Learn how to make rich, sweet and golden brown caramelized onions using only 4 ingredients! These will be the show stopper for any burger and will level up your cheeseboards!
About the Caramelized onions:
Good caramelized onions take time, great caramelized onions take patience. The secret to perfection is simply this: low and slow. Allow your onions to sweat in butter on a low heat and only stir occasionally.
This will allow the natural sugars in the onion to break down and the caramelizing process will begin. The whole process should take around 40-45 minutes! This recipe speeds the process along by adding brown sugar but, if you have the time, allow them to caramelize in the pan without sugar!
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Ingredients
- White onion (diced)
- Salt
- Brown sugar
- Butter
See recipe card for quantities.
Step by step photographs:
- Step 1: Over a low heat, melt the butter in a pan, add your onions.
- Step 2: After 10 minutes add a pinch of salt. The salt will help draw out some moisture and let the natural sugars release.
- Step 3: Optional step: If you're in a hurry, add a tablespoon of brown sugar after the onions have started to caramelize.
- Step 4: Stir in the sugar and allow to continue cooking on a low heat for a further 30 minutes.
Variations
These onions have flavors that truly speak for themselves, however there are a few extra ingredients you can add that more adventurous cooks can follow:
- Red wine- add a splash of red wine to your onions for the last 10 minutes for a deeper, full bodied flavor.
- Balsamic vinegar - add a splash of balsamic vinegar at the end of the cooking process to add a sharp yet sweet twist.
- Garlic - for those garlic lovers that can't get through a recipe without adding a few cloves, you can add one finely minced garlic clove in the final 10 minutes of cooking.
What recipes can I use these caramelized onions with?
- Croque Monsieur - level up any cheese toasty or even add a spoonful of caramelized onions to your Croque Monsieur.
- Blue cheese burger - adds a sweetness to a tangy, cheesy burger.
- Oklahoma burger - as if this burger needed any more onion! Why not add an extra scoop of delicious caramelized onions?
Storage
- Refrigeration - Allow your onions to cool completely then add to an airtight container. Transfer to the fridge and keep for up to 1 week.
- Freezing - Allow your onions to cool completely, add to a freezer bag or portion into individual bags then freeze for up to 1 month.
Top Tip
I have to repeat it again here - Go Low and Slow. It really is worth repeating as it is the key to achieving perfectly caramelized onions. On a low heat, slowly sweat your onions, allowing all of the magnificent natural sugars to release.
FAQ
Patience is key! It can take around 30 - 45 minutes for the perfect caramelization to occur. Don't rush the process and take your time. However, if you're in a hurry this recipe gives you a tip for speeding up the process.
Classic caramelized onions only need white onion. However you can mix it up however you like depending on the depth of flavor you want. In my french onion soup recipe, I caramelize both white and red onion. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even use some finely diced shallots.
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve caramelized onions with:
Recipe
How to Caramelize Onions
Learn how to caramelize onions easily! Discover tips and techniques to achieve the perfect golden brown color.
Ingredients
- 5 white onions diced
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon (10g) unsalted butter
- Optional: 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Instructions
- Over a low heat, melt the butter in a pan and add your onions.
- After 10 minutes, add your salt to help draw out moisture and let the natural sugars release.
- Optional step: If you're in a hurry, add your brown sugar once your onions have started to caramelize.
- Cook on low, stirring occasionally for a further 30 minutes.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 88Total Fat: 3gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 1613mgCarbohydrates: 15gFiber: 2gSugar: 8gProtein: 2g
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