The idea of grilling radishes sounds strange until you try it. Three cups of radishes, halved, placed in a grill basket or directly on the grates over medium-high heat for five to seven minutes. They come off the grill with charred edges and a mellow sweetness that raw radishes do not have. Drizzled with brown butter and sprinkled with fresh thyme leaves and sea salt. This is a spring and early summer side that surprises everyone who tries it — including people who thought they did not like radishes.
Brown butter is butter cooked until the milk solids turn golden and it smells nutty. Poured over warm grilled radishes, it clings to every surface and turns them into something that tastes nothing like the sharp, peppery root you are used to eating raw. The thyme and sea salt finish it.
Tips for Making Grilled Radishes with Brown Butter
Brown the butter until nutty, not burnt
Melt two tablespoons of unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Swirl the pan as it foams. When the colour turns golden and you smell toasted nuts, remove from heat. 
Brown butter goes from golden to burnt in seconds. Stay close and swirl constantly. If you see black specks, it has gone too far.
Grill the radishes until tender
Halve the radishes lengthwise so they have a flat side for the grill. Five to seven minutes, turning occasionally.
Grilled radishes should be tender when pierced with a knife but not mushy. The edges will be charred and the centre will be creamy.
Grilled Radishes with Brown Butter and Thyme
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 3 to 4 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Grilled radishes drizzled with nutty brown butter, fresh thyme, and a sprinkle of sea salt offer a unique and flavorful side dish without the need for an oven.
Ingredients
- 3 cups radishes, stems removed and halved lengthwise
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- Sea salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until it turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma.
- Place the radishes in a grill basket or directly on the grill grates.
- Grill the radishes for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are tender and have grill marks.
- Remove the radishes from the grill and drizzle with the brown butter.
- Sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves and sea salt before serving.
Notes
For best results, use sea salt or kosher salt instead of table salt. The radishes can be served as a side dish or appetizer. If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan works well. Brown butter adds a rich, nutty flavor that complements the radishes beautifully.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 5
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 1
- Cholesterol: 15
Frequently Asked Questions
Do grilled radishes taste like raw radishes?
No. Grilling removes most of the sharpness and peppery bite. They become mellow, slightly sweet, and almost potato-like in texture.
What kind of radishes?
Standard red radishes work well. Watermelon radishes or French breakfast radishes are larger and take a few extra minutes on the grill.
Can I use regular melted butter?
You can, but you lose the nutty flavour that makes this dish special. Brown butter takes two extra minutes and transforms the radishes completely.
