Cebollitas asadas are so delicious! The charring and tenderizing process on the grill transforms these Mexican green onions into a flavorful and savory side dish for your grilled meats.
Cebollitas, also known as Mexican green onions, are a type of onion commonly used in Mexican cuisine. They are similar to regular green onions but with a slightly different flavor profile.
In Mexican cuisine, cebollitas are often grilled or charred to enhance their flavor. They are commonly used as a garnish or accompaniment to a carne asada platter and street tacos.
The charred Mexican grilled onions add a delicious smoky and slightly sweet taste to traditional dishes like tacos de bistec and quesadillas.
They are very popular along with chiles toreados and ensalada de nopales at any Mexican parrillada!
Ingredients
- Cebollitas cambray: Mexican green onions can sometimes be found in grocery stores or specialty markets, especially in areas with a significant Mexican population. However, if you cannot find them, regular green onions can be used as a substitute in this recipe.
- Limes: Use fresh lime juice to add a tangy kick.
- Salt: Any type of salt you prefer.
- Oil: Use any vegetable oil you prefer.
- Optional seasonings: Recipe variations may include salsa Maggi (jugo sazonador) or soy sauce drizzled over before serving.
How To Make Cebollitas Asadas
To make cebollitas asadas, you typically start by trimming off any wilted or damaged parts of the green onions. Then wash them under cold water and pat dry them with kitchen paper towels.
TOP TIP: Brush the Mexican green onions with a bit of oil to prevent sticking and enhance the grilling process.
Next, preheat your grill to high heat. If using charcoal, ensure it is fully lit and the coals are ashed over. If using a gas grill, preheat for about 10-15 minutes.
Once the grill is ready, place the green onions directly on the grill grates.
Grill them for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are slightly charred and tender. Rotate them occasionally for even cooking.
The grilling process imparts a smoky flavor to the cebollas, and the heat caramelizes the natural sugars in the onions, resulting in a slightly sweet and savory taste.
Once they are grilled to your liking, place the Mexican green onions on a serving platter and add a good squeeze of lime juice. Sprinkle with salt and serve immediately.
Tips And Notes
- Look for fresh, firm spring onions with vibrant green tops. Avoid wilted or discolored ones.
- It is important to rinse the Mexican green onions under cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a charcoal grill, wait until the coals are white and glowing.
- Drizzle or brush the green onions with olive oil, and season them with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, chili flakes, or your favorite herbs for extra flavor.
Serve Your Grilled Cebolla Cambray With…
- Grilled meats: Use grilled onions as a flavorful topping for grilled meats like carne asada or grilled chicken. Place a generous amount of grilled onions on top of the meat to add a touch of smoky sweetness to your dishes!
- Tacos: Add grilled cebollas cambray as a topping for tacos. They pair well with grilled meats such as tacos al pastor and pretty much any street taco recipe!
- Fajitas: Include Mexican grilled onions as a component in fajitas de res. Slice the grilled onions into smaller pieces and toss them with the grilled meat.
- Quesadillas: Incorporate grilled onions into quesadillas for added flavor. I recommend steak quesadillas or flavorful al pastor quesadilla.
Mexican grilled onions can enhance the flavor profile of various dishes, adding a smoky and savory touch that is sure to be enjoyed!
Store & Reheat
Allow the grilled green onions to cool completely before storing them. Place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
You can reheat the green onions directly on a griddle or pan on your stovetop. Heat them over medium heat for a few minutes, flipping them occasionally, until they are warmed through.
FAQ
What kind of onions are cebollitas?
In Mexican cuisine, cebollitas cambray typically refers to green onions. These are young onions harvested before they fully develop a bulb. Cebollitas asadas specifically refers to grilled green onions, where the onions are cooked over an open flame or on a grill until they become tender and slightly charred.
Are cambray onions and scallions the same?
No, Cambray onions and scallions are not the same. Cambray onions, also known as Mexican green onions, are a specific type of onion that is commonly used in Mexican cuisine. They are small, slender onions with long green stalks and small white bulbs. Cambray onions have a slightly sweet and mild flavor.
On the other hand, scallions are a type of onion that does not form a bulb. They have long, slender green stalks and a white base. Scallions have a mild and delicate flavor, often used as a garnish or ingredient in various cuisines.
