Cebollitas Asadas (grilled Cambray Onions) are the perfect touch to any dish like carne asada, tacos, pollo asado and more. They’re very easy to make and are delicious!
*This post was originally published on March 2021. It has been updated to be more helpful.
Onions are very popular toppings or condiments in Mexican cuisine. They go with an array of dishes since they’re delicious and sooo easy to make! If you’re an onion lover, I have no doubt you will love this recipe! Even picky eaters seem to love them due to their char and sweet flavor.
These onions are very popular for a reason just like Mexican pickled onions and Chiles Toreados. They add an extra touch of flavor and textures to any dish you decide to serve them with. They’re a must for any Mexican Barbecue!
What are Cebollitas Cambray?
Cebollas Cambray (or Chambray onions), are known as the Mexican Spring Onions. They are bigger in size than the regular spring onions and look more like a big bulb. They’re very tender and when they’re grilled/cooked, they taste a little sweet.
The small onion variety measures up to 3.5 cm in diameter at its widest part. It is sold in bundles with everything and its leaves that measure up to 15 cm. In Mexico, it is eaten roasted and is the indispensable companion to tacos and roasted meats. They are also prepared in vinegar.
Cambray Onions vs. Scallions
There are many variants of onions and you may be confused about which is which, what to do with them and other distinguishing features. Let’s explore the difference between scallions and cambray onions.
Scallions: They stays small and does not form large bulbs. This type of onion (Allium cepa) is also sold as a green onion or spring onion if harvested early, before the bulb is fully formed. The immature strain has a stronger flavor than the full sized scallion. Used raw, green onions/scallions add a bit of texture, color, and a milder flavor to dishes than regular onions.
Cambray onions: Cambray onions are distinguished by their larger bulb size, which is rounder.
It is important to emphasize that many people use only the bulb and throw away the tails, that is a tremendous mistake since the true flavor is in the green part. Don’t throw it away, use it to cook broths or finely chopped you can use it to garnish fried eggs, to season grilled or baked salmon or put it in guacamole.
Ingredients
This is my family recipe and we tend to eat them a lot! I’m counting about 4 onions per person but it all depends on how big the onions are. Their sizes vary a lot! But let me warn you, it’s hard to limit yourself with just a few so it’s better to err on the side of more!
- 8 Cebollas Cambray (Mexican green onions). If you can’t find cambray onions, you can use scallions as well.
- Low sodium Soy Sauce
- Worcestershire sauce (Salsa Inglesa) or Maggi sauce
- Lime Juice
- Salt & Pepper to taste
How to Cook Cebollitas Asadas
1. Start by washing and removing the roots from the top of the cambray onions. You can leave as much of the green part as you want. If you’re going to grill them, it’s recommended to leave at least 3 inches of the green part so that they’re easier to handle.
2. Place on a hot grill and rotate often with a pair of barbecue tongs.
3. Cook for about 10 minutes or until they feel soft to the touch in the middle area.
You can grill them while you cook other veggies or meat!
Make ahead! Mix the soy and worcestershire sauce in a small bowl before hand to have it handy
3. Drizzle the soy and worcestershire sauce mixture and some lime juice. Optional: add a little bit of black pepper. No salt needed as the soy sauce it’s salty enough.
Leftovers & Storing
If you happen to have any leftovers, here are a few ideas on what you can do with them:
- Cook with them. Slice them up and add to scrambled eggs, salads, potatoes or anything else that you would use cooked onions.
- Fridge. Refrigerate in an airtight storage container for up to a week.
- Freeze – Freeze in an airtight, freezer-safe storage container or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
- To Thaw – Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.
What to serve with Cebolla Cambray
My number 1 way to eat these delicious onions? With Tacos De Carne Asada! They also go great with Pollo Asado (Grilled chicken) and anything where you serve Salsa Fresca and Guacamole. This my friends, is the perfecto combination of flavors!
