Want to know how to smoke an onion? Our favorite root vegetable is delicious when smoked Plus it is super simple!
So follow the easy steps below.
Table of contents
The Awesome Onion
When I’m ravished this root vegetable is one of the first things I’d grab.
Now of course I don’t just bite into a raw onion like an apple, no!
Onions are great for packing a salad with freshness or building up a curry.
The average American eats around 19 pounds of onions a year.
It’s easy to know why due to the multiple layers they not only have but also the boost of flavor they bring to your favorite recipe card!
Fun Fact: Onions make you cry because they contain sulfur. To avoid this, use a very sharp knife that has a lower surface impact to stop onion juice from flowing!
Why Is Smoking Our Prefered Method of Cooking?
So why are we smoking?
- It adds a depth of smoky flavor and undertones from nutty to meaty
- Creates an entirely new product that complements other food and flavors
- Can be a way of cooking or preserving
What You Need for Smoked Onions
- 4 large to medium onions (we used white)
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
- Olive oil
Equipment
- Pellet grill or smoker (we have a Traeger grill)
- Favorite wood chips (we used hickory)
- Aluminum foil or a disposable foil tray
- Sharp knife
- Mixing bowl
At What Temperature Should I Smoke Onions?
The temperature to set your grill to smoke onion is 250°F.
Should You Wrap Your Onion Before Smoking Them?
Be sure to wrap the onions in a piece of foil to avoid them burning on the grill grates.
How Long Should I Smoke Onions?
The typical time it takes to smoke onions is 2 hours but this does depend on your recipe.
When Do I Know My Smoked Onions Are Done?
How do I know they are ready?
How do I know they are ready?
A visual and texture test is the best way to determine a perfect onion that has been smoked.
They should have a translucent darkish brown color and be easily cut with a fork.
More Onion Recipes
Enjoy cooking onions? Here are some of our favorite recipes.
Cedar Planked Brie with Gin Infused Caramelized Onions
Smoked Brats On A Pellet Grill With Onions
What to Serve With Smoked Onion?
Smoked onions are a perfect side dish for the following
Steps for Perfectly Smoked Onion
1. Wash your onion.
2. Cut the onions into quarters. Rub your onion with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Preheat the smoker to 225°F
4. Place the vegetables into the smoker and smoke for 60-90 minutes.
Smoked Onions
Equipment
- Pellet grill or smoker (we have a Traeger grill)
- Favorite wood chips (we used hickory)
- Aluminum foil or a disposable foil tray
- Sharp knife
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 4 large to medium onion we used white
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
- Olive oil
Instructions
- Wash your onion.
- Cut the onions into quarters. Rub your onion with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Preheat the smoker to 225 degrees
- Place the vegetables into the smoker and smoke for 60-90 minutes.
Smoke On!
Charlie
Hi, I’m Charlie, I have been meat-smoking and grilling for the past 15 years. I have an array of different smokers, thermometers, and have a love for finding the right wood and charcoal combo My favourite recipes are my EXTRA CRISPY smoked pork belly, juicy pulled pork, smoked brisket, duck poppers, and ANY SEAFOOD I grill).
I loves sharing his tips with beginners, helping them navigate the world of smoking. I find it’s not just about cooking; it’s a quest for that perfect smoky flavor.
You will usually find me playing with the kids, perfecting my brisket bark, or sipping beers with boys around the fire. Can’t wait to share all my delicious smoking and grilling recipes with you!
You can read more about me on our About Us page.
Hungry For More?
Followed the basic recipe except I brushed on some Balsamic vinegar and cooked longer ( 2 hours) because I had to lower the heat to 180 to go with the other Items I was smoking. Came out great!
Hiya John,
brushing with the balsamic vinegar is a great idea! I will have to try it, did it make it caramelize nicely?