Grilled Onions with Balsamic Glaze

Grilled onions, when prepared just right, can be a revelation. Their natural sweetness intensifies as they slowly cook on the grill, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. Paired with a rich balsamic glaze, this dish transforms ordinary onions into a delectable treat. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the steps to achieve perfectly grilled onions with a luscious balsamic glaze.

Grilled onions are a versatile and delightful addition to any cookout or barbecue. Their natural sweetness caramelizes during grilling, creating a flavor that is both sweet and savory. Pairing them with a balsamic glaze enhances their taste, making them a standout side dish that can complement various grilled meats and vegetables.

SERVES 4

INGREDIENTS:

• 4 large sweet onions (about the size of a baseball)
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup good-quality balsamic vinegar

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Prepare the Onions: Start by preparing the onions. Leave the skin on and cut off the polar ends, removing about 1/2 inch from both the root and sprout ends. Halve the onions laterally, which means cutting them across their equator. Using a sharp knife will help keep the onion sections together, making it easier to flip them on the grill.
2. Season and Oil: Brush each onion half with extra-virgin olive oil, ensuring they are well-coated. Sprinkle kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper over the onions to taste. These seasonings will enhance the natural flavors of the onions as they grill.
3. Simmer the Balsamic Vinegar: In a saucepan over medium heat, pour in the balsamic vinegar. Allow it to simmer gently until it reduces to a syrup-like consistency. This reduction process concentrates the balsamic flavor and creates a rich, sweet glaze.
4. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill or stovetop grill pan to a low heat. Grilled onions benefit from slow, even cooking, so a lower flame is ideal for this recipe.
5. Grill the Onions: Place the prepared onion halves on the grill, cut side down. Grill them slowly without moving them until dark grill marks appear, which should take approximately 15 minutes. Turning the onions can be a delicate task to prevent them from falling apart. Use both tongs and a spatula to keep the rings together. After the first side is well marked, flip the onions and grill until the second side also has pronounced grill marks, and juices begin to pool on the top, which should take another 10 minutes.
6. Apply the Balsamic Glaze: Approximately 5 minutes before removing the onions from the grill, brush them generously with the balsamic syrup. This step infuses the onions with the sweet and tangy glaze, creating an irresistible flavor combination.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Once the grilled onions are done, transfer them to a serving platter and brush them one final time with the remaining balsamic syrup. The result is a mouthwatering side dish that beautifully balances sweet and savory flavors.

Grilled onions with balsamic glaze are a culinary delight that elevates any barbecue or cookout. The slow cooking process on the grill brings out the onions’ natural sweetness, while the balsamic glaze adds a rich and tangy note. Whether you serve them as a side dish or use them to enhance other grilled creations, these onions are sure to impress your guests and tantalize your taste buds. So, fire up the grill and savor the sweet and savory goodness of grilled onions with balsamic glaze at your next outdoor gathering.