Stove Top Smoker Smoked Onions: A Powerhouse of Flavor!
Looking for a delicious and easy way to add some smoky flavor to your food? Look no further than this wonderful smoked onions recipe, made right on your stovetop smoker. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can have perfectly caramelized onions with a subtle smoky flavor that will have your taste buds singing.
These smoked onions are perfect for using in all kinds of dishes – from burgers and sandwiches to soups and stews. They also make a great topping for baked potatoes or a side dish to any grilled or roasted meat. And the best part? You don’t need an outdoor smoker to enjoy the smoky taste – all you need is a stovetop smoker, which is affordable, easy-to-use, and produces fantastic results.
Once you start cooking with a stovetop smoker, you’ll find that smoking meat, fish, vegetables, and even fruits is incredibly easy and delivers unmatched flavor. So without further ado, let’s dive into this stove top smoker smoked onion recipe that will be sure to impress your family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for a recipe that effortlessly adds rich, smoky flavor to your dishes, then this stove top smoker smoked onions recipe is what you need.
Firstly, let’s talk about the convenience. This recipe is extremely easy to make and requires almost no special equipment. All you need is a stovetop smoker (we recommend Cameron’s stovetop smoker) and some wood chips of your choice. It’s perfect for those who want to enjoy the flavor of smoke without having to invest in an outdoor smoker.
Secondly, the taste is simply unbeatable. The combination of smoky, caramelized onions with a hint of olive oil, salt, and pepper is sure to tantalize your taste buds. The long take to smoke the onions allows them to absorb the smoky aroma and flavor fully. This technique works wonders not only for onions but also for other vegetables like potatoes giving them an indulgent and refined taste that you just can’t get from plain old roasted or fried vegetables.
Lastly, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can use smoked onions as a topping for burgers, salads or even in a creamy soup. The options are endless! And if you’re feeling adventurous, try substituting the wood chips with paprika-infused ones or add some garlic powder or balsamic vinegar to bring out more complex flavors.
Trust us; once you try this stove top smoker smoked onions recipe, we’re confident you’ll fall in love with it and never look back. So why wait? Grab your ingredients and start smoking!
Ingredient List
To make this heavenly smoked onions recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- Medium yellow onions (2 – 4)
- Olive oil (1 – 2 teaspoons)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Wood chips (mesquite, hickory or applewood)
Note: Applewood is milder and sweeter, hickory has a stronger flavor and mesquite is rich with a smoky flavor
To achieve that perfect caramelized onion taste with a smokey twist, follow the instructions carefully and ensure that all ingredients are of high quality. The onion is the star ingredient, so selecting the best quality onions is crucial to achieve that unforgettable smoky-sweet taste. Drizzle olive oil for that extra hint of flavor before you begin smoking your onions. The wood chips selection is also pivotal as they significantly impact the taste. Depending on your preferred flavor intensity, the above options of mesquite, hickory or applewood have varying flavors to complement the dish. Whether you decide to use mesquite to give a deeper richness, hickory for the added aroma, or applewood for fruitiness and sweetness; each type equally impacts the finished product’s flavor profile.
The Recipe How-To
Preparing the Onions
Before smoking the onions, it is important to clean and slice them. First, remove the skin from your onions and slice off the top and bottom. Slice each onion in half from the top to bottom to create two equal halves.
Once you have prepared the onions, coat them with some olive oil and season them with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside while you prepare your smoker.
Preparing the Smoker
For this recipe, I recommend using a stovetop smoker like the Cameron’s Stovetop Smoker. It’s an easy way to smoke food indoors without needing an outdoor smoker.
To prepare your smoker, soak your wood chips in water for at least 20 minutes. You want enough chips to completely cover the tray of your smoker. Once they’re soaked, place them in the tray of your smoker.
Smoking the Onions
Set up your stovetop smoker on medium-high heat, and place your onions in a single layer on top of the wood chips. Place the lid on top of the smoker and let it cook for about 20 minutes or until fully caramelized.
If you prefer a stronger smoky flavor or if you want to smoke meat with your onions, you can adjust the cook time accordingly. Keep in mind that smoking time will vary depending on what else you are smoking and how many onions you are cooking.
