The Weber Genesis E-320 Gas Grill and the Sweet Onion Steak

There are many rituals in grilling and Springtime brings out a ton of them. All I need say is that if you own a Weber Genesis E-320 Gas Grill you are prepared to handle every one that comes at you. One of my favorites this time of year is the Sweet Onion Steak. When those Maui onions that are bigger than softballs start showing up at the Farmer’s Market, I know it is time to get prepared. It means the filet mignon of sweet onions is on the way.

I having been asking the produce manager at our Von’s for two weeks, “when will you get the Vidalias?” His response was “in a couple weeks” and then that turned to “soon.” Last Friday he said to look for them in next week’s ad. When the ad came, I grabbed it immediately to check it out and there they were!

Now I am running through my grilled onion recipes and one of my favorites is what I call the “Vidalia Filet.” One of life’s small pleasures is fresh French baguette and a serving dish of Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) and a seriously great balsamic vinegar. My variation is designed for the amazingly sweet Vidalia onion.

Since early season Vidalia’s may be a bit smallish, grab the biggest ones in the bin and slice your “steak” right out of the center of the onion. Make it as thick as you want, I do slight over ½ inch, basically slicing the heart out of four to six onions. When I first had a go at this, I actually marinated the slices in a bag with a mix of EVOO and the balsamic. All that did was provide me with a crunchy, grilled, balsamic flavored veggie. All of the sweetness and unique flavor the Vidalia was gone.

Success was found in simplicity when I just brushed the Vidalia slice liberally with the EVOO, with salt and pepper to taste. With your Weber Genesis E-320 Gas Grill at medium high heat, use your tongs to carefully put each slice on the grill rack. Now here’s the key, before you close the lid, lightly drizzle the upside of the Vidalia with your best balsamic vinegar. After the lid has been down about two minutes, open and turn the slices so they are vinegar side down and grill for another two minutes with the lid up. I prefer a bit of char on my “filet” but if you don’t, you need to watch the slices very carefully cooking at this temperature.

Remove and enjoy with the rest of the menu coming off your Weber Genesis E-320 Gas Grill.