A beloved Tex-Mex restaurant favorite throughout the Southwest, grilled scallions offer a mildly flavored side dish, garnish, or versatile ingredient that can be used in place of raw or cooked onions. This simple yet delightful dish can be made even better by using spring onions, if available. Grilling them over a hot fire quickly or slowly after grilling other foods will result in tender and delicious scallions that perfectly complement a wide range of dishes. Whether you serve them hot or at room temperature, the tangy-sweet flavor of the grilled scallions, enhanced with the zing of lime, will leave you craving for more.
MAKES: 4 servings
TIME: 15 minutes
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 bunches scallions or spring onions, trimmed, with a lot of the greens remaining
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 limes, 1 halved, 1 quartered
- Chopped fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Preparation: Heat a charcoal or gas grill to moderately high heat and position the rack about 4 inches from the heat source.
- Prepare the Scallions: Brush or rub the scallions with the olive oil until they are well coated, ensuring the oil reaches the green parts as well.
- Grilling: Grill the scallions, turning them once or twice, until they become deeply colored and tender. This will take about 5 to 10 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness.
- Season and Serve: Transfer the grilled scallions to a plate or platter, and sprinkle them with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Squeeze the juice of the halved lime over the scallions. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro leaves for an added burst of flavor. Serve the grilled scallions with the quartered lime wedges on the side, either hot or at room temperature.
VARIATIONS:
Roasted Scallions: Mediterranean Style:
- If you prefer roasting over grilling, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Instead of using limes, use lemons for a Mediterranean twist, and replace cilantro with parsley. After rubbing the scallions with olive oil in Step 2, spread them out on a rimmed baking sheet and roast, turning once or twice, until they become lightly browned and tender, which should take about 20 minutes. Proceed with the rest of the recipe as mentioned above.
Roasted Scallions: Asian Style:
- To give the scallions an Asian-inspired flavor, heat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Replace the olive oil with a combination of 1 tablespoon peanut oil and 1 tablespoon dark sesame oil. Use 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar instead of limes. After rubbing the scallions with the oil in Step 2, spread them out on a rimmed baking sheet and roast, turning once or twice, until lightly browned and tender, which should take about 20 minutes. Proceed with the recipe and, if desired, drizzle a little soy sauce over the scallions before serving.
Grilled scallions offer a delightful and versatile addition to your culinary repertoire. Whether you’re enjoying them as a Tex-Mex-inspired side dish, garnishing various dishes, or incorporating them into Mediterranean or Asian-inspired recipes, their mild yet flavorful profile is sure to please your palate.
The quick and easy preparation, whether on the grill or in the oven, makes grilled scallions a perfect choice for any occasion. Their ability to replace raw or cooked onions in various dishes adds a unique twist to familiar recipes. Plus, with just a few simple variations, you can transform these scallions into Mediterranean or Asian-style delights, broadening their culinary potential even further.
So, the next time you fire up the grill or turn on the oven, consider giving these grilled scallions a try. Their tangy-sweet taste, enhanced with zesty lime or other exciting flavor combinations, will elevate your meals and leave you and your guests craving more. Enjoy these delectable scallions hot or at room temperature, and savor the wonderful flavors they bring to your table. Happy grilling and roasting!