Once done, carefully remove your smoked onions from your stovetop smoker and serve them right away.
Tips:
- Make sure not to overcrowd the onions in the smoker as this might affect their texture.
- If you want to add more flavors to your smoked onions, try sprinkling some paprika powder or cumin powder onto them before smoking.
- Remember that different types of onions will yield different results when it comes to smoking.
- You can also try smoking other vegetables like potatoes or carrots alongside the onions for a tasty side dish.
- Serve these smoked onions alongside pork ribs or burgers for an unbeatable combination!
Substitutions and Variations
One of the great things about this stove top smoker smoked onions recipe is that it’s highly customizable. You can easily switch up ingredients, spices and cooking times to create a dish that is uniquely your own. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try:
1. Wood Chips: While the recipe calls for soaked hickory or maple wood chips, feel free to experiment with other types of wood chips like cherry, apple or mesquite to impart different smoke flavors.
2. Onions: This recipe specifically uses sweet onions, but you could also try using red onion, Vidalia onion or white onion for a slightly different taste and texture.
3. Herbs and Spices: Add some complexity to the dish by seasoning the onions with herbs like rosemary, thyme or oregano. You could also sprinkle in some cumin, paprika or chili powder for a smoky kick.
4. Vegetables: If you don’t have onions on hand, why not try smoking other vegetables such as bell peppers, eggplant or zucchini?
5. Meat: This recipe doesn’t include meat but you can take your smoked onion game up a notch by adding cooked chopped bacon or smoked salmon.
6. Side Dishes: Smoked onions are incredibly versatile and can complement many dishes like patatas bravas, roasted pork ribs or even burgers.
Remember that experimenting with substitutions and variations is all part of the fun when it comes to cooking. Just be sure to adjust cooking times and temperatures accordingly so that you end up with the perfect dish every time!
Serving and Pairing
The savory and smoky flavor of these smoked onions make them the perfect addition to a variety of dishes. They can be enjoyed on their own as a side dish or used as a versatile ingredient in many recipes.
Smoked onions go great with grilled meats such as pork ribs or burgers, adding an extra depth of flavor to your meal. They can also be used to top off your favorite salads or as a flavorful garnish for dishes that need a little extra zing.
If you’re feeling like getting creative, try adding smoked onions to patatas bravas, a traditional Spanish dish consisting of crispy potatoes and spicy tomato sauce. The caramelized onions will give the dish an extra punch of flavor and take it to the next level.
For those who love smoked salmon, try pairing it with these smoked onions for a complementary flavor blend. The combination of the smoky onion with the rich and buttery taste of smoked salmon is sure to impress any foodie.
In addition, smoked onions can also be added to vegetable dishes such as roasted potatoes or grilled vegetables. They add depth and complexity to the earthy flavors of vegetables making them even more delicious.
Furthermore, these onions are perfect for meal prepping or making-ahead since they will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. They are also easy to reheat by placing them in the microwave or on the stovetop for a quick side dish or ingredient in your meals throughout the week.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
The beauty of these stove top smoker smoked onions is that they can be made ahead of time and served later. Once you have finished smoking the onions, allow them to cool down to room temperature. Then transfer them to an airtight container and store them in your refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
When you are ready to reheat the smoked onions, simply remove them from the refrigerator 30 minutes before serving. Preheat your oven at 350°F and transfer the onions to an oven-safe dish. Cover the dish with foil paper and bake for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
These smoked onions can also be frozen for later use. Prepare as directed and store in an airtight container in your freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw the onions in your refrigerator overnight before reheating using any of the above methods.
One thing to keep in mind when storing and reheating smoked onions is that they may lose some of their texture and flavor over time. To mitigate this, we recommend only making as much as you need at a time and reheating them once, rather than repeatedly reheating leftovers.
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to smoking onions, there are some tried and true tips that can make all the difference in flavor and texture. Here are some tips for achieving perfect, smoky onions.
Firstly, make sure to slice your onions about half an inch thick. This will allow for the smoke to penetrate the onion slices fully while still keeping them intact. If you slice them too thin or too thick, they may not cook evenly or soak up enough smoky flavor.
