serve
Instructions
- Preheat the grill pan or outdoor grill to a high heat. There's no need to add oil to the pan or grates.
- Trim the ends of the green onions – remove the roots and the tops of the green stems if they are slightly wilted. Remove any loose outer skin and rinse under running water. Pat dry.
- Place the trimmed onions in a bowl and toss in the oil, seasonings and lemon juice.
- Once the grill is fully preheated, place the onions in a single layer on the grill.
- Cook on each side for a couple of minutes till you have grill marks. Only flip once during cooking.
- Serve with shredded parmesan if using.
Notes
- Make sure the grill is very hot before you add the onions, this way you’ll get nice char marks.
- There’s already oil on the onions, so there is no need to add extra oil to the pan or grates.
- Only flip them once halfway through the cooking for the best result.