Here are other pairing ideas:
If you make this recipe be sure to leave a rating in the comments below. You can also tag me on Instagram at @anafriasb.
Cebollitas Cambray Asadas
Ingredients
- 8 Cebollas Cambray (Mexican green onions) or scallions (see note)
- 1 tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (Salsa Inglesa) or Maggi sauce
- 1 tbsp Lime Juice
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Start by washing and removing the roots from the top of the onions. You can leave as much of the green part as you want. If you're going to grill them, it's recommended to leave at least 3 inches of the green part so that they're easier to handle.
- Place on a hot grill and rotate often with a pair of barbecue tongs. Cook for about 10 minutes or until they feel soft to the touch.
- Drizzle the soy and worcestershire sauce mixture and some lime juice. Optional: add a little bit of black pepper. No salt needed as the soy sauce it's salty enough.
Muy Delish Notes:
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Nutrition
The nutritional information and US conversions are calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee the accuracy of this data. If this is important to you, please verify with your favourite nutrition calculator and/or unit conversion tool.
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Really delicious recipe. I love it yummy!!! It’s really awesome. Will surely will make these cebollitas again!
I buy giant bunches of these every Saturday, at Mazatlan’s Centro market. Also have with just about every meal,……..well not breakfast!!!! Simple, and delicious!! Warm regards, Ana
Hola!
I just returned from Northern Central México. I loves these onions!!!
Do you know what they are called in English and where I can find them in San Jose, California???
Muchas gracias!
David
Hola David! Welcome back from Mexico!
They’re also called Mexican green onions or Mexican BBQ onions. Look for them next to scallions. I have seen them in Kroger stores (Fry’s in Arizona), Sprouts or any latin store should have them. Especially carnicerias.
Denada y que disfrutes!
Ana
Mil gracias Ana!
Encontré en una tienda Sprouts con el nombre BBQ Green Onions. Voy a probar tu receta!
Además, no conozco tu página muy bien. Yo encontré cuando estaba buscando para esta cebollas. Voy a explorar más de tu recetas.
Me encanta la comida de México! Especialmente las cositas saludables 😉
Gracias!
David
Yay! Que gusto me da que los hayas encontrado David!! Y que bueno que te gusten las comidas saludables…a mi tambien! Estoy trabajando en poner mas recetas Mexicanas saludables (que hay muchas!)
Nomas mucho cuidado con esas cebollitas cambray… son super adictivas jajaja! Disfruta y saludos! Muchas gracias por tus estrellitas. 🙂 xo, Ana
Mil gracias! I found them!
I love the site.
David
Thank you so much David!! I’m glad you found them on your side of the world!! I never know lol! Ana
I’ve learned so much about Mexican tradition and food from Muy Delish. This is a perfect example. Never knew about these onions before. Now I grill them up every chance I get especially with any steak dish. Grilled perfectly, they’re super soft and melt in your mouth. Very mild and delicious!
I love green onions! This looks like a perfect super easy side dish.
Thank you Michelle!
Love the combo of lime and soy sauce that gives this cebollitas so much flavor!
You’re right! The soy sauce gives lots of flavor to Cebollitas. Thanks for stopping by!
This looks wonderful and so tasty! Can’t wait to give this a try! So excited!
Thank you Beth! I’m so glad you like these Cebollitas Asadas. They’re a staple dish in Mexico
Oh yum! These Cebollas Cambray look absolutely incredible, especially with those char marks. Definitely perfect for pairing with Carne Asada.
Right? Thank you Tara! They do go perfect with Carne Asada
Love this idea of grilling the green onions — adds so much flavour! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Michelle! Good to hear you like this Cebollitas asadas!
Que Rico Ana!! Se me antojaron!!!
Siempre se me antojan mucho estas cebollas cambray tambien!
These cebollitas asadas turned out amazing! I cant wait to make them again!
I’m so glad you liked them Monica! Thanks for the feed back!