Onions are a classic burger topping that add flavor, moisture, and texture to any grilled burger. When choosing onions for burgers, the variety and preparation method are key factors to consider. The ideal onions for burgers are those that hold their shape during cooking, provide a juicy crunch, and have a mild, sweet flavor that complements the other burger toppings.
Quick Answer
The best onions for burgers are sweet onions such as Vidalia, Walla Walla, Maui, or Texas 1015. These varieties are low in sulfur compounds and high in natural sugars, giving them a sweet and mild taste when grilled. Sliced thick and grilled until slightly charred, sweet onions provide the ideal balance of flavor, moisture, and texture on a burger.
Onion Varieties for Burgers
Here are some of the best options when choosing onions to top your grilled burgers:
Sweet Onions
Sweet onions such as Vidalia, Walla Walla, Maui, and Texas 1015 are naturally low in the sulfur compounds that give most other onions their pungent bite. Instead, they are higher in natural sugars that caramelize when cooked, developing a sweet, mild, aromatic flavor. Their low sulfur content also helps them hold their shape better on the grill. Look for firm, smooth-skinned sweet onions without blemishes.
Yellow Onions
Yellow onions are the typical all-purpose cooking onion found in most grocery stores. While they have more bite than sweet onions, they are still relatively mild and their flavor mellows when grilled. Choose yellow onions that feel heavy for their size with crisp, dry outer skins. Soak sliced rings in cold water for 30 minutes before grilling to help them hold their shape.
Shallots
Milder than onions but with more flavor than scallions, shallots are a good middle ground. They have a delicate, sweet onion flavor that doesn’t overpower the burger. Peel and slice shallots into thick rounds and brush with oil before grilling for tender, caramelized shallot rings on your burger.
Red Onions
Red onions are crisp with a pronounced flavor and bite. For burgers, slice them thick and grill until lightly charred and tender. The high heat mellows their sharpness. Just be aware that red onions can sometimes overpower the other flavors on your burger.
Sweet Vidalia Onion Relish
For a flavorful condiment, make a quick relish by chopping up Vidalias, mixing with balsamic vinegar and Seasoning, and cooking until jammy. Cool and spoon on your burger for a tangy-sweet flavor pop.
How to Prepare Onions for Burgers
Proper slicing and cooking technique for onions can make all the difference on a grilled burger:
Slice Thick
Thin slices won’t hold up on a hot grill, so cut onion rounds at least 1/2 inch thick. This allows them to caramelize without burning or falling apart.
Soak in Water First
Soaking sliced onions in ice water for 30 minutes before grilling can help them retain their moisture and hold their shape better.
Brush with Oil
Coating the onion slices lightly in oil helps them caramelize evenly on the grill without sticking. Olive oil or avocado oil work well.
Grill Onions First
Put onion slices on the grill before the burgers, as they take longer to soften and caramelize. Cook approximately 5 minutes per side until tender and charred.
Layer Raw and Grilled Onions
For the best flavor and texture contrast, top your burger with both raw onion slices and grilled caramelized onion slices.
Onion precautions
While delicious on burgers, onions do contain compounds called thiosulfinates that can cause gastric distress in some people if consumed raw. Cooking neutralizes this effect. Just monitor portion size and avoid raw onions if you experience discomfort.
Other Toppings That Pair Well with Onions
When using sweet or yellow onions on your burger, complement their flavor with these delicious toppings:
- Tomato slices – Refreshing and acidic
- Lettuce – Crisp texture
- Avocado – Creamy and rich
- BBQ sauce – Sweet, tangy, savory
- Cheddar cheese – Sharp, salty flavor
- Applewood smoked bacon – Salty, smoky crunch
Onion Burger Inspiration
Here are some creatively delicious onion burger recipes to try on the grill:
French Onion Burgers
Caramelized onions smothered in melted Swiss cheese with Dijon mayo.
Southwestern Black Bean Burgers with Red Onion
Spicy black bean veggie burgers topped with sliced red onions, avocado, pepper jack cheese, and chipotle mayo.
Hawaiian Burgers with Grilled Maui Onions
Beef patties glazed with teriyaki and topped with grilled Maui onions, pineapple slices, and provolone cheese.
Philly Cheesesteak Burgers
Thinly sliced ribeye, caramelized onions, melted cheese whiz, and crispy fried onions on a butter-toasted bun.
Bistro Burgers with Shallot Butter
Gruyere cheese, arugula, and shallot lemon butter take these burgers upscale.
Conclusion
When choosing the best onions for your grilled burgers, go for sweet, mild varieties like Vidalias, Walla Wallas or Mauis. Slice them thick, brush with oil and grill until lightly charred and tender. Layer both raw and grilled onions on your burger for the ideal crunch and flavor. Sweet onions add just the right kick of moisture, crunch and flavor enhancement to take your burgers to the next level.
Here is a helpful comparison table summarizing the best onion varieties for grilled burgers:
| Onion Variety | Flavor | Texture | Preparation Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vidalia | Sweet, mild | Juicy, tender | Slice thick, grill until charred |
| Walla Walla | Sweet, mild | Crisp, juicy | Soak slices in water before grilling |
| Yellow | Mildly pungent | Crisp | Soak slices in water before grilling |
| Shallots | Sweet, delicate | Tender, juicy | Brush slices with oil before grilling |
| Red | Pungent, spicy | Crisp | Use raw or grill briefly to mellow |
| Maui/Texas 1015 | Very sweet, mild | Moist, tender | Slice thick and grill until soft |
Onions are one of the classic burger toppings for good reason – when properly prepared, they add the perfect crunch, moisture, flavor and visual appeal. For your next cookout, try grilling up some sweet, juicy onions to take your burgers to the next level of summer indulgence.