Why rub onion on grill?

* Clean and Season: The natural sugars in onions caramelize on the grill grates, helping to remove any sticky residue from previous cooking and create a light seasoning layer. This can be especially helpful if you've grilled something sticky like burgers or fish.

* Flavor Boost: The caramelized onion residue can subtly infuse your next dish with a hint of onion flavor. It's not a strong onion taste, but more of a depth and richness.

* Anti-Stick: The caramelized onion layer helps prevent food from sticking to the grill grates, especially when cooking delicate foods like fish or vegetables. This makes flipping easier and reduces the risk of food tearing.

How to do it:

1. Cut an onion in half.

2. Rub the cut side of the onion over the hot grill grates.

3. Let the onion caramelize for a few minutes.

4. Discard the onion.

You can repeat this process between cooking different items to keep the grill clean and seasoned.

While rubbing onion on the grill is a popular technique, it's not essential for all grilling. You can also use a grill brush, wire brush, or other cleaning methods. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the type of food you're cooking.