More Mexican Side Dishes
I hope you loved this Mexican grilled onions recipe and will become your new favorite cookout side! Leave a comment below to let me know how it turned out. Also, don’t miss out on the latest blog posts, and follow this blog on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube.
Video
Cebollitas Asadas (Mexican Green Onions)
Equipment
- charcoal or gas grill
Ingredients
- 8 cebollitas cambray (Mexican green onions)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- ½ lime (juiced)
- salt (to taste)
Instructions
- Trim off any wilted or damaged parts of the green onions. Then wash them under cold water and pat dry them with kitchen paper towels.
- Preheat your grill to high heat. If using charcoal, ensure it is fully lit and the coals are ashed over. If using a gas grill, preheat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Once the grill is ready, place the green onions directly on the grill grates and brush them with olive oil to prevent sticking and enhance the grilling process.
- Grill them for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are slightly charred and tender. Rotate them occasionally for even cooking.
- Once they are grilled to your liking, place them on a serving platter and drizzle them with lime juice and sprinkle them with salt.
- Serve along with carne asada or your favorite grilled meats.
Notes
- Look for fresh, firm spring onions with vibrant green tops. Avoid wilted or discolored ones.
- It is important to rinse the Mexican green onions under cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a charcoal grill, wait until the coals are white and glowing.
- You can also add other seasonings like Maggi sauce or soy sauce.
All in all, this cebollitas recipe has become an absolute favorite in my home, and it’s always a hit at any gathering or BBQ party. It’s easy to prepare, bursting with flavors, and adds that special touch of authenticity to any Mexican-inspired dish. Give it a try, and I guarantee you’ll be hooked!
This recipe is incredibly versatile, and I can already see myself using these grilled onions in many other creative ways. I’m thinking of incorporating them into fajitas, quesadillas, and even as a topping for grilled burgers!
I have to admit, I couldn’t resist sneaking a few bites straight off the grill—they were that irresistible! But they truly shined when I incorporated them into various dishes. I used them as a topping for carne asada tacos and mixed a bit into a guacamole. They were delicious!
I tossed the onions with lime juice, olive oil, and chili pepper before placing them in the grill. The sizzling sound made my mouth water in anticipation! the aroma that filled the air was nothing short of amazing. I used these grilled onions to serve with tacos and a salad for my family dinner.
Once the onions were grilled to perfection, the taste was simply out of this world! The smokiness from the grill combined with the tanginess of lime was perfection. They were savory, slightly sweet, and incredibly easy to make. Such a simple dish, yet full of flavor!
I marinade the onions first, the preparation couldn’t be easier: just a few ingredients, some olive oil, lime juice, cilantro, and a pinch of salt and pepper, and you’re good to go. The marinade infuses the onions with a zesty brightness that complements the earthiness of the grilled onions perfectly.
The key to success here is to start with fresh, quality green onions. I used red onions (highly available here in France), as they tend to caramelize beautifully and bring out that sweet undertone that pairs so well with the smoky grill flavor.
Oh, let me tell you, this Mexican grilled onions recipe is an absolute game-changer! Being a huge fan of Mexican cuisine, I was excited to try this simple yet tantalizing recipe, and boy, it did not disappoint!
This grilled spring onions recipe is a revelation! The charred smokiness complements the natural sweetness of the onions perfectly. A simple yet delightful side dish that pairs well with any meal. Excited to make it a regular on my grill!
These cebollitas were a delightful addition to our BBQ! The smoky, caramelized flavor was a hit with everyone. Simple to make and full of taste – a must-try recipe!
Cebollitas were a tasty surprise! Grilled to perfection, the smoky-sweet onions brought back memories of summertime BBQs with family and friends. Nostalgia intertwined with flavors, reminding me of carefree days, laughter, and savoring those tender cebollitas with my cousins.
This was a delicious side dish! The grilled onions had a smoky sweetness that complemented our meal perfectly. A delightful addition to any BBQ or Mexican feast!
This recipe is a delightful revelation! Grilled to perfection, the baby onions become caramelized and tender, offering a sweet and smoky flavor that’s simply irresistible. Sprinkled with a touch of salt and served with lime, they are the ultimate accompaniment to any barbecue or Mexican feast. A mouthwatering side dish that’s sure to impress!
These grilled green onions are a simple yet sensational delight! The smoky, charred flavor transforms these humble vegetables into a mouthwatering treat. They become tender with a slight crunch, and their mild onion taste elevates any dish. SO DELICIOUS!