Another important tip is to soak your wood chips in water for at least 20 minutes before using them. This ensures that they burn slowly and release smoke continuously, which is crucial for flavory smoked onions.
Additionally, brush your sliced onions with olive oil before smoking them. This will help them retain moisture and prevent them from drying out while also giving them a lovely caramelized exterior.
If you’re using a stove top smoker on medium-high heat to smoke onions, pay attention to the temperature. Don’t let your smoker exceed its recommended temperature or else you risk burning your wood chips and producing acrid smoke.
Lastly, be patient! Smoking onions can take anywhere between 30-60 minutes depending on the type of smoker and heat source used. Resist the temptation to check on them too frequently or move them around as this can disrupt the smoking process and affect the flavor of your smoked onions.
By following these simple tips, you can achieve perfectly smoky and delicious onions that will take any dish to the next level – from patatas bravas to smoked burgers or even as a topping for BBQ ribs or smoked salmon!
FAQ
Before you dive into the FAQs, let me just say this: smoking onions on a stovetop smoker is a lot easier than it sounds! However, I understand that you may still have some questions about the process, so let’s dive in and address the most frequently asked questions about this recipe.
How long does it take to smoke onions and peppers?
To prepare the pepper and onion mixture for smoking, it’s important to ensure that the ingredients are evenly distributed in the pan. You can use either a cast iron or aluminum pan, depending on your preference. Once the mixture is in the pan, it’s time to place it on the smoker. A good rule of thumb is to smoke for about 20 minutes, then use tongs to give everything a toss and rotate the ingredients for even cooking.
What wood is best for smoking onions?
For optimal results, it’s best to opt for a more subtle wood when smoking onions. Fruitwoods such as apple are a great choice as they provide a milder smoke flavor that won’t overpower the onion’s natural taste. It’s best to avoid using robust woods such as hickory or mesquite as they can easily overwhelm the delicate flavor profile of the onions. Keep in mind that onions are highly absorbent and can quickly pick up the intense smoke flavor, so it’s crucial to choose the right type of wood for this recipe.
Can you smoke meat on the stove top?
Achieving the savory taste of smoked meat is attainable with just a few household items. A pot, foil, and steamer insert is all you need to create a stovetop smoker.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Stove Top Smoker Smoked Onions Recipe offers a flavorful and easy-to-make option for anyone looking to add some smoky taste to their dishes. With just a few ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create caramelized onions with that classic smoky flavor that’s sure to impress your guests.
If you haven’t tried smoking your food yet, then you’re missing out on a whole world of delicious flavor. Smoking isn’t just for outdoor grills anymore; thanks to Cameron’s Stovetop Smokers, you can now smoke food right in your kitchen.
So next time you’re craving that smoky flavor, give the Stove Top Smoker Smoked Onions Recipe a try. Whether you’re serving them alongside burgers, pork ribs, or even vegetables and potatoes like patatas bravas, these smoked onions are sure to take your dish to the next level.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different wood chips and seasoning combinations to find your perfect match. With this recipe as a starting point, the possibilities are endless when it comes to smoking food on your stovetop.
Remember to follow our tips and recommendations for perfect results every time. From making sure to soak your wood chips in water before using them to using medium-high heat in your smoker, these tips will help you get the most out of your Stove Top Smoker Smoked Onions Recipe.
So what are you waiting for? Take a long take of smoke, fire up that stovetop smoker with some soaked chips and let’s get cooking!
Stove Top Smoker Smoked Onions Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 medium onions, sliced about 1/2-inch thick (about 12 slices)
- 2 tablespoons wood chips
- olive oil
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Trim the root end from the onions and peel away the papery skin and outermost ring. Slice them as evenly as you can, just under a half-inch thick, transferring the slices to the smoker.
- rack as you work to keep them intact.
- Season the onions by brushing them lightly with olive oil and sprinkling them liberally with salt and pepper.
- Smoke with the apple or corncob chips until lightly browned and tender, about 20 minutes. Check for doneness after 15 minutes.
- Serve smoked onion slices with grilled meat or poultry, toss them in a salad, or use them in sandwiches. Always make more than you think you need-you'll find a million uses for them.