Smoked Onions

Smoked onions have a unique, smoky flavor that goes great with any smoked meat. The smoking process gives them a slightly sweet and caramelized taste, while still retaining some of their natural onion flavor. The texture of smoked onions is tender and slightly chewy, with a melt-in-your-mouth quality that makes them a great addition as an ingredient, and also as a side dish. Nothing beats some smoked onions on a steak.

How to Choose Fresh Onions

When choosing fresh onions, there are a few things to look out for. First, look for onions that are firm and heavy for their size. Avoid onions that have soft spots, cracks, or any signs of mold. The papery outer layer of the onion should be dry and tightly wrapped around the bulb.

The neck of the onion should be tightly closed and not showing any signs of sprouting. Additionally, choose onions that have a strong, pungent aroma, as this indicates that they are fresh.

How to Store Fresh Onions

Storing fresh onions properly can help extend their shelf life and keep them from spoiling. To store onions, keep them in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area such as a pantry, cellar, or a cool corner of your kitchen. Avoid storing onions in plastic bags or in areas that are too humid, as this can cause them to rot or mold.

If you have cut onions, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. It’s also important to keep onions away from potatoes, as they can cause each other to spoil more quickly. By storing onions properly, you can keep them fresh and flavorful for longer.

Wood Pairing for Onions

Apple wood and pecan wood are popular choices for smoking onions because they provide a sweet, mild flavor that complements the natural sweetness of the onions. The smoke from these woods also imparts a subtle smoky flavor to the onions without overwhelming their natural flavor.

Other woods, such as mesquite and hickory, can be too strong and overpowering for onions, and should be avoided when smoking them. These woods can give the onions a bitter or harsh flavor that detracts from their natural sweetness.

Smoked Onions

Smoked onions have a unique, smoky flavor that goes great with any smoked meat. The smoking process gives them a slightly sweet and caramelized taste, while still retaining some of their natural onion flavor. The texture of smoked onions is tender and slightly chewy, with a melt-in-your-mouth quality that makes them a great addition as an ingredient, and also as a side dish.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs

Total Time 2 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 4 people

Calories 80 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 4 medium onions
• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• 2 tbsp. worcestershire sauce

Seasoning

• 1 tsp. sea salt
• 1 tsp. black pepper

Recommended Wood

• apple wood or pecan wood

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat your smoker to 225°F.
• Peel, and halve the onions length wise..
• Mix the olive oil, worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper together in a bowl.
• Using a basting brush, coat the onions with the oil mixture.

Cook

• Place your seasoned onion halves in a cast iron pan, cut side facing up, and move to the smoker.
• Smoke the onions for 1-2 hours, until they are caramelized and tender.
• Remove the onions from the smoker and do not rest. Serve hot.

Notes

Nutrition information (per serving):

• Calories: 80
• Fat: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Protein: 1g
• Sodium: 389mg
• Sugar: 4g

Keyword onions, smoked

How to Store Smoked Onions

To store smoked onions, it’s best to keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Be sure to let them cool down completely before storing. Smoked onions can last for up to a week in the refrigerator.

Alternatively, you can freeze smoked onions for longer storage. To freeze, pack the smoked onions in an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to six months.

How to Reheat Smoked Onions

Reheating smoked onions is easy and can be done in a variety of ways. One popular method is to simply warm the onions in a skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of oil or butter to the skillet and cook the onions for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are heated through.

Another option is to reheat the smoked onions in the microwave. Place the onions in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the onions are heated through.

You can also reheat smoked onions in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F, place the onions in an oven-safe dish, and cover with foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the onions are heated through.

What are Onions?

Onions are a versatile and flavorful vegetable that are commonly used in cooking around the world. They belong to the allium family, which also includes garlic, shallots, and chives. The onion plant is a biennial plant that produces edible bulbs.

The plant has a long stem with green, grass-like leaves, and a bulbous root that stores nutrients for the plant. Onions are typically grown from seeds or sets, and they prefer cool weather and well-draining soil.

The growing season for onions varies depending on the variety and location, but they are typically planted in the spring and harvested in the fall. Onions can also be planted in the fall and harvested the following summer. The peak season for onions in North America is typically in the late summer and fall, but they are available year-round in most grocery stores.